D23 Expo reveals new Disney projects in the works
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When Disney announced they would be releasing a streaming platform called Disney Plus in 2019, there was major speculation on what Disney would be allotting on the family-friendly juggernaut’s airwaves. After all, in addition to Disney’s original content, the company has in recent years acquired Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and most recently Fox Entertainment. Rumors only grew after early announcements at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, as well as a few unintended leaks and loses, like the unexpected collapses of Marvel Studios’ relationship with Sony. On August 23, Disney hosted their bi-annual fan event known as D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center, wherein different filmmakers and Disney affiliates made some highly-anticipated announcements. Between Lucasfilm’s Star Wars reveals, Marvel’s new direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and Disney’s revival of old classics, D23 left audiences with much to look forward to.
During D23, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced the addition of three more brand new Marvel/Disney+ series: She Hulk, Moon Knight, and Ms. Marvel. The biggest news came in the form of an old friend, as Marvel announced a Summer 2022 release date and first look at Black Panther II. Feige also sparked interest in Game of Thrones’ fans, announcing that Kit Harington would be joining the cast of The Eternals alongside his GOT co-star Richard Madden.
Lucasfilm also had a big announcement regarding their involvement with Disney Plus, one of which is slated to release on the very first day of the Disney+ app's launch. Titled The Mandalorian, the series will be the first ever live-action Star Wars television program. It will document the rise of well-liked character Boba Fetts’ race of bounty hunters, Mandalorians, although it’s currently unclear if Boba Fett is in the show itself. D23 also announced the return of The Clone Wars, as well plans to release a Ewan McGregor led Obi-Wan Kenobi series and a Cassian Andor series. This was all announced amidst hype for Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, which comes out in December, and these announcements only give Star Wars fans more to rave about (or criticize).
Disney then announced the addition of some more family-friendly projects like the Christmas-themed original movie, Noelle, along with cult favorites like High School Musical and Monsters Inc. Television adaptations of classic movies are also on the Disney Plus lineup, including High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Monsters at Work, and the live-action adaptation of The Lady and The Tramp. Additionally, brand-new series for popular movies like The Sandlot and Love, Simon are also in the works. Other upcoming announced Disney Plus titles will include Diary of a Female President, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, as well as announced reboot for Lizzy McGuire.