Disney’s D23 Expo has once again dazzled audiences with a feast of sneak peeks, announcements, and unexpected revelations. This year’s event was nothing short of magical, leaving fans buzzing with excitement over the upcoming slate of films. Let’s dive into some of the most captivating highlights that had attendees on the edge of their seats.
Kicking things off, Dwayne Johnson shared his emotional connection to his latest project, noting that having his young daughters, aged 6 and 8, in the audience made the experience even more special. The crowd was treated to an extended sneak peek of the film, which was later followed by the release of the first full-length trailer online. It’s safe to say that anticipation for this movie has reached a fever pitch.
In a delightful surprise, Rew Stanton, the mastermind behind the first two “Toy Story” films, has returned to direct “Toy Story 5.” Stanton revealed that the beloved characters Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang will face a new challenge: toys versus tech. As kids increasingly gravitate towards gadgets, this plot promises to be a timely and heartwarming adventure that examines the enduring appeal of classic toys.
Cameron, who is set to be honored as a Disney Legend, teased a new film that’s still too early in production to show clips. However, he assured fans that the film will defy expectations while delivering exactly what they want. Ginnifer Goodwin, the star of the film, dropped another bombshell by announcing that Ke Huy Quan will be joining the cast of “Zootopia 2” as a snake. The excitement for this sequel is palpable, and Quan’s addition is sure to add an intriguing twist.
From across the pond, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach sent a video greeting to the audience in their costumes, straight from the set in the U.K. Filming began late last month, and fans were treated to a brief edit of pre-production clips. Producer Kevin Feige explained that they embraced the retro style of the 1960s for the film’s aesthetic, promising a visually stunning experience that harks back to a bygone era.
In a nod to the past, a clip from an upcoming film featuring a new song, “I Always Wanted a Brother,” depicted the early relationship between Mufasa and Scar. Curtis, another Disney Legend honoree, shared the first images from a new film and expressed that it felt like no time had passed since filming the original 2003 movie. The nostalgia was palpable and deeply felt by all in attendance.
Finally, Pete Docter, another animation luminary, announced an original Pixar film titled “Hoppers,” starring Bobby Moynihan and Jon Hamm. He also shared exclusive looks at another upcoming Pixar film, “Elio.” The young star of “Elio,” Yonas Kibreab, brought Zoe Saldaña back onstage to announce her role as a leading character, joining a stellar cast that includes America Ferrera and Jameela Jamil.
With such a rich lineup of films and talent, Disney’s D23 Expo has once again proven why it is the ultimate destination for fans of animation and storytelling. The future of Disney cinema looks brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see these stories come to life on the big screen.