Disney strikes again with its most anticipated “ultimate fan event” of the year, the D23 Expo, which was streamed on Disney Plus, and live at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from September 9th-11th. The event takes place every two years to announce any upcoming projects such as new films, shows, and any additions to Disney’s theme parks. Fans were excited worldwide by the announcement of brand new films from Pixar, Marvel Studios, Walt Disney, Lucas Film, and many more.

First things first, Disney has made a brand new Castle Introduction to their productions to commemorate 100 years of wonder. A new era of Disney has begun with a new introduction, starting with the one and only, Tinkerbell, flying through a beautifully animated field with a train and a long river leading up to Cinderella’s castle. 

Next up, to highlight many actors and actresses for their extraordinary contributions, Disney Legends. The actors that were awarded this year were the whole cast of Frozen, Black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy actors Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey, including Marvel’s Black Panther late actor Chadwick Boseman and many more. 

Walt Disney

At the expo, Disney released brand new movies that shocked fans with excitement such as the highly anticipated film, Mufasa The Lion King. 

Mufasa, Simba’s father, came off as a very mature and wise lion but his time was cut short due to the betrayal of his brother, Scar. Disney decided to give the iconic lion father the spotlight with his own prequel.

The prequel will be narrated by famous characters from the original movie such as the goofy pair, Timon and Pumbaa, including the well-known monkey, Rafiki. 

Another movie fans are going crazy for on social media, is the live-action version of The Little Mermaid. This time Ariel is portrayed by an African American actress and singer, Halle Bailey. 

People are excited about this movie because it is the first time that a female of color will be representing a princess who is known for having long red hair and blue eyes. Disney has really inspired little girls as a part of the African American community by having a princess that the girls could truly relate to. 

Another Disney princess movie hitting the live-action scene is Snow White played by Hispanic actress, Rachel Zegra, known for her role as Maria in the 2021 version of West Side Story. 

Many people love the turn that Disney is taking by introducing different ethnicities to their princesses on the big screen. To me, it represents equality and how much we have evolved as a society. 

  Last but not least for Walt Disney, is the sequel to Hocus Pocus. The iconic witches are returning to the screen Friday, Sep. 30th on Disney Plus. Returning main actresses Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will be making an appearance for Hocus Pocus 2, along with new cast members such as Doug Jones, Hannah Waddingham, and Froy Guiterrez. 

Pixar 

Pixar also announced brand new releases. One of the ones announced, Elemental, the movie is about the elements, fire, water, air, and Earth, coming to life and how their specific element drives their emotion and personality. For example, the element fire is going to have an aggressive and fiery personality or water which would be more laid back and go with the flow.  The movie will premiere in theaters only, on June 16th, 2023. 

Finally, the one most people have been waiting to make an appearance is Joy and her friends. Inside Out 2 is premiering on the screens in the summer of 2024. The original voice actors will be in the movie once again portraying our favorite characters, Joy, Disgust, Sadness, Anger, and Fear. Puberty has come to Riley and we will see how much she’s grown throughout the film. The last time we saw her, she was only a pre-teen, Riley and her emotions are definitely in for a ride. 

This year, D23 has really outdone itself, the long list of highly anticipated movies that Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars fans are excited for.   Fans are eager for what is to come in this new Disney era, with so many new storylines, and retellings of some old classics, Disney has packed their agenda.