Disney News

Category: News

  • Comcast Challenging Disney For Fox Assets With Estimated $60 Billion Bid

    Comcast Challenging Disney For Fox Assets With Estimated $60 Billion Bid

    You may want to get some pop corn and get ready to watch the show, because the battle for Fox isn’t over. Comcast is jumping back into the race for Fox with Estimated $60 Billion offer.

    On Wednesday, Comcast confirmed that it’s in the “advanced stages” of making an offer. The company provided very few details other than it would it be an all-cash offer. Disney offered Fox a $52.4 billion all-stock deal late last year, and shareholders are expected to vote on the offer this summer. Comcast is hoping to sneak in with this all-cash offer ahead of that vote.

    Last year, even though it exceeded Disney’s offer, Fox’s board rejected Comcast’s original bid, because they believed it was more risky with regulators to get approval. Now it seems that another major deal — Time Warner and AT&T — might actually go through. If it does, Comcast could potentially acquire parts of Fox without alarming regulators.

    The Fox assets — which range from international pay-TV distribution to cable networks and a stake in streaming giant Hulu — are some of the most-prized entertainment properties likely to come on the market for some time, and the Murdoch family’s willingness to sell these assets has come as a surprise to many in the media industry.

    The rare acquisition opportunity, combined with the need to significantly expand overseas and acquire new distribution and content, is adding a dimension of urgency for both Comcast and Disney.

  • 6 ‘Incredible’ New AR Emojis Revealed by Samsung and Disney

    6 ‘Incredible’ New AR Emojis Revealed by Samsung and Disney

    Samsung and Disney recently teamed up to make messaging a little more incredible by bringing six new classic Disney characters to life as AR Emojis.

    The companies have revealed that the already available characters of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck have been joined by all five members of Pixar’s beloved Super family, the Incredibles, and their friend, Frozone.

    AR-Emoji-Incredibles

     

    Galaxy S9 and S9+ users may now personalize their messages with augmented-reality avatars of Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack, as well as fellow Super Frozone.

    “By extending our characters and stories to new digital platforms, we are creating daily Disney experiences everywhere our audience goes, and we are able to draw in new generations of fans,” said John Love, Vice President, Apps at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The Disney AR Emojis offer an innovative approach to content for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ and a fun way to bring magic to messages.”

    To add them, simply access the camera’s AR Emoji mode, tap the plus icon on the right-hand side, and select the Incredibles AR Emoji pack from the Galaxy Apps Store.

    Characters from favorite Disney films including Zootopia and Frozen are expected to roll out throughout the year.

  • Hocus Pocus And The All-New Sequel is a Novel Idea and It’s Happening

    Hocus Pocus And The All-New Sequel is a Novel Idea and It’s Happening

    “Hocus Pocus” fans have been clamoring for a sequel for years and now they are finally getting one…  Just not in the way you think! This sequel is coming in the form of a book. It may not be a feature film, but it still has many running amok, amok, amok with anticipation!

    The new book is coming out just in time for the 25th anniversary of the iconic film and it’s going to be a two-parter. Part one is a fresh retelling of the original film, and part two is a sequel that continues the story of your favorite characters and the next generation of Salem teens.

    In part two you’ll get to hear the story of a grown-up Max Dennison, who ended up marrying Allison, of course! We’ll also get to catch up with Dani Dennison, and meet Max and Allison’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Poppy. The story takes place on a blood moon and the group will face a challenge when they accidentally release a coven of witches from the afterlife and have to save Salem and everyone in it. Sounds very intriguing! Take a look at the cover art for Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel:

    Hocus-Pocus-Cover

    It’s already been reported that Disney Channel is in early stages of development on a “Hocus Pocus” TV movie, a reimagining of the 1993 cult classic Walt Disney feature, which starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. It’s not exactly clear at this point how these plans will factor into the made for TV movie, if at all.

    Disney didn’t say whether or not the sequel will be adapted to film, but where there is a will there is a way, and where there is a book there is a possibility. Hocus Pocus & the All-New Sequel will be available for purchase on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 and you can pre-order the book here.

  • First Look: First Official ‘Christopher Robin’ Trailer Released Online

    First Look: First Official ‘Christopher Robin’ Trailer Released Online

    The Hundred Acre Wood is opening up to our world and the first official trailer for Disney’s live-action Christopher Robin trailer has finally been released online!

