The Jim Henson Exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center

Take a quick walk around The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited currently at the Skirball Cultural Center until September 2nd, 2018.

Star Wars: Episode IX Begins Production

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX CAST ANNOUNCED

RETURNING AND NEW CAST MEMBERS WILL JOIN TOGETHER FOR THE FINAL INSTALLMENT OF THE SKYWALKER SAGA

Star Wars: Episode IX will begin filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on August 1, 2018. J.J. Abrams returns to direct the final installment of the Skywalker saga. Abrams co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio.

Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says Abrams. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

Composer John Williams, who has scored every chapter in the Star Wars saga since 1977’s A New Hope, will return to a galaxy far, far away with Episode IX.

Star Wars: Episode IX will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan, and executive produced by Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin. The crew includes Dan Mindel (Director of Photography), Rick Carter and Kevin Jenkins (Co-Production Designers), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Neal Scanlan (Creature and Droid FX), Maryann Brandon and Stefan Grube (Editors), Roger Guyett (VFX Supervisor), Tommy Gormley (1st AD), and Victoria Mahoney (2nd Unit Director).

Release is scheduled for December 2019.

MICKEY MOUSE’S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY PORTRAIT UNVEILED

MICKEY MOUSE’S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY PORTRAIT UNVEILED

TO CELEBRATE MICKEY’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY, DISNEY ANIMATOR MARK HENN CREATED THE PAINTING “SPREADING HAPPINESS AROUND THE WORLD”

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 20, 2018 – Mickey Mouse’s new birthday portrait was revealed today at San Diego Comic-Con. Titled “Spreading Happiness Around the World,” the painting by legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Mark Henn honors Mickey’s 90th anniversary. The unveiling of the new work—the latest in a longstanding series of Mickey birthday portraits—took place during the panel “Celebrating 90 Years of Mickey Mouse with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.”

Since his big-screen debut in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, Mickey has been the global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company. From the beloved Mickey Mouse Club to today’s Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, Mickey’s optimistic outlook and endearing personality continue to delight fans around the world every day. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, in partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios, commissioned Henn to paint Mickey’s official birthday portrait. Henn follows in the footsteps of artists such as Disney Legend John Hench, who crafted five of Mickey’s official portraits.

“It is one of the great honors of my career to be asked to paint Mickey’s 90th birthday portrait,” says Henn. “I was greatly inspired by the portraits painted by John Hench. I wanted to capture some of the same style and sense of youth that John achieved in his portraits.” The painting will appear on the Fall 2018 cover of Disney twenty-three, the quarterly publication sent exclusively to Gold Members of D23.

The portrait is just one of the many ways Disney is celebrating the landmark anniversary of this beloved character:

·       This fall, ABC will air a star-studded celebration of Mickey in honor of his birthday, with special guests, musical performances, and more.

·       D23 will present Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse, a two-day event at Walt Disney World Resort featuring panels, presentations, and fun-filled entertainment.

·       Disney Channel will debut season five of the Mickey Mouse animated shorts, taking the Emmy^® Award-winning series total to more than 90 shorts, including a special seven-minute extended-length birthday episode.

·       Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the world will celebrate Mickey’s 90th on November 18, marking the day with commemorative merchandise, photo locations, and more.

·       Beginning in late 2018 and into 2019, the World’s Biggest Mouse Party, saluting Mickey and Minnie, will take place at Disney Parks worldwide.

• Disney On Ice will salute Mickey as the “True Original” host of Disney On Ice since its inception in 1981 by creating Mickey’s 90th pre-shows for productions touring the United States, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
• Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Special Celebration, a new production showcasing Mickey Mouse’s memories throughout the years, will launch in Japan in July 2018 and continue touring throughout the Asia-Pacific region until August 2019.
• In France, 38 design and art schools will take part in “Mickey Is Art,” a unique contest in which students will craft works of Mickey, inspired by their favorite artistic movement. The winning designs will be displayed this summer in 12 major train stations in France and for sale this September at Galerie Glénat in Paris.

·       Disney store will continue to celebrate milestone moments for Mickey Mouse with the Mickey Mouse Memories Collection (launched in January 2018), a monthly, limited-release series of 12 collectible plush, mugs, and cloisonné pins inspired by Mickey’s most memorable movie roles.

·       Disney Publishing Worldwide will introduce more than 30 titles globally as part of Mickey’s 90th, including books, arts & crafts, and comics.

