The D23 Expo—Disney’s ultimate fan event—just dropped some major Disney television and film announcements! From Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios, here are some of the highlights every pop culture fan should be aware of.
New animated films
It’s no secret how Disney made its claim to fame through original animated works. You have the classics such as Mickey Mouse and all the Disney princesses that are still very popular to this day. So every year with Disney is never complete without new animated films.
For all the younger dreamers, a new Pixar film entitled Elio is coming in 2024. Elio follows the story of 11-year-old artistic, creative, yet out-of-place Elio as he is accidentally sent to space and mistaken for Earth’s Intergalactic Ambassador.
And for those young and young at heart that still have unfulfilled wishes, make sure you watch and embark on a journey with 17-year-old Asha in Wish as they find themselves in a kingdom where wishes are always granted, Rosas.
Binge-worthy series
Disney also announced its line-up of series perfect for your next solo or family marathon.
Fans got excited when the 2nd Season of Loki was announced, especially since it is the first Marvel Disney+ series to get a second season. But the even bigger news that got people thrilled was finding out that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” star Ke Huy Quan will be joining the cast.
Other Marvel Studios’ shows to look out for are Ironheart, Secret Invasion, Armor Wars, Echo, Daredevil: Born Again, and Werewolf by Night.
A lot of new shows are also in store for Disney+: American Born Chinese, Big Shot, The Muppets Mayhem, National Treasure: Edge of History, Prom Pact, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, The Santa Clauses, Win or Lose, and Zootopia+.
The one we’re most eager for is Iwájú, a new original series dubbed as “a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria” and was created in collaboration with the Pan-African comic book entertainment company, Kugali.
Disney+ will also be premiering new holiday specials. These are Best in Snow, Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays, and The Hip Hop Nutcracker.
Meanwhile, you can stream Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and Under Wraps 2 from Disney and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures from Disney Junior.
Theatrical releases
The coming years for Disney is also expected to have a ton of live-action films across all of its studios and franchises.
In 2024, fans will also witness deeper stories from some Disney classics, namely The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and Enchanted.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel dedicated to the original Lion King, Simba’s father Mufasa. Meanwhile, actress Halle Bailey will star as Princess Ariel in the live-adaptation of The Little Mermaid and rising British actor Alexander Molony as Peter Pan in the live-adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy.
One final theatrical piece to follow from Disney+ is Hocus Pocus 2.
As for Lucasfilms, there will be an Indiana Jones 5 and Willow while 20th Century Studios will release Avatar: The Way of Water.
With all these new movies, series, and even live-action films, the Disney magic definitely lives on! Grab some popcorn and drag your favorite people with you because your 2023 and 2024 will now be booked with nothing but Disney content, and there is nothing to complain about.