    In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin — played by Ewan McGregor — remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

    This means that Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and many other characters from the animated franchise will be making their way to our world in the film. Instead of bringing the cartoon versions into the real world, these characters will be walking, talking stuffed animals when they appear to Christopher. Take a look at the amazing new trailer below!

    The poster released by Disney yesterday features McGregor’s Christopher Robin, surrounded by the real life versions of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore.

    Christopher Robin

    Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh; Chris O’Dowd as Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.

    Winnie the Pooh is coming back to the big screen this summer and the film is set to hit theaters on August 3.

  • OFFICIAL: Talking Mickey Meet and Greet Now Gone From Magic Kingdom

    OFFICIAL: Talking Mickey Meet and Greet Now Gone From Magic Kingdom

    As we reported back in January, there have been rumors of the Talking Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet getting the hook at Disney World. Well those rumors proved true last week and the Talking Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has now gotten the silent treatment permanently.

    Back in 2013 guests were amazed when Magician Mickey Mouse started interacting and talking with them. Looking dapper in his magician suit, Mickey could carry on conversations, blink, say cheese for the camera, and even perform magic tricks with guests.

    Reports are that the closure is due to multiple issues, including technical difficulties, cost and general confusion from guests since other Mickey characters in the park do not talk.

    For the curious guests that may ask why Mickey isn’t talking anymore, cast members have a cute little response prepared stating that Mickey no longer talks is because he needs to rest his voice for all of his show appearances that he makes around Walt Disney World.

    Mickey will continue to meet guests at this location, but from now on he will no longer communicate with guests in the same way.

  • Obi-Wan Star Wars Spin Off Has a Synopsis and Set To Begin Production

    Obi-Wan Star Wars Spin Off Has a Synopsis and Set To Begin Production

    It’s been five years since Lucasfilm officially announced that “new spinoff films that will expand the mythos and depths of the Star Wars universe in previously unexplored ways.” Now with the release of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” only a week away, it seems like a great time for some production news about the next movie in the ‘Star Wars Story’ franchise to make its way to the internet.

    Last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger positively announced that a third standalone Star Wars film would roll out in 2020. In a newly released production bulletin making its rounds on the internet, Disney’s next spin-off series appears to be called “Obi-Wan: A Star Wars Story,” with a working title of “Joshua Tree.”

    The Obi-Wan Movie will not be an origin story though.  The synopsis reads as follows: “Obi-Wan is on Tatooine being an elusive hermit and stuff, but secretly watches over an infant Luke Skywalker, whom he delivered to his uncle, Owen. Tensions between the local farmers and a tribe of Sand People — headed by a ruthless war chief — eventually brings Obi outta hiding … and into Jedi kickass mode. Scene.” according to the bulletin.

    Stephen Daldry is listed as the director which confirms his involvement which has been rumored from the beginning. Production is set to begin next spring and the movie is shooting in London’s Pinewood Studios, recently used for ‘The Last Jedi.’

  • Dwayne The Rock Johnson Signs Biggest Contract of His Career for Disney’s Jungle Cruise

    Dwayne The Rock Johnson Signs Biggest Contract of His Career for Disney’s Jungle Cruise

    Dwayne The Rock Johnson maybe the highest paid actor in the world, but he still gets nervous just like everyone else. The Rock posted a video on social media that shows him about to sign what he says is “the biggest contract of my career” for Jungle Cruise.

    He confirms the movie will begin filming next week in the video, but it also shows the super star standing next to a huge contract, both metaphorically and physically. You can see in the video below The Rock is visibly nervous while he is talking about it and he explains that it is because “about 15 years ago i dreamed of this moment.  I saw the first trailer for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean and I thought man one day I would love to make a movie for Disney”

    He talks about Walt Disney who was the very first Jungle Cruise skipper and doing everything in his DNA to make a movie that would make Walt proud.

    The film is a live-action adaptation of Disneyland’s iconic theme park ride which takes guests on a guided tour through Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers to South America’s Amazon. Disney hopes to develop the film as a possible franchise much like its billion-dollar “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

    Jungle Cruise the movie takes place in the early 20th century and follows riverboat captain Frank (Johnson) as he takes a scientist (Emily Blunt) and her brother (Jack Whitehall) on a journey to find a mystical tree in South America. Edgar Ramírez and Jesse Plemons costar as a pair of villains who, naturally, want the film’s magical MacGuffin for themselves and compete with Frank in the race to find the tree first.