About Mark Henn

Mark Henn is a veteran animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Henn is currently working with the animation team on the upcoming feature Ralph Breaks the Internet. Henn most recently served as a 2D animator for the “Mini Maui” character in the Academy Award^®-nominated Moana. Henn also served as the lead 2D animator on the Academy Award^®-winning Big Hero 6 and Frozen. Among his many credits at the studio, Henn served as supervising animator for Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jasmine in Aladdin, Young Simba in The Lion King, title characters Mulan and Pocahontas, and Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog. In 2000, Henn traded his pencil for a director’s chair on the award-winning short John Henry, based on the popular American legend.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($79.99), Gold Family Membership ($104.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.comand at shopDisney.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story" Arrives To Homes Digitally on Sept. 14 and on Blu-ray Sept. 25

EXPERIENCE THE FUN-FILLED GALACTIC HEIST

“SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY” SEPT. 14 ON DIGITAL,

AND ON BLU-RAY SEPT. 25

Extensive extras invite fans aboard the Millennium Falcon with Han, Chewie

and Lando, and behind the scenes with the stellar cast and crew

BURBANK, Calif. (July 18, 2018) — Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” directed by Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Ron Howard—the creator of unforgettable films, such as “A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13,” “Parenthood” and “Splash”—took moviegoers on this summer’s wildest ride with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy, Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). The action-packed journey explores Han’s first encounters with future friend and copilot Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and notorious gambler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), as well as his adventure-filled past alongside fellow street thief Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) and career criminal Beckett (Woody Harrelson). Watch instantly on Sept. 14^th as the Millennium Falcon sets course digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere, and bring the adventure home on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand on Sept. 25.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” bonus content takes fans behind the scenes to experience compelling discussions with the star-studded cast and screenwriters Jonathan Kasdan & Lawrence Kasdan (writer of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi); a revealing feature on Chewie and his enduring friendship with Han; a close-up look at the original version of the Millennium Falcon and Han’s first time piloting the infamous ship; the creation of the film’s otherworldly settings and pulse-pounding action sequences; and eight never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes.

DIGITAL AND BLU-RAY BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

•           Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable

Sit down with director Ron Howard and the stars for an intimate and entertaining discussion of the film’s making.   

·            Team Chewie

See what it takes to bring your favorite Wookiee to life in this lighthearted look behind the scenes. 

·            Kasdan on KasdanIconic Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and son Jonathan share what it was like to write the movie’s script together. 

·            Remaking the Millennium Falcon Track the transformation of the most famous ship in the galaxy, from Lando’s swank and impeccable pride and joy to Han’s stripped-down hot-rod freighter with “special modifications.” 

·            Escape from Corellia

Get behind the wheel for the making of this high-octane chase through the streets of Corellia. 

•           The Train Heist

Explore the challenges and thrills of creating this action-packed sequence, including its remote location and spectacular effects. 

·            Becoming a Droid: L3-37

Meet the newest droid—and the talented actor who helps bring her to life. 

•           Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso

Take an in-depth tour of the rough-and-tumble bar where strangers mix and gamblers risk all in the legendary card game, Sabaac. 

•           Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run

Join Han and Chewie at the controls of the Millennium Falcon to see how this legendary moment in Star Wars history unfolds.

• Deleted Scenes

o   Proxima’s Den

o   Corellian Foot Chase

o   Han Solo: Imperial Cadet

o   The Battle of Mimban: Extended

o   Han Versus Chewie: Extended

o   Snowball Fight!

o   Meet Dryden: Extended

o   Coaxium Double-Cross

• The Millenium Falcon: From Page to Park – An exclusive look at the history of the most famous ship in the galaxy, its origin and development, and how it will translate in one of the most anticipated expansions in Disneyland’s history.

Directed by Ron Howard, the fun-filled galactic heist movie stars Alden Ehrenreich (“Hail, Caesar!,” “Tetro”), Woody Harrelson (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “The Messenger”), Emilia Clarke (“Me Before You,” “Game of Thrones”), Donald Glover (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “The Martian”), Thandie Newton (“Gringo,” “Crash”), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag,” “Killing Eve”) and Paul Bettany (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Master and Commander”). Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) returns to play Chewbacca.

Written by Jonathan Kasdan & Lawrence Kasdan, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel. Lawrence Kasdan, Jason McGatlin, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are executive producers.

To create the unique look of the film, some of the industry’s top talent was recruited, including Academy Award® nominee Bradford Young (“Arrival”), director of photography; two-time Academy Award–winning editor Pietro Scalia (“Alien: Covenant”); Dominic Tuohy (“The Mummy”), special effects supervisor; Rob Bredow (“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”), visual effects supervisor; and John Powell (“Jason Bourne”), score composed and adapted by.

They are joined by returning Star Wars veteran crew members: Neil Lamont, production designer; Neal Scanlan, special creature effects; David Crossman and Glyn Dillon, costume designers; Jamie Wilkinson, prop master; Lisa Tomblin-Fitzpatrick, hair designer; and Amanda Knight, makeup designer.

The legendary John Williams is credited with the “Han Solo Theme” and original Star Wars music.

Disney Store Exclusive Gold Simba Funko Pop Unboxing

Take a look at the first Disney Store Exclusive Funko Pop