D23 Expo 2022 Introduces Upcoming Disney Pixar Films and Series
This past weekend, thousands of fans gathered at the D23 Expo 2022 for early access to big announcements regarding Disney Live Action, Pixar, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Disney fan event started off with a stunning performance of “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Disney’s live-action movie, Pinocchio, which is now available on Disney+.
Here’s the scoop on movie and series announcements from D23 Expo 2022!
New Logo of Disney Castle
In celebration of Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder, a new logo was introduced to the fans. Besides the iconic castle at the beginning of every Disney movie and show, there will be a new arrangement of “When You Wish Upon a Star” by Christopher Beck. Moreover, the new introduction is set to appear on all of the new releases starting this fall.
Disney Live Action
In recent years, Disney has begun to recreate Disney classics, bringing lovable characters and stories to life on the big screen. It comes as no surprise that many more Disney live-action films are in the making, with a few already set to release in the near future. However, every Disney fan who attended the D23 Expo was given exclusive details to some of the most anticipated releases like The Little Mermaid and Hocus Pocus 2.
Hocus Pocus 2
Some of the cast from the upcoming movie surprised the room full of fans. In the second movie of the Halloween classic, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will play the three Sanderson sisters.
After resurrecting, the three witches are looking for revenge. It’s up to three high school students to prevent the witches from eliciting chaos before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. Watch Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+ on September 30th!
Disenchanted
The next live-action announcement at D23 Expo is Disenchanted. Featuring Amy Adams, Maya Rudolph, Patrick Dempsey, and more, this musical comedy film is set 15 years after Giselle and Robert marry. Fans at the expo not only got to meet some of the cast but also got to see the trailer for the film coming out on November 24th.
Peter Pan & Wendy
Your favorite characters from Peter Pan are back in the brand new live-action film! Instead of following Wendy’s siblings and other characters, Peter Pan & Wendy will dive deeper into Wendy’s character as she embarks on a journey with Peter Pan and learns about his relentless rivalry with Captain Hook.
Many of the characters from the upcoming movie presented themselves on stage including Alexander Molony (Peter) and Ever Anderson (Wendy). This iconic film will release in 2023.
Haunted Mansion
Directed by Justin Simien, Haunted Mansion will feature a new twist to the classic theme park attraction. Disney fans not only got to see the queen of scary movies, Jamie Lee Curtis but also got an exclusive look at the trailer for the supernatural film. The Haunted Mansion is about a mother and her son who seek out spiritual experts to help them cleanse their home of supernatural entities.
The Haunted Mansion will stream on Disney+ next year.
Mufasa: The Lion King
This announcement from D23 Expo helped Disney fans realize just how much they love the Disney classic that will make you sing, “Hakuna Matata.” In the prequel to The Lion King, Mufasa becomes the forefront and is one of the best kings of the Pride Lands. Although the film isn’t set to come out until 2024, the director couldn’t help but share a sneak peek of the production.
Snow White
Even though there is already a live-action of Snow White, the upcoming film will focus more on the story of the animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The stars, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot talk about their roles with a sneak peek into their characters in the 2024 film.
The Little Mermaid
One of the most anticipated announcements from the D23 Expo is the live-action film, The Little Mermaid. Fans were serenaded by the classic song, “Part of Your World” while meeting Ariel (Halle Bailey) herself. Disney fans gained access to an exclusive trailer as well as four new songs for the movie releasing next summer.
Pixar Animation Studios
From Finding Nemo to Inside Out, Pixar is placing a heavy focus on storytelling whether through shorts or feature films.
Elemental
Coming in 2023, Elemental follows Ember and Wade where air, water, fire, and land residents coexist in one city. Peter Sohn, the director behind the film talks about his inspiration for making Elemental. It is a “story of immigrants pursuing dreams in beautiful neighborhoods where language and cultures come together.”
Disney fans at D23 Expo not only got to see the stars behind the main characters, Ember and Wade but also learned more about their unique personalities.
Win or Lose
Pixar’s first long form series, Win or Lose follows a co-ed middle school softball team on the path towards the championship. Every episode dives deep into each of the main characters’ lives with a fresh take on visuals. This sporty series streams on Disney+ in the Fall of 2023.
Elio
The D23 Expo announcement for Elio comes as an unexpected surprise with exclusive details of the film just for fans. Elio follows an 11-year-old boy and indoorsman who struggles to fit in. The boy makes contact with space only to become an intergalactic ambassador for Earth. Elio is set to release on Disney+ in the Spring of 2024.
Inside Out 2
With a surprise visit from Joy, Disney fans discover that a second Inside Out movie is in the works. The movie set to release in 2024 will take place in the brain of the now teenager, Riley, who comes with a whole new set of emotions.
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Fans couldn’t wait to hear Disney’s upcoming plans for storytelling following their year long celebration of their 100th anniversary. The studio promises to explore storytelling while also taking risks to expand the possibilities into realities.
Zootopia+
Coming to Disney+ on November 9th, this short form series intends to dive deeper into some of the best characters in the mammal metropolis. Follow along on their intriguing adventures!
Iwaju
Another series to make its appearance on Disney+ is the African-inspired series, Iwaju. The coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young heiress from the wealthy island. The show also follows Tola’s best friend, Kole, a tech expert and loving son. The upcoming 2023 series reveals its first look at the D23 Expo.
Strange World
The animated adventure, Strange World reveals realistic aspects including family and overcoming their differences. They must see past their differences to save the world full of danger. Moreover, Disney fans received a special glimpse of the action from the film set to release on November 23rd, 2022.
Wish
Wish seems to directly encompass the magic behind Walt Disney Animation Studios with the animated musical bringing up the question of how the wishing star came to exist. The movie follows Asha, an optimist who cares deeply about her community. When she faces a difficult situation, she pleads with the stars and wants to prove that magical things can happen when you wish on a star.
While introducing upcoming films and series hyped up many Disney fans, it is only a small portion of the excitement that took place at D23 Expo last weekend.
Which films or shows are you looking forward to the most?
For the scoop on more Disney content, visit these:
- Interview: The Cast and Crew of Disney’s Cars on the Road
- Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ to Stream on Disney+
- Ms. Marvel Highlights the Partition of India in Disney+ Series