Disney Unveils Blockbusters at D23 2024
The excitement at D23 2024 was palpable as Disney rolled out a series of massive announcements that left fans buzzing. From new entries in beloved franchises to fresh projects that promise to captivate audiences, the Disney Entertainment Showcase was a celebration of storytelling at its finest.
The biggest Disney fan event. The most incredible Disney moments. Don't miss a moment of the magic this year. #D23 https://t.co/J10srH2aHB pic.twitter.com/6rNNFqa4xG
— Disney (@Disney) March 19, 2024
Moana 2: A New Adventure Unfolds
Kicking off the event, Disney CEO Bob Iger introduced an extended look at Moana 2, which has our heroine facing new challenges alongside Maui. The new trailer reveals Moana stepping up as both a leader and a big sister, determined to protect her family from a looming storm. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, who play Maui and Moana respectively, took the stage to share their excitement, with Johnson teasing that “Maui is singing again, in keys that don’t even exist!” Get ready for Moana 2 to make waves in cinemas on November 27, 2024.
Disney’s Monster Truck Madness with The Rock
Not one to leave the stage quickly, Johnson also revealed a new project close to his heart—Disney Monster Jam. While details remain sparse, Johnson’s love for motorsports and monster trucks hints at an adrenaline-fueled, family-friendly spectacle that will take viewers on an immersive ride.
Avatar 3 Officially Titled: Fire and Ash
A surprise appearance by James Cameron had the crowd roaring as the legendary director unveiled the official title of Avatar 3: Fire and Ash. While no footage was shown, the presentation featured concept art and teasers from stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, building anticipation for its December 19, 2025 release.
Just announced at #D23, our title for the next Avatar film:
— Avatar (@officialavatar) August 10, 2024
Avatar: Fire and Ash. Get ready to journey back to Pandora, in theaters December 19, 2025. pic.twitter.com/gZkCCsTl9x
Pixar’s Exciting New Ventures
Pixar fans had much to celebrate with a slew of announcements. A spinoff series from Inside Out titled Dream Productions is set to hit Disney+ in 2025, offering a whimsical look inside Riley’s mind. The studio also revealed Win or Lose, its first original series, debuting on December 6, 2024. In movie news, Toy Story 5 and Incredibles 3 were confirmed, with Toy Story 5 slated for summer 2026, tackling a modern twist where the toys face off against electronic gadgets. Meanwhile, Hoppers, an original film starring Jon Hamm, is set for spring 2026, promising a unique adventure with a tech-savvy twist.
Frozen 3 and Hercules Musical Announcements
The Frozen franchise continues to expand, with director Jennifer Lee hinting at two more films to answer lingering questions from Frozen 2. A glimpse at concept art for Frozen 3, set for a 2027 release, had fans eager for more. Additionally, Disney revealed plans for stage adaptations, including a Frozen musical coming to Disney+ in 2025 and a Hercules musical heading to London’s West End.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Andor Season 2
The Star Wars universe continues to grow with new content for Disney+. Skeleton Crew, a live-action series starring Jude Law, will premiere in December 2024, while Andor Season 2, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and familiar faces, is set to return in 2025. Fans can also look forward to The Mandalorian & Grogu, with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni teasing exciting developments, including Grogu in Mandalorian armour.
Marvel’s Next Big Hits
Marvel Studios didn’t disappoint with its lineup. Ryan Coogler introduced new footage from Ironheart, a Disney+ series set to premiere in 2025. Fans also got an early look at Daredevil: Born Again, featuring Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, and John Bernthal, who will reprise their roles in a thrilling new series coming in March 2025.
Nostalgia and New Beginnings
Other highlights included the return of Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in Freakier Friday, the sequel to the beloved Freaky Friday. Additionally, the first look at the live-action Lilo & Stitch adaptation had fans excited for a furry, blue extraterrestrial making his way to theatres in 2025.
A Lion King Prequel and a Musical Collaboration
The event wrapped up with an emotional look at Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel that delves into the origins of the iconic king and his tumultuous relationship with Scar. The film, set for release on December 20, 2024, will feature a soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda, adding a fresh musical layer to the beloved franchise.
D23 2024 was a whirlwind of announcements, each one more exciting than the last. With so many films, shows, and musical projects on the horizon, Disney is set to dominate screens and stages alike in the coming years. Keep an eye out for these releases, as they promise to deliver the magic and wonder that Disney is known for.
