More exclusive D23 Expo news is coming your way! This is recap post 2 of the fan-filled #D23Expo event. In case you missed the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios panel, check it out here. During the 3 day event, I had the opportunity to sit in on several panel presentations that showcased new details about upcoming Disney films. Today’s post will focus on upcoming live action films from Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm.
I was invited as media to cover this press event. All opinions are my own.
Disney, Marvel Studios & Lucasfilm Live Action Films
A Wrinkle in Time releasing 3/9/18
Sean Bailey welcomed A Wrinkle in Time cast members Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Chris Pine along with newcomer Storm Reid and visionary director Ava DuVernay to the D23 stage. We turned our attention to the big screens to seen a teaser trailer for the new film.
Oprah and Reese were on stage in front of me!! I’m a fan girl of both of these talented ladies, and was honored to be in their presence. During the presentation, Oprah shared that everyone in the audience would be leaving with “A Wrinkle in Time” movie poster. The audience went wild as she pulled her signature Oprah move saying, “and you get a poster, and you get a poster and you, and you, and you” pointing at audience members. It was definitely one of the highlights.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms releasing 11/2/18
Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, newcomer Mackenzie Foy as Clara, Helen Mirren as Mother Ginger, Morgan Freeman as godfather Drosselmeyer, and featuring a special performance by Misty Copeland, the movie is inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.
We also watched a special performance by Los Angeles-based dancer Lil Buck as he demonstrated the kind of street dancing—called Jookin. He is the inspiration behind The Mouse King in the film.
Dumbo releasing 3/29/19
Disney’s 1941 animated classic Dumbo will be remade into a live action film by visionary filmmaker Tim Burton. During the presentation, Dumbo was wheeled out on the stage, looking adorable as ever!
The Lion King releasing 7/19/19
Director Jon Favreau’s shared details about the new live-action take on Disney’s 1994 classic animated film The Lion King. Saying, “This is a story that belongs to everyone who grew up with the original film. I wanted to demonstrate that we could be respectful of the source material while bringing it to life using new techniques and technologies.” We were then surprised with a teaser clip of the live action Lion King. I really can not wait for this film!!
Also confirmed for live action films are:
MULAN (#Mulan)
A live-action take on Disney’s 1998 feature, which will be helmed by Niki Caro (“McFarland, USA,” “Whale Rider”).
JUNGLE CRUISE (#JungleCruise)
A live-action nod to the popular theme park ride. The studio is working with Dwayne Johnson, recently heard as Maui in MOANA, on the project.
ALADDIN (#Aladdin)
Directed by Guy Ritchie, with Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Jasmine and Will Smith as the Genie.
Mary Poppins Returns releasing 12/25/18
Emily Blunt, the star of Disney’s sequel Mary Poppins Returns, took to the stage with director/producer Rob Marshall to talk about the eagerly-anticipated return of the practically-perfect nanny. “I needed to try to pay homage to Julie Andrews, but carve out a new space for myself,” said Blunt. Additionally, the audience was treated to an exclusive first look at the film, which was accompanied by a live orchestra performing original new music from the film. The audience, along with myself, went wild for the new sequel! I think Emily Blunt will do an amazing job.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi releasing 12/15/17
Rian Johnson, the writer and director of the latest chapter in the Skywalker saga introduced talent from the film, including Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro. Again, the fan-filled audience went wild! Boyega may have slipped up and mentioned something about a fight between himself and Gwendoline Christie in the new film. Hence the photograph below. 😉 We were also treated to behind-the-scenes footage from the new film.
See Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer below:
Avengers: Infinity War releasing 5/4/18
Marvel Studios’ 10th anniversary begins with the release of Avengers: Infinity War. Kevin Feige took the stage and began introducing talent from the film, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Sebastian Stan, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff. As if we hadn’t been blown away enough by the news, this finale put the crowd over the top!!
The audience also saw an exclusive early look at footage from the movie, introduced by Joe Russo, one of the directors. Avengers: Infinity War brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time!
Photos courtesy of Disney. All rights reserved.
Talk about an EPIC panel! It was hard to wrap my brain around all that happened in a 2 hour time frame. Let’s just say, Disney will not be disappointing us anytime soon. The movies slated over the next 2 years are pretty incredible.
Check out this video recap of the Live Action films panel below:
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Janet W. says
Sounds like great things are continuing to happen at Disney!