Disney’s D23 Expo 2024: Major Announcements for Upcoming Films and TV Projects
Disney’s D23 Expo, the highly anticipated fan festival, took place at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9 to 11, 2024. This event was filled with interactive exhibits, unique activations, and star-studded presentations that had fans buzzing with excitement. The highlight of the weekend was the Friday evening showcase at the Honda Center, where Disney Entertainment made several major announcements about its upcoming film and TV projects. Here’s a look at some of the biggest reveals from the event.
New Films: “The Incredibles 3” and More
One of the most exciting announcements of the night came from Disney Pixar, as Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter confirmed the development of “The Incredibles 3.” This beloved superhero family will be returning to the big screen, with creator Brad Bird at the helm once again. Fans of the franchise erupted in cheers as Docter shared that the film is in early development, with more details to come.
In addition to “The Incredibles 3,” Pixar also introduced a new original film titled “Hoppers.” Scheduled to premiere in the spring of 2026, “Hoppers” promises to be a unique adventure, featuring a girl who body-switches with a robot beaver. The film, directed by “We Bare Bears” creator Daniel Chong, will star voice actors Piper Curda, Jon Hamm, and Bobby Moynihan.
New Series: “Dream Productions” and More on Disney+
Disney+ subscribers have much to look forward to with the announcement of “Dream Productions,” a new animated series set in the world of Pixar’s “Inside Out.” The series, which will premiere in 2025, explores the behind-the-scenes world of Riley’s dreams, depicted as a daily TV production. The four-part series will feature the voice talents of Paula Pell, Richard Ayoade, and Maya Rudolph, with appearances from the original cast of Riley’s emotions.
Pixar also revealed its first original series, “Win or Lose,” which is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 6, 2024. This series will follow a group of characters, including insecure kids, helicopter parents, and an overwhelmed coach, as they prepare for a championship softball game. Will Forte headlines the voice cast for this much-anticipated show.
New Titles: “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Toy Story 5,” and More
For fans of the “Avatar” franchise, director James Cameron made a rare appearance to announce the third installment, titled “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Cameron, who joined the event mid-production from New Zealand, hinted that the new film would take the series in an unexpected direction, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until its release.
In another exciting reveal, the fifth installment of the “Toy Story” franchise, aptly named “Toy Story 5,” was announced. This new chapter will reunite fans with the beloved characters of Buzz, Jesse, and friends, as they navigate a world of “toys vs. tech,” focusing on modern kids’ preference for electronics. The long-awaited sequel to “Freaky Friday,” starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, was also officially titled “Freakier Friday,” continuing the story of the iconic mother-daughter duo 20 years after the original film.
First Looks: Marvel, Star Wars, and More
Marvel Studios and Star Wars fans were treated to a treasure trove of trailers and sizzle reels for upcoming Disney+ series and films. Highlights included previews of “Daredevil: Born Again,” “Agatha All Along,” “Iron Heart,” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” A brief teaser for the long-awaited “Fantastic Four: First Steps” film also sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Star Wars enthusiasts were given an extended look at the upcoming season of “Andor” and the original Disney+ series “Skeleton Crew,” set to stream in December 2024.
Disney Music: New Stage Productions and More
To close out the presentation, Disney announced a slew of upcoming stage productions, including “Hercules,” set to debut at London’s West End in the summer of 2025. Following in the footsteps of “Hamilton,” a stage production of “Frozen” will premiere as a feature on Disney+ in 2025. Fans of “The Greatest Showman” will be thrilled to know that a stage adaptation is also in development, with more details to be revealed soon.
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer 2024 – Unveiling the Path to Power and Rivalry
D23 2024 was a treasure trove of exciting news and exclusive previews that left Disney fans eagerly anticipating the future. With so many new films, series, and stage productions in the works, the magic of Disney continues to captivate audiences around the world.