Disney Unveils D23 Highlights: Live-Action Retellings, New Series, and Upcoming Films
Disney kicked off its D23 event in Anaheim, California, drawing thousands of fans to celebrate the company's global fandom. Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro welcomed attendees and highlighted the extraordinary relationship between the company and its massive fan base. He noted that nearly half a million people are currently visiting Disney parks and cruise ships, while millions more watch Disney content in theaters or at home.
'When you add it all up, Disney has something no other brand on Earth can claim,' D'Amaro said. 'Not just a customer base, not just an audience, but an actual connection.' He emphasized that this connection spans every age and background, becoming part of people's lives and memories.
The event featured a showcase hosted by Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan from Zootopia 2. The evening included surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive footage, musical performances, major announcements, and first looks at upcoming projects spanning Disney's film studios, television brands, streaming platforms, and live stage productions.
Disney Legend Anne Hathaway spoke about her experience working with the company, dating back to The Princess Diaries. Lilo & Stitch 2, a sequel to the 2025 blockbuster film, was announced for release in May 2028. A brand-new teaser trailer and poster debut were unveiled for The Bluey Movie, set to open in theaters on August 6, 2027.
A clip from Ice Age: Boiling Point, scheduled for February 5, 2027, featured Scrat's enormous prehistoric cousin, Jurassic Scrat. Kathryn Hahn introduced Tangled, a live-action retelling of the 2010 Disney animated film based on The Brothers Grimm Rapunzel fairy tale, set to open in theaters on March 31, 2028.
Jon Favreau, creator and writer of Oswald, an all-new live-action animated hybrid series based on the classic character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, screened a clip for the room. Pixar Animation Studios was represented by Chairman Alan Bergman and Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who highlighted the studio's recent successes.