D23 2024: Major Disney Announcements, Celebrity Appearances, and Exclusive Previews

D23 is underway in Anaheim, CA, starting on August 9 and ending on August 11. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is presented by Visa®, and held at the Honda Center. At each event, The Walt Disney Company demonstrates its unparalleled storytelling prowess, and hosts surprise celebrity appearances, new film and series announcements, and major musical performances. 

Last evening commenced with Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering enthusiasm, saying "Our deep bond with fans, forged over a century of storytelling, is stronger today than ever before," he said, "driven by the unmatched strength of our creative studios, the wide appeal of our brands and franchises, and the innovative ways that we bring our stories to life in our theme parks and experiences."

The event was hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and featured prominent figures from Disney's creative leadership such as Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, Pixar Animation Studios' Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Disney Animation's Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee, and Marvel Studios' President and producer Kevin Feige. Each took the stage to introduce the stars and storytellers behind new and cherished titles.

The Walt Disney Studios had numerous exciting announcements. Disney Animation Studios unveiled a trio of new feature films, beginning with the much-anticipated "Moana 2," which kicked off its showcase with a performance by Auli‘i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, alongside Polynesian dancers and drummers. The audience was also treated to the debut of "We're Back," a new song by Grammy®-winning songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, setting the stage for Moana and Maui's new adventure. Dwayne Johnson, who voices Maui, joined the stage to reveal the film's new trailer and poster. "Moana 2" is slated for a theatrical release on November 27, 2024, and is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.

Another installment of "Zootopia 2" was announced, which is the eagerly awaited follow-up to the Oscar®-winning 2016 film. The sequel follows detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they investigate a mysterious reptile causing chaos in Zootopia. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman return as the voices of Judy and Nick, respectively, with new cast members including Ke Huy Quan as the voice of Gary the Snake and Fortune Feimster as a beaver named Nibbles. The film, which is slated for release in November 2025, is directed by Jared Bush and produced by Yvett Merino. The film's logo and concept art were also unveiled during this event.

Jennifer Lee, known for her work on "Frozen" and its sequel, shared a sneak peek and concept art for "Frozen 3," which will exclusively hit theaters in 2027. 

The Avatar franchise continues to chug along, and creator James Cameron was on hand to reveal the title of the third film: "Avatar: Fire and Ash." The film takes audiences back to Pandora with Jake Sully and Neytiri facing new challenges. Cameron, along with stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, shared early insights and a glimpse into the new adventure. It is slated for release on December 19, 2025, 

Fan Favorite Pixar Animation Studios also made several exciting announcements. Pete Docter introduced Pixar's first original series, "Win or Lose," launching on Disney+ on December 6, 2024. This series explores the lives of eight characters, from insecure kids to a lovesick umpire, as they prepare for a championship softball game. "Dream Productions," another series set in the world of "Inside Out," will debut on Disney+ in 2025, featuring voices from Paula Pell and Richard Ayoade. The film "Elio," directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, will follow a space enthusiast who is mistaken for Earth's leader by an interplanetary organization. It releases on June 13, 2025.

"Toy Story 5" was also announced, with Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton returning to helm the new installment. The film will see Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the gang facing new challenges in the world of playtime, and is set for a June 19, 2026 release. Additionally, Pixar is developing "Incredibles 3," with Brad Bird currently working on the project.

Disney on Broadway celebrated its 30th anniversary with a lively medley of performances from its hit stage musicals. The event showcased performances from "The Lion King," "Aladdin," and "Hercules," with the latter set to open in London's West End in summer 2025. News also emerged about "The Greatest Showman," which is being adapted into a stage musical, and "Frozen," which will premiere as a filmed stage production on Disney+ in 2025. Samantha Barks performed "Let It Go," highlighting her role as Elsa in the new adaptation.

