D23 is upon us and Disney has just unveiled the full schedule for the event which boasts some stunning panels! Here’s a peek at what to expect!
Summer is full of various events for studios to promote stuff like the legendary San Diego Comic Con. D23 has been Disney’s big one and every year the studio has excited folks by giving peeks at what to expect from the movie, TV and theme park divisions. Fans expect huge announcements and while some don’t always end up happening (see half the theme park announcements from five years ago), it’s still amazing.
There’s also celebrations of Disney properties, often with rare reunions, sneak peeks at upcoming movies and shows and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. This year’s ceremony will be at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11. Not only that, it will expand to the Honda Center while Disneyland will have the first ever D23 Day to tie into things.
With 55 panels, it’s a huge selection of events to choose from but here are the highlights of what to expect at D23 this year!
30 Years of Toy Story
With Toy Story hitting 30 next year, Disney gets a jump on things by talking to the various artists and creators to share backstage stories on making the groundbreaking film. Hopefully this will include stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen somehow taking part via video.
Exploring New Parts of the Mind: Behind the Design of Inside Out 2 + a Dreamy Surprise!
With Inside Out 2 smashing box office records, it gets a special showcase from production designer Jason Deamer as he gives an in-depth look at the movie and a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ series based on the film!
Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman
Disney pays tribute to the recently passed Richard M. Sherman with a celebration of the man’s work from Mary Poppins to theme parks with “unbelievable performances and delightful surprise appearances by some of the people who knew and admired him best.” Expect some great turns, and hopefully, one surprise is Dick Van Dyke popping up.
MARVEL COMICS: Celebrating 50 Years of Wolverine
It’s 50 years of the iconic Marvel character with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and writer Jason Aaron talking about his history and what’s coming for him. Also expect peeks at other Marvel programming and a peek at Marvel’s 85th anniversary celebrations.
Disney Princess – The Concert
A long-running favorite for D23, various stars of Broadway and animation return to sing some beloved songs which this year will also include a few villains popping in for their darker tunes.
From Book to Screen: How Bestselling Novels Become Hit TV Series and Films
Creators and producers of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the Disney Original Movie Out of My Mind, the hit anthology series Goosebumps, and FX’s Shōgun discuss the challenge of adapting popular novels for TV and movies and how they try to do justice to the source material while entertaining new fans too.
The Animation Greats + Cast and Creator Sessions featuring Bob’s Burgers, Futurama, and The Simpsons Presented by Hulu Animayhem & 20th Television Animation
It’s a dream team for any modern-day animation fan as Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama), Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad!)Mike Judge (King of the Hill), and Loren Bouchard (Bob’s Burgers, The Great North) come together for a historic and extraordinary conversation. Not only that, the voice cast and creative teams behind Bob’s Burgers, Futurama, and The Simpsons take the stage to entertain with clips, conversation, and fan Q&A.
Behind the Summer Shenanigans with the Phineas and Ferb Creators
Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the masterminds behind the beloved animated show Phineas and Ferb look back at the popular series and how it’s remained a Disney favorite.
Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny
As it celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, the cast and creators of 1995’s A Goofy Movie reunite to share some clips and behind the scenes tales of the animated film that became a beloved cult classic.
Charles Phoenix’s Big Retro Disneyland Slide Show
Long loved for his quirky looks at America’s past, Charlie Phoenix comes to D23 with a special showcase focusing on Disneyland’s first two decades with some never before seen photos and stories.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The cast and creators of the Disney+ hit talk Season 1 and a peek at what Season 2 will bring.
Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel
While the lineup isn’t set, it’s expected that some past Disney Channel stars will be appearing to look back at the 1990s-2000s era of the Disney Channel with some fun stories and reunions for fans to enjoy.
Grey’s Anatomy: 20th Celebration
Hitting a milestone of 20 seasons on TV, Shonda Rhimes and the cast of the long-running ABC medical drama share stories on its legacy and a peek at what to expect in Season 21.
Abbott Elementary: Class is in Session!
The Emmy-award winning ABC comedy gets a special spotlight with cast and crew alongside some real life educators on the show’s impact.
Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular
Yep, it’s 90 years of Disney’s loudmouthed Duck so no better place than D23 to look at his creation, evolution and popularity, including voice actors and never before seen artwork.
Once Upon a Costume: Fashion and Design in Disney Animation Films
Disney Animation costume designers Lorelay Bové, Brittney Lee, and Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay join with the Walt Disney Animation Research Library in a fabulous showcase of the lavish outfits from Disney animated films, including many designs that never made it on screen.
Restoring Disney Animation Classics
Director of Restoration Kevin Schaeffer and Disney Animation artists Eric Goldberg and Michael Giamo delve into the history of Disney’s preservation program and the challenges making sure those classic films aren’t lost to time.
Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks
With new lands based on Frozen and Zootopia opening, Imagineers and animators discuss the challenges bringing these worlds to life for guests.
Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering
Leslie Iwerks, Bob Weis, and Wendy Lefkon unite for an intimate conversation spanning four decades of creating Imagineering projects from Anaheim to Paris, and Tokyo to Shanghai.
The Muppets 70: A Glamorous Miss Piggy Retrospective
Of course, Miss Piggy has to make a celebration of the Muppets all about her. Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and The Muppets Producer Dani Iglesias join the famed self-absorbed starlet for a look at the history of the franchise which will no doubt have Piggy "hogging" the spotlight for herself.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – The Return of a Beloved Classic
With a remake of the beloved Epic Mickey game coming out this fall, the creators talk about the legacy of Mickey Mouse in video games and how this is getting a new coat of fun for a new generation of gamers.
That’s without the interactive Floor Experiences, which include Imagineering with the gorgeous art and model work of attractions; an ESPN zone that puts a Marvel spin on college football; a vintage car show; a celebration of Disney’s 30 years on Broadway with video of actors showing off artifacts and performances; an Avatar experience; the annual costume contests, games, exclusive souvenirs and more!
Between the news, the renions, the events and more, this year’s D23 looks to be the biggest ever and just the love letter to Disney fans adore!