I think I am still in shock that I was in attendance of D23Expo when the complete list of upcoming live-action Disney and Marvel movies were announced. At the 2017 D23 Expo, Disney shared the live-action remakes of some of our very favorites and exclusive scoop about characters and things we can expect.

Fun facts, like Will Smith is the going to be the genie in Alladin were shared.  Not only our are old favorites coming back, but there are new Disney  and Marvel movies in the works that movies lovers will be excited about.  Here is the scoop on the what is coming with release dates, trailers, and all of the scoop from D23Expo!

Make sure you also read my movie updates coming from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios to get the scoop on those announcements, as well.  Now, here is the line up you’ve been waiting for! 🙂

A WRINKLE IN TIME – March 9th, 2018

I don’t known if it was Chris Pine entering the stage or the just the preview of the movie (both looking pretty great), either way this movie gave me all the feels.  Sean Bailey welcomed A WRINKLE IN TIME cast members to the stage!! I could not believe it was real life as Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Chris Pine along with newcomer Storm Reid and visionary director Ava DuVernay walked our right there in from of us.  The fans at D23 went wild.  We were all so impressed with the cast and after they shared the trailer we were blown away.  The film, which is an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic, takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and ultimately, the triumph of love.

In true, Oprah fashion she gave away posters to the crowd!

“EVERYBODY GETS A POSTER!!”- @Oprah giving away #AWrinkleInTime posters at #D23Expo #D23ExpoLive

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

Meg Murry (Storm Reid) is a typical middle school student struggling with issues of self-worth who is desperate to fit in. As the daughter of two world-renowned physicists, she is intelligent and uniquely gifted, as is Meg’s younger brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), but she has yet to realize it for herself. Making matters even worse is the baffling disappearance of Mr. Murry (Chris Pine), which torments Meg and has left her mother (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) heartbroken.

Charles Wallace introduces Meg and her fellow classmate Calvin (Levi Miller) to three celestial guides—Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon) and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling)—who have journeyed to Earth to help search for their father, and together they set off on their formidable quest. Traveling via a wrinkling of time and space known as tessering, they are soon transported to worlds beyond their imagination where they must confront a powerful evil. To make it back home to Earth, Meg must look deep within herself and embrace her flaws to harness the strength necessary to defeat the darkness closing in on them.

 #AWrinkleInTime

Yep, predicting this now #AWrinkleInTime is going to blow fans away! The trailer looks just as amazing as the cast! #D23Expo #D23ExpoLive

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS – November 2nd, 2018

Growing up, it was a tradition for my family to go see the Nutcracker right around Christmas every year.  I could not have been more excited when Sean Bailey shared with D23 Expo 2017 fans about Disney’s all-new take on a classic story in THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS.  This version will star Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, newcomer Mackenzie Foy as Clara, Helen Mirren as Mother Ginger, Morgan Freeman as godfather Drosselmeyer, and featuring a special performance by Misty Copeland, the movie is inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale. THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS is directed by Lasse Hallström and produced by Mark Gordon and Larry Franco.

“The Mouse King is made up of thousands of mice—a cutting-edge CG creation. But we wanted him to move in a way that would be wonderfully surprising and incredibly cool, so we called on Lil Buck to provide the style of dance that defines the character. He is so talented and the way he makes this character move is unbelievable.” – Bailey

Along with the announcement we saw the most beautiful performance. Los Angeles-based dancer Lil Buck hit the stage at D23 Expo 2017 to demonstrate the kind of street dancing—called jookin—that informed the way his character moves in the film. It ended with an standing ovation from the audience.

I believe this performance was only a taste of the magic we can expect from THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS – December 25th, 2018

A spoon full of sugar, helps the medicine go down…the medicine go down… if you started singing that in your head as you read it then I know you will be just as delighted as I am about the new Mary Poppins movie in the works! At D23 we found out that Emily Blunt will be the next Mary Poppins!