Lucasfilm presented a range of upcoming titles with a focus on adventure. Jude Law took to the stage to offer insight into a brand-new Star Wars series launching on Disney+ on Dec. 3, 2024, with the first two episodes. Told through the perspective of four kids, Lucasfilm's "Skeleton Crew" follows them as they make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy, crossing paths with the likes of Jod Na Nawood, a mysterious character that Law portrays. The coming-of-age series also stars Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, Tunde Adebimpe, Kerry Condon, and Nick Frost. Episodes of the original live-action series are directed by Watts, David Lowery, the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Lee Isaac Chung. Executive producers are Christopher Ford, Jon Watts, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. The first-ever teaser trailer, shared with fans tonight, is now available.

In other Lucasfilm news, season two of "Andor" is on the horizon and star Diego Luna joined fans at D23 to build excitement for the follow-up to the Emmy®-nominated first season of the series. "Andor" Season 2 will continue to follow Cassian Andor for four years as he grows into the rebel hero we see fulfill his destiny in "Rogue One." The second season will launch on Disney+ in 2025.

Director Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni offered a special sneak peek of Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian and Grogu," the upcoming Star Wars feature film that will open in theaters on May 22, 2026. Starring Pedro Pascal, directed by Jon Favreau, and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Favreau, Filoni, and Ian Bryce, this exciting new adventure in the Mandalorian and Grogu's journey is currently in production.  

Marvel Studios made an appearance at the event, with Kevin Feige joining fans to discuss the success of Marvel Studios' recent release, "Deadpool & Wolverine", as well as some new projects on the horizon. 

The new Marvel Television series "Agatha All Along" will find Agatha Harkness down and out of power after a suspicious goth Teen helps break her free from a distorted spell. Fans were the first to see a brand-new, decidedly dark and mysterious trailer, as well as series stars Kathryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn and Debra Jo Rupp, who performed a magical new song, "The Ballad of the Witches Road." The song was written by Oscar®-winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, both of whom joined the singers and Feige on stage. The series will begin streaming on Sept. 18, 2024, with episodes directed by Jac Schaeffer, Rachel Goldberg, and Gandja Montiero. Executive producers are Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Mary Livanos, and Schaeffer, who is also head writer.

Feige also welcomed Anthony Mackie to the stage, who makes his big-screen debut as Cap in "Captain America: Brave New World" on Feb. 14, 2025.  Mackie talked about the film and shared footage with the D23 audience. In the film, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross. "Captain America: Brave New World" also stars Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson and Harrison Ford. Julius Onah directs the feature film with Feige and Nate Moore producing; Louis D'Esposito and Charles Newirth executive produce.  

In March 2025, Marvel Television's "Daredevil: Born Again" will launch on Disney+, and fans will get to catch up with Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with heightened abilities, and his nemesis, Wilson Fisk, who's pursuing his own political endeavors in New York. The crowd erupted when Feige invited stars Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Jon Bernthal to the stage to talk a little about the upcoming show before sharing footage with D23 attendees. Dario Scardapane is the head writer and showrunner; episodes are directed by Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Michael Cuesta, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, and David Boyd.
 
Fans were excited to learn more about Marvel's First Family in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". Starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/Thing, the film, which just began production in the UK, features Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige, and featuring music by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" hits theaters on July 25, 2025. 
 
Fans welcomed Ryan Coogler to the stage to talk about Coogler and his team at Proximity producing the upcoming Disney+ series "Ironheart" with Marvel Television. Stars Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Regan Aliyah, and Alden Ehrenreich offered insight and a look at some footage of the new series that launches on the streamer in 2025. Set after the events of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Marvel Television's "Ironheart" pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne)-a young, genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world-returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka "The Hood" (Anthony Ramos). The series also stars Lyric Ross, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer and EP; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes.

Disney Entertainment Television's Disney+ Original series "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series co-creator Rick Riordan and stars Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood) revealed an exclusive start of production tease from the upcoming second season. The production hails from Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, and production is currently underway in Vancouver for a 2025 debut on Disney+. Season two is based on "The Sea of Monsters," the second installment of Disney Hyperion's best-selling "Percy Jackson" book series by acclaimed author Rick Riordan.

