Disney’s recent D23 showcase dazzled fans with exciting news about upcoming movies and TV series. The spotlight was on ‘Moana 2,’ ‘Toy Story 5,’ and several other major releases. The event was a celebration of Disney’s rich legacy and future, featuring exclusive previews, live performances, and surprise appearances from stars like Dwayne Johnson, Zoe Saldaña, and Jude Law.
D23 Highlights: Disney’s Big Reveals
Disney CEO Bob Iger kicked off the event with a heartfelt message:
“The world needs to be entertained maybe even more so now than ever before and we take that responsibility seriously.”
Here’s a rundown of the biggest announcements from the showcase:
‘Moana 2’: A Sequel Worth Waiting For
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of ‘Moana 2’. The crowd at the Honda Center was thrilled when Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson took the stage to perform a song from the sequel. The film, set to hit theatres on Nov. 27, will see Moana and Maui return in an adventure filled with new characters and challenges.
Key Details:
- Release Date: Nov. 27, 2024
- New Characters: Moana’s little sister, more adventures with Pua and the Kakamora.
- Performers: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson also announced his involvement in a ‘Monster Jam’ live-action movie. However, updates on the live-action ‘Moana’ project were not disclosed.
Toy Story 5: What’s in Store?
Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 5’ was another major announcement. Returning director Andrew Stanton revealed that the new film will explore the battle between classic toys and modern tech. The movie is slated for summer 2026 and promises to address how kids’ preferences have shifted from traditional toys to digital gadgets.
Key Details:
- Release Date: Summer 2026
- Director: Andrew Stanton
- Theme: Toys vs. technology
The Incredibles 3: What We Know
Pixar’s ‘The Incredibles 3’ is also on the way. Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, confirmed the third installment is in development, with more details expected soon. Fans of the beloved superhero family can look forward to more action-packed adventures.
Key Details:
- Release Date: TBD
- Director: Pete Docter
- Franchise: The Incredibles
Other Exciting Updates:
Star Wars: New Journeys Await
Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni teased the upcoming ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ film, set to release in May 2026. The brief clip shown at the event hinted at a new journey for the beloved characters.
Additionally, Jude Law introduced ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’, a coming-of-age series arriving on Disney+ on Dec. 3. The series promises a fresh perspective within the Star Wars universe.
Frozen III and Avatar: What’s Next?
Jennifer Lee unveiled concept art for ‘Frozen III’, featuring Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. The film is set to release in 2027 and continues the beloved story of Disney’s icy heroines.
James Cameron and the cast of ‘Avatar’ introduced ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, the third installment in the franchise. While specific details and footage are still under wraps, the film is set to expand on Pandora’s rich universe.
Zootopia 2 and More
Fans were excited to learn that ‘Zootopia 2’ will be hitting theatres in November 2025. Ginnifer Goodwin announced that Ke Huy Quan will join the cast as a new character, a snake.
Marvel and Pixar Announcements
Kevin Feige and Ryan Coogler provided updates on the Marvel universe, including the series ‘Ironheart’ and the highly anticipated Fantastic Four. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will star in the new film, embracing a retro 1960s style.
Pixar also made waves with announcements for ‘Hoppers’ and ‘Elio’, slated for June 13, 2025. Pixar will also debut two new series on Disney+: ‘Dream Productions’ and ‘Win or Lose’.
Musical Moments to Remember
Lin-Manuel Miranda performed a new song for ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, showcasing the early relationship between Mufasa and Scar. Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot shared a sneak peek of ‘Snow White’, featuring new songs from Benji Pasek and Justin Paul.
Kathryn Hahn previewed a new song from her Marvel series ‘Agatha All Along’, and Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan announced the title for the new ‘Freaky Friday’ sequel, ‘Freakier Friday’.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Disney Fans
Disney’s D23 showcase has set the stage for an exciting array of new films and series. From the much-anticipated ‘Moana 2’ and ‘Toy Story 5’ to new Marvel and Pixar projects, there’s a lot to look forward to. Disney continues to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling and beloved characters.
Fans can expect a thrilling ride through Disney’s upcoming slate, promising to deliver magic and wonder for years to come.
