D23, the official Disney Fan Club, hosted it’s biannual fan Expo where it announced everything from movies to games to domestic and international parks updates! Check out this article for all the Disney movie announcements from D23!
Every Disney Movie Announcement from D23
First, I plan on updating some previously posted material I’ve written specifically about Disney+ and “The Rise of Skywalker,” so I won’t be focusing on those epic annoucements today. This post is all about movies. Live action and animated movies will be included, and I will do my best to give you to the most accurate information I can.
Live Action Announcements from D23
Let’s start off with the live action movie annoucements. What defines a “live action” movie for me? The majority of its cast needs to be real, live people. Movies like “Mary Poppins” that blend animation and a live cast would be considered live action in my book.
Black Panther 2
Director Ryan Coogler and MCU mastermind Kevin Feige appeared on stage to annouce the official release date of May 6, 2022 for the second installment of “Black Panther. “Unfortunately, that was all they gave us. No actual title or any other pertinent details.
Marvel’s Eternals
Next up is “The Eternals.” While no release date was confirmed yet, many of the cast appeared on stage in front of their artist concept costumes including Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden (swoon), and more! Additonally, we found out Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington has joined the cast as Dane Whitman, though he was not present at D23.
Marvel’s Black Widow
We also got more scenes from the upcoming “Black Widow” standalone, releasing in May 2020. Reprising her role as Natasha Romanoff is Scarlett Johansson along with MCU newcomers David Harbour (Stranger Things) as the Red Guardian and Florence Pugh as Yelena. The film is also starring Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner.
Disney’s The Jungle Cruise
This looks silly, hokey, and downright delightful. Who wouldn’t want a film based on the classic Disney Parks ride, am I right?
Let’s be honest, anything starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt already has me sold. Footage shown at D23 makes this one out to be hilarious, high stakes fun. No release date has been announced yet.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Another sequel coming to life this October is “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning. Angelina Jolie teased some extra footage and talked about how much “darker” this film would be than the first installment.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
My favorite movie franchise of all time is ending the Skywalker saga with gusto. New footage, albeit not much, was shown, but it was enough to make us all salivate for more! Check out my reaction to the new footage below. “The Rise of Skywalker” hits theaters December 20, 2019.
Mulan
After releasing its epic trailer a few weeks ago, the crowd at D23 was able to see even more of the live action “Mulan.” The scenes shown included the matchmaker scene and the scene in which the army comes knocking on doors asking for male volunteers for the war. “Mulan” will be in theaters March 27, 2020.
Cruella
Lastly, not expected until 2021, D23 Expo goers were granted a first look at “Cruella.” This prequel film follows Emma Stone as the young Cruella de Vil, set in the 1970s London. No confirmed date has been announced yet.
Animated Movies Announced at D23
Switching over to Pixar and Walt Disney Animation, it’s time to talk about some exciting times for both animations studios. Pixar has some fresh new ideas (read: NOT sequels), and they look very interesting to say the least!
Pixar’s Onward
Starring the voice talents of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, “Onward” revealed several minutes of fresh new footage to the crowd. After seeing the teaser trailer, I still don’t know about this one. I love Chris and Tom, but the storyline isn’t grabbing me just yet. Good thing we’ve got some time to get to know this movie before it comes out March 6, 2020.
Pixar’s Soul
A mysterious new project, “Soul” was teased with stills and footage as well as the announcement of the cast. Not much is known about this movie, other than it will have a stellar cast of Jamie Foxx, Phylicia Rashad, Questlove, Tina Fey and more! “Soul” also has a 2020 release date, but I’m betting later next year after “Onward.”
Walt Disney Animation’s Raya and the Last Dragon
Next, from the Walt Disney Animation studios, is “Raya and the Last Dragon.” This movie has been set for a Thanksgiving 2020 release. It is set in the fictional world of Kumandra, “an ancient earth that venerates and worships dragons.” The production team traveled to Lao, Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, and Indonesia to take inspiration from “the beautiful and diverse cultures of Southeast Asia.”
Frozen II
Finally, everyone’s favorite Arendelle friends are back along with some new addtions!
Newly added to the cast are Sterling K. Brown (This is Us) and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) as a lieutenant and Anna and Elsa’s mother, respectively. “Frozen II” releases in theaters Thanksgiving weekend 2019.
All photos: Walt Disney Pictures Media