The next @MaryPoppins is #EmilyBlunt!! #D23Expo #D23ExpoLIVE

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

To the delight of D23 fans, Emily Blunt, the star of Disney’s sequel MARY POPPINS RETURNS, took to the stage with director/producer Rob Marshall to talk about the eagerly-anticipated return of the practically-perfect nanny. In this original musical sequel to the 1964 “Mary Poppins,” Mary and her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, embark on entirely new adventures with the next generation of the Banks family to help them find the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

Blunt and Marshall answered questions from Sean Bailey, with Blunt offering insight on how she made the character her own.

“I needed to try to pay homage to Julie Andrews, but carve out a new space for myself,” said Blunt. “And we were very loyal to the books.” Rob Marshall shared, “I was incredibly honored to be approached by Disney about directing a sequel. This is a brand-new original film musical from top to bottom, which is very rare, and it is a wonderful opportunity to create something specifically for the screen.”

D23 attendees were then treated to an exclusive first look at the film, which was accompanied by a live orchestra performing original new music from the film conducted by composer Marc Shaiman, eliciting thunderous applause.

The same table in #MaryPoppinsReturns was used in the original #MaryPoppins. It was sent to London for filming. #D23Expo #D23ExpoLive

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

About Mary Poppins Returns

P.L. Travers first introduced the world to the no-nonsense nanny in her 1934 children’s book “Mary Poppins.” However, the subsequent adventures of Mary Poppins remained only on the pages of the seven other P.L. Travers’ books…until now. MARY POPPINS RETURNS is drawn from the wealth of material in these additional books.  The film also stars Ben Whishawas Michael Banks, Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks, Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary’s William Weatherall Wilkins and Meryl Streepas Mary’s eccentric cousin Topsy.

Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady and Dick Van Dyke as Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.MARY POPPINS RETURNS is directed by Rob Marshall. The screenplay is by David Magee and the screen story is by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca based on The Mary Poppins Stories by P.L. Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

#MaryPoppinsReturns

DUMBO – March 29th, 2019

Dumbo is coming back!!!! I am crazy excited about this remake.  While at D23 Expo we were greeted from across the pond by visionary filmmaker Tim Burton, I swear he is a creative genius.  He is busy directing his next project—a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 1941 animated classic DUMBO.

“’Dumbo’ was always one of my favorite Disney films,” said Burton. “We’re trying to give it the same heart, feeling and emotion that we all loved about the original.”

The film stars Colin Farrell as Holt Farrier, a former circus star and war-veteran charged with the care of a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock of an already struggling circus. Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins were cast as Holt’s children, who discover that Dumbo can fly.

Danny DeVito portrays circus owner Max Medici who tries to capitalize on the novelty. And Michael Keaton is persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere who swoops in with aerial artist Colette Marchant, portrayed by Eva Green, to make Dumbo a star. Katterli Frauenfelder, Derek Frey, Ehren Kruger and Justin Springer are producing from a screenplay by Kruger. Filmed entirely in England, DUMBO is utilizing state-of-the-art visual effects to portray the big-eared elephant and many of his animal counterparts.

#Dumbo

THE LION KING – July 19th, 2019

As the new announcements from #D23Expo continued I felt like I was reliving my childhood, in the best way possible.  THE LION KING is coming back!! Alan Horn joined Sean Bailey to surprise the D23 Expo crowd with a special look at director Jon Favreau’s new live-action take on Disney’s 1994 classic animated film THE LION KING. The technology team behind the movie are introducing all-new filmmaking techniques that promise striking visuals never before seen on the big screen—bringing celebrated characters to life in a whole new way.

Favreau, who was behind 2016’s blockbuster live-action remake of THE JUNGLE BOOK, joined Bailey on stage. “This is a story that belongs to everyone who grew up with the original film,” said Favreau. “I wanted to demonstrate that we could be respectful of the source material while bringing it to life using new techniques and technologies. We wanted to do something special for the D23 Expo audience and give them a first look at what we’re up to.”