    Jaume Collet-Serra is directing the movie based on the classic theme park attraction and “Logan” writer Michael Green penned the most recent draft of the script, rewritten from screenplay by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.

    Pretty much everything Johnson touches turns to box office gold. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” which starred Johnson grossed almost $1 billion worldwide and “Rampage” opened to No. 1 at the box office, grossing $155 million worldwide.  With this mega star leading the cast, Disney may just get the next franchise behemoth they are looking for.

  • Alcohol Now Served at All Table Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom

    Alcohol Now Served at All Table Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom

    Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was alcohol free since it opened in 1971, until Be Our Guest restaurant opened in 2012.  Several more locations began selling alcohol after the seal had been broken and now all of the Table service restaurants in the park all sell alcohol.

    After Be Our Guest opened the taps other restaurants followed not too long after. In 2016 four other restaurants four more restaurants were added to the list including, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper’s Canteen and Tony’s Town Square.

    Then, not to be out done, just last week The Crystal Palace and The Plaza Restaurant joined the list of table service restaurants in Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. It seems Disney has completely lifted their self-imposed Magic Kingdom prohibition with a total of eight restaurants that now serve alcoholic beverages.

    Here is a complete list of all eight restaurants where guests aged 21 and over can now enjoy a glass or wine or beer.

    • Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen – Beer, Red/White Wine, Home Made Spiced Sangria, Jungle Navigation Shandy
    • The Crystal Palace – Beer, Hard Cider, Red/White Wine, Mimosas
    • The Diamond Horseshoe – Beer, Red/White wine
    • Liberty Tree Tavern – Red/White Wine, Sparkling Wine Cocktail, Beer, Hard Cider
    • The Plaza Restaurant – Beer, Red/ White Wine, Sangria, Sparkling Wine
    • Be Our Guest – Beer, Red/White Wine, Sparkling Wine
    • Tony’sTown Square Restaurant – Beer, Red/White Wine
    • Cinderella’s Royal Table – Specialty Wine Cocktails,Mimosa with Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava and Orange Juice, Bellini with Canella Prosecco and Peach Juice, Beso del Sol Sangria,Champagne & Sparkling Wine, Red/White Wine, Beer

    Selections vary by restaurant but include drinks like beer, wine, ciders, mimosas, and sangria. According to Disney, these beverages have been specially selected for each restaurant’s unique menu.

    There are currently no plans to sell alcohol at any of the stands around the park.  what are your thoughts about Disney selling alcohol in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Festival Of Fantasy Dragon Catches Fire At Magic Kingdom

    Festival Of Fantasy Dragon Catches Fire At Magic Kingdom

    The Maleficent dragon float from the Festival of Fantasy Parade burst into flames today at the Magic Kingdom.

    The head of the dragon which spits flames daily on its parade route went up in flames after an apparent malfunction with the float While guest looked on in awe.

    Guests immediately took to the internet posting pictures and videos of the fire.

    Lucky it appears that the fire was quickly extinguished and there are no reports of any injuries. The only injury is to the dragon float itself.  It’s badly damaged and we will have to see if Disney repairs it or scraps it after this incident.


    Take a look the video below to get a look for yourself.

    There is no word as of yet to the exact cause of the fire.

  • Annette Bening Joining Cast Of ‘Captain Marvel’

    Annette Bening Joining Cast Of ‘Captain Marvel’

    Four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening is appearing in her first superhero movie. The famed actress is joining Brie Larson in Captain Marvel, Marvel Studios’ first female-led feature film.

    Some reports have her playing the role of Captain Marvel’s mother, Marie Danvers while other reports have her playing the role of an as yet unknown scientist, but at this point Marvel isn’t giving out any details.

    The Marvel film is being helmed by Mississippi Grind directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck while Kevin Feige is producing. Geneva Robertson-Dworet wrote the most recent script, with “Inside Out” scribe Meg LeFauve and Nicole Perlman penning previous drafts.

    The film stars Larson as the titular character Carol Danvers, an Air Force pilot who is thrust into an intergalactic adventure after her DNA is fused with that of an alien. Although the solo movie is set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel got a major tease for those who stayed for the after credits scene in Avengers: Infinity War.

    The cast already includes Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn and Gemma Chan, as well as Djimon Hounsou and Lee Pace, with the latter pair reprising their characters from 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

    The film hits theaters on March 8, 2019.