Disney Branded Television, Disney Concerts, Disney Music Group, and AEG jointly announced that the stars of mega-hit franchises "Descendants" and "Zombies" will be hitting the road together for the "Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour" in summer 2025. "Descendants: The Rise of Red" star Rita Ora introduced a medley performance of hit songs from the latest film, followed by an announcement of the tour news. The arena tour will be an immersive and interactive live concert experience celebrating the high-energy music from both franchises and will be held in arenas across the country. "Descendants: The Rise of Red" stars Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Dara Reneé, and Ruby Rose Turner, as well as "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires" stars Freya Skye and Malachi Barton are already confirmed for the tour, with more to be announced soon. Tickets will go on sale this November.

National Geographic revealed a first look at the upcoming series, "David Blaine: Do Not Attempt," coming 2025 on National Geographic and Disney+.

Disney Live Action is looking forward to some all-new, big-screen adventures that promise to thrill audiences around the world, judging from audience reaction at the showcase.

Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King" closed the studio's showcase, and began with Lebo M., performing the iconic "Nants' Ingonyama" alongside a full choir. Director Barry Jenkins welcomed to the stage "Mufasa" songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda in his first-ever D23 appearance. Together, they offered a special look at a sequence from the film featuring a new song, "I Always Wanted a Brother." Cast members Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Theo Somolu, Braelyn Rankins, and Anika Noni Rose were introduced after Jenkins shared details about the all-new story that introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka. Fans were among the first to see the new trailer before being treated to a show-stopping finale by Lebo M. and the choir, who returned to the stage to perform a new song called "Ngomso." "Mufasa: The Lion King," which opens in theaters Dec. 20, 2024, also stars John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Keith David, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak produce. The trailer is now available with an accompanying poster.

The live-action reimagining of the classic tale, "Disney's Snow White," will hit theaters on March 21, 2025, and stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who portray Snow White and her stepmother, the Evil Queen, respectively. They took to the stage to share a special look at the upcoming film, including a brand-new teaser trailer and poster. Featuring original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the new film is directed by Mike Webb and produced by Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff and welcomes back to the big screen the beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy. 

A new logo was revealed for the much-anticipated feature "Lilo & Stitch." Not to be missed was the taste of Stitch's signature mayhem as he wreaked havoc throughout the Honda Center. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, "Lilo & Stitch" is a live-action reimagining of the animated classic. Starring Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, and Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance and Zach Galifianakis, the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family comes to theaters Summer 2025. A first look at the film was revealed on social media.
 
"TRON: Ares" stars Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jared Leto were welcomed by huge applause from the audience, as Leto, who portrays Ares, hit the stage in style alongside an iconic Lightcycle. Cast members shared details about their characters and an in-room-only early look. After a sonic assault, lasers burned into the screens, which parted to reveal "music by NINE INCH NAILS." "TRON: Ares" follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind's first encounter with A.I. beings. Joachim Rønning directs; producers are Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger. It is slated for theatrical release on Oct. 10, 2025.

Another exciting moment was when Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the stars of the upcoming "Freaky Friday" follow-up, took to the stage and revealed to fans for the first time the sequel's official title, "Freakier Friday," which heads to theaters in 2025. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and produced by Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn and Curtis, the new film picks up years after Curtis and Lohan's characters, Tess and Anna, first endured an identity crisis: Anna has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the challenges that come when two families merge, they discover that lightning might indeed strike twice. "Freakier Friday" also stars Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rosalind Chao. Executive producers are Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lohan.

Dwayne Johnson and Alan Bergman revealed that a new movie is in the works about monster trucks, leaning into the popularity of monster jam truck rallies and celebrating the biggest motorsport event in the world. Johnson will produce via his Seven Bucks Productions.

Tomorrow, Disney fans will experience more of the immersive and expansive event packed with specially curated shows, panels, presentations, and conversations with storytellers, creators, and talent-offering insider access and unique experiences that only Disney can deliver. In the evening back at the Honda Center, guests can look forward to an exclusive look at the groundbreaking innovations to come around the world during the Disney Experiences showcase.
 
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