THE LION KING is one of the biggest animated films of all time with a lifetime global box office gross of $968.8 million. It won Academy Awards® for the original song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John, Tim Rice) and original score (Hans Zimmer). In 1997, the stage production inspired by the film made its Broadway debut, subsequently winning six Tony® Awards; 19 years later, it remains one of Broadway’s biggest hits.

Starring Donald Glover as Simba, and James Earl Jones as—naturally—Mufasa, Favreau’s live-action version of THE LION KING is produced by Favreau, Jeffrey Silver and Karen Gilchrist.

#TheLionKing

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – December 15th

Wow, STAR WARS has a fan base like no other.  The crowd went wild when Alan Horn welcomed Rian Johnson, the writer and director of the latest chapter in the Skywalker saga, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Johnson thrilled the audience by introducing talent from the film, including Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro.

After the stars were on the stage, the audience was then treated to a special sneak peek of behind-the-scenes footage from the highly anticipated movie:

In Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of THE FORCE AWAKENS join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman are producing, with J.J. Abrams, Tom Karnowski and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers.

I loved how the cast interacted with each other on stage. You easily see they all loved working with each other and being a part of something so important to their fans.

#StarWars #TheLastJedi 

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR – May 4th, 2018

Then there was the finale, which I truly don’t think could have been topped.  Horn introduce, Kevin Feige who I got the chance to interview on my Guardians of the Galaxy trip.  I will forever be one of his greatest fans, not only for his talent, but if you followed along you remember his interview with James Gunn was the reason my Miley news went viral. 😉 Okay, I know you get it, I’m a fan so back to the announcements.

Kevin Feige was brought to the stage to share news about Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. To start the ball rolling, Feige unveiled the Marvel Studios’ official 10^thanniversary logo to the excited audience. Marvel Studios’ 10th anniversary begins with the release of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and covers an impressive decade of Marvel Studios’ blockbusters released from 2008 through the AVENGERS untitled film in 2019. In celebration of the anniversary, fans can expect exclusive consumer products and collectibles, along with in-theater events and much more in the coming months.

Next year #marvel will be celebrating 10 years! #D23EXPO #D23ExpoLIVE

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

Then, in a surprise for all that brought the house down, talent from the film made a grand entrance, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Sebastian Stan, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff. To top it all off, the thrilled fans got an exclusive early look at footage from the movie, introduced by Joe Russo, one of the directors.

An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.

This finale was seriously insane! So much hotness, so much talent, so much excitement on stage! I can’t wait to see what keeps coming from the Marvel Universe!

#Avengers #InfinityWar

There were a few more exciting announcements made at the event.  Sean Bailey confirmed and revealed new films underway at the studio and I think you will all be pretty pumped about what is to come.

MULAN 

A live-action take on Disney’s 1998 feature, which will be helmed by Niki Caro (“McFarland, USA,” “Whale Rider”).

#Disney in pre-production on a live action Mulan! #D23Expo #D23ExpoLIVE

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

#Mulan

LITTLE MERMAID 

Disney composer, Alan Menken announced during his brilliant one-man show at the 2017 D23 Expo that Lin-Manuel Miranda will be collaborating with him on music for the upcoming Live-action Disney movie, Little Mermaid.  I can’t wait to see this and compare it to the original. Little Mermaid has always been one of my all time favorites.

#LittleMermaid

JUNGLE CRUISE 

A live-action nod to the popular theme park ride.  The studio is working with Dwayne Johnson, recently heard as Maui in MOANA, on the project.

#JungleCruise

ALADDIN 

Directed by Guy Ritchie, with Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Jasmine and Will Smith as the Genie.

New Aladdin coming from #Disney and #WillSmith is playing the genie! #D23EXPO #D23ExpoLIVE

— Sarah Scoop (@SarahScoop) July 15, 2017

#Aladdin

I am so excited for this line up and I can’t wait until they start coming to theaters.  Make sure to continue to follow long with my #D23Expo posts. This trip was a filled with so many updates. Movie fans, stay tuned I have more exciting scoop to share with you!