D23 Expo - Full Recap of Every Announcement From Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar & More
The D23 Expo 2024 was an event that Disney fans worldwide had eagerly awaited, and it did not disappoint. Held in Anaheim, California, this year’s expo was a treasure trove of exciting reveals, trailers, and announcements that spanned across Disney’s vast universe—from animated classics and live-action adaptations to Marvel superheroes and Star Wars sagas. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of everything that was announced at this year’s D23 Expo:
Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron took the stage to announce the official title for the third installment of the “Avatar” franchise, now called “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Set to explore the volcanic regions of Pandora, this film promises to dive deeper into the planet’s ecosystem while continuing the saga of Jake Sully and Neytiri. Expect stunning visuals, groundbreaking technology, and a powerful narrative that builds on the themes of environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Daredevil: Born Again - Exclusive Snippet
Marvel Studios presented a thrilling new snippet from “Daredevil: Born Again,” offering a glimpse of Charlie Cox returning as Matt Murdock. The footage showed Daredevil confronting a new threat in Hell’s Kitchen, hinting at darker and more intense storylines. The series is set to explore the gritty underbelly of New York City with an even more complex take on the vigilante lawyer.
Graphic: Matt Patches/Polygon; Source images: John Byrne/Marvel Comics; Jacopo Raule/Getty Images; Michael Tullberg/FilmMagic; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Fans were treated to a teaser for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which will officially introduce Marvel’s First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The teaser focused on the group’s initial transformation and hinted at the challenges they will face as they come to terms with their new powers. The film is expected to be a major cornerstone of the next phase of the MCU.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew - Premieres Dec. 3 on Disney+
Jon Watts and Chris Ford, the creators of the upcoming “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” announced that the show will premiere on Disney+ on December 3, 2024. Starring Jude Law, the series follows a group of young adventurers lost in the galaxy, blending the excitement of “The Goonies” with the epic scope of Star Wars. The show promises to offer a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe while connecting to the broader saga.
Agatha All Along
“Agatha All Along,” the highly anticipated spinoff of “WandaVision,” starring Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness, received its own moment in the spotlight. The teaser highlighted Agatha’s return to Westview, where she finds herself at the center of a new magical mystery. The series promises more of the wit, charm, and dark magic that made her a fan-favorite character.
Zootopia 2
Fans of the original “Zootopia” were thrilled with the announcement of “Zootopia 2.” The sequel will reunite Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they take on a new case that threatens the harmony of the diverse animal metropolis. The film will explore new districts of Zootopia, introducing a host of new characters while continuing the original’s themes of inclusion and diversity.
Toy Story 5 Teaser
Pixar surprised everyone with a teaser for “Toy Story 5,” which promises to bring back Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang for another heartwarming adventure. The teaser hinted at a new journey that will test the toys’ loyalty and friendship like never before, with some fans speculating about the return of beloved characters from past films.
First Look at Stitch in the Live-Action Remake of Lilo & Stitch
Disney gave fans a first look at Stitch in the upcoming live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch.” The CGI-animated Stitch stays true to his original design while being adapted to fit a more realistic setting. The film is set to capture the charm of the original while bringing the story of family, friendship, and ohana to a new generation.
Snow White
Rachel Zegler’s highly anticipated take on the classic princess was highlighted with a sneak peek at “Snow White.” The film will retain the timeless magic of the original while offering a modern twist on the story. Gal Gadot stars as the Evil Queen, promising a fierce and compelling antagonist. The footage showed off lush visuals, stunning costumes, and a reimagined narrative that remains faithful to Disney’s first princess film.
Freaky Friday 2 is Now Freakier Friday
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis will officially return in “Freakier Friday,” the sequel to their beloved 2003 film “Freaky Friday.” The story will explore how their characters’ lives have changed over the years and what happens when they accidentally swap bodies again—this time, with even more hilarious and heartwarming results.
Tron: Ares
The long-awaited return to the Grid is happening with “Tron: Ares.” The new film, starring Jared Leto, will explore the digital frontier with cutting-edge visuals and a fresh storyline that builds on the legacy of the previous “Tron” films. Fans of the franchise can expect mind-bending action sequences and an exploration of the relationship between humans and AI.It was also revealed that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' band Nine Inch Nails will be composing the film's soundtrack. a departure from the partnership with daft punk solidified in the first tw0 films.
Hercules Live-Action Remake
A modern retelling of Disney’s 1997 animated classic “Hercules” is in the works, with music by Ariana Grande. The film promises to bring the legendary hero’s story to a new generation, blending the humor and heart of the original with contemporary sensibilities.
The Princess and the Frog Live-Action Adaptation
“The Princess and the Frog” is getting the live-action treatment, with Tiana set to shine on the big screen once again. The film will delve deeper into the rich culture of New Orleans, bringing a fresh perspective to Tiana’s story while retaining the magic of the original.
Inside Out 2
“Inside Out 2” will take audiences back into Riley’s mind, where new emotions join the mix as she navigates the complexities of teenage life. Expect more heartwarming and thought-provoking moments as Pixar continues to explore the inner workings of human emotions.
Frozen 3
The announcement of “Frozen 3” had fans singing with joy. Elsa, Anna, and the rest of the Arendelle crew are set to return for another magical adventure, with new songs and characters that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Mufasa: The Lion King
The next chapter in Disney’s live-action reimaginings is “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel that explores the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film will delve into Mufasa’s rise to power and the events that shaped him into the king we first met in “The Lion King.”
Moana 2
Disney confirmed the development of “Moana 2,” which will continue the adventures of Moana as she navigates new challenges on the open sea. The sequel promises to expand on the mythology introduced in the first film and will include new songs that celebrate Polynesian culture.
The Incredibles 3
“The Incredibles 3” is officially in development, with the Parr family returning to face new threats. The film is expected to delve deeper into the dynamics of a superhero family, offering action, humor, and heart in true Pixar fashion.
Monsters at Work Season 2
The popular Disney+ series “Monsters at Work” returns for a second season, bringing back the lovable characters of Monsters, Inc. for more workplace hilarity. Expect new misadventures and plenty of laughs as the monsters navigate their ever-changing workplace.
Soul 2
“Soul 2” will build on the success of the original film, taking audiences on a deeper journey into the metaphysical world and exploring what it means to truly live a fulfilling life.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is set to bring Rick Riordan’s beloved book series to life with a first-look teaser that has fans eagerly awaiting its release.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
A new dark fantasy series, “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” will debut on Disney+, bringing the magical world of the beloved book series to the screen with cutting-edge CGI.
The Muppets Mayhem
The Muppets are back in “The Muppets Mayhem,” a musical comedy series that follows Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band as they try to record their first-ever album. Expect classic Muppet humor and plenty of celebrity cameos.
Zootopia+
The world of “Zootopia” expands with “Zootopia+,” a series of shorts that dive deeper into the lives of fan-favorite characters. Each short will explore a different part of the bustling animal city, offering new stories and perspectives.
The D23 Expo 2024 was a testament to Disney’s ongoing commitment to delivering magical experiences across its many franchises. Whether you’re a fan of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, or classic Disney, there’s something on the horizon for everyone. With these announcements, the future of entertainment looks brighter than ever, and fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
Sources: Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Deadline
The Cinema Group - Your premier source for the latest in film and entertainment news. Follow us on social media @thecinemagroup.
