Unveiling the Future of Storytelling
The Walt Disney Company showcased its world-class storytelling capabilities during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, held at the Honda Center. With surprise celebrity appearances, announcements of new films and series, and major musical performances, the event captivated Disney fans from across the globe, highlighting the unparalleled strength of Disney’s creative studios. The showcase also underscored the unique connection that generations of passionate fans have forged with Disney’s stories and characters over the past century.
CEO Bob Iger’s Opening Remarks
Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger opened the evening by expressing gratitude to Disney fans for their unwavering support. He emphasized the qualities that set Disney apart as a global leader in creative storytelling and innovation. “Our deep bond with fans, forged over a century of storytelling, is stronger today than ever before,” Iger said. “This bond is driven by the unmatched strength of our creative studios, the wide appeal of our brands and franchises, and the innovative ways we bring our stories to life in our theme parks and experiences.”
Disney’s Creative Leaders and Event Host
The event was hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and featured some of Disney’s top creative leaders. Among them were Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee, and Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige. Together, they introduced the stars and storytellers behind both new and beloved Disney titles.
Key Announcements and Exciting Revelations by Disney Entertainment
The evening was packed with exciting announcements from various Disney divisions, showcasing the breadth and depth of Disney’s future offerings:
- Walt Disney Animation Studios: The studio announced a trio of all-new feature films, including “Moana 2,” set to release on November 27, 2024. The announcement featured a live performance by Auli‘i Cravalho, who voices Moana, and a surprise appearance by Dwayne Johnson, the voice of Maui.
- Zootopia 2: Fans were thrilled to hear about the return of detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in “Zootopia 2,” which will hit theaters in November 2025. The film’s cast, including Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, made special appearances to discuss the upcoming release.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: James Cameron, alongside stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, revealed the title of the third film in the “Avatar” franchise. The new film is set to release on December 19, 2025, promising an immersive new adventure on Pandora.
- Pixar Animation Studios: Pete Docter shared updates on upcoming Pixar projects, including the official launch date for Pixar’s first original series, “Win or Lose,” set to debut on Disney+ on December 6, 2024. Docter also announced new films, including “Elio” (June 13, 2025) and “Toy Story 5” (June 19, 2026), delighting fans with sneak peeks and concept art.
- Disney on Broadway: Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Disney on Broadway announced exciting developments, including a new stage adaptation of “The Greatest Showman” and the premiere of “Frozen” on Disney+ in 2025.
- Lucasfilm: Star Wars fans were treated to a first look at the new series “Skeleton Crew,” launching on Disney+ on December 3, 2024, and updates on the upcoming film “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set to release on May 22, 2026.
- Marvel Studios: Kevin Feige shared the latest from Marvel Studios, including the upcoming series “Agatha All Along,” set to premiere on Disney+ on September 18, 2024, and the much-anticipated film “Captain America: Brave New World,” releasing on February 14, 2025.
In Summary
The Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 highlighted the unparalleled creativity and innovation of The Walt Disney Company. With a slate of new films, series, and experiences, Disney continues to lead the way in global entertainment, creating stories that resonate with audiences of all ages around the world.
About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. Disney is one of the biggest and best-known companies in the world and has been ranked number 53 on the 2022 Fortune 500 list of the biggest companies in the United States by revenue. The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform, and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company. The Walt Disney Company’s Board of Directors hails from renowned global organizations and industries, bringing a diverse range of knowledge, perspective, and experience to guide and drive long-term value to the company. The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise.