The 2024 D23 Expo opened with a spectacular showcase of upcoming films and series from Walt Disney Studios and Pixar. Here’s a roundup of the most exciting announcements and updates:
Disney Studios Highlights
1. Avatar 3: Fire and Ash
- Director: James Cameron
- Details: Cameron presented concept art showing Neytiri on a banshee and the ominous Ash People covered in soot. The film promises to challenge beloved characters with new, intense situations. No footage was shown, but the design sketches offered a glimpse into the film’s visual style.
2. Monster Jam
- Details: A new live-action movie depicting the culture of Monster Trucks, with Dwayne Johnson providing insights during his discussion about Moana 2.
3. Mufasa: The Lion King
- Details: Lin-Manuel Miranda introduced the trailer for this prequel, exploring the early lives of Mufasa and Scar. The film will delve into their childhood and sibling dynamics. The release date is set for December 20.
4. Snow White
- Details: The live-action adaptation was showcased with footage featuring Rachel Zegler as Snow White interacting with dwarves and woodland creatures. The clip highlighted the charm and magical elements of the classic tale.
5. Tron: Ares
- Cast: Jared Leto, Evan Peters
- Details: The film explores the crossover between the digital world and real life, with Leto portraying an evil AI. The trailer revealed intense action and neon visuals, maintaining the franchise’s signature aesthetic.
6. Lilo & Stitch
- Details: The live-action adaptation, initially planned for Disney+, will now receive a theatrical release in summer 2025.
Pixar Highlights
1. Incredibles 3
- Director: Brad Bird
- Details: The third installment in the beloved franchise is in development. The first two films garnered significant box office success, and anticipation is high for the next chapter.
2. Dream Productions
- Details: An Inside Out spinoff series will focus on the concept of dreams, expanding on themes explored in Inside Out 2.
3. Win or Lose
- Details: Pixar’s first long-form series, debuting on December 6 on Disney+. The series will explore the perspectives of eight characters as they prepare for a softball championship.
4. Hoppers
- Details: A new project featuring Mabel, who transfers her mind into a robot beaver to infiltrate the animal kingdom. Jon Hamm voices a crooked mayor in the film.
5. Elio
- Details: Footage revealed Elio being mistaken as an Earth ambassador in space. Zoe Saldana will replace America Ferrera as Elio’s aunt.
6. Toy Story 5
- Director: Andrew Stanton
- Details: The plot centers on toys competing with technology for children’s attention, featuring a subplot with malfunctioning Buzz Lightyear toys.
The 2024 D23 Expo has set the stage for an exciting array of releases from Disney and Pixar, promising a mix of beloved franchises and innovative new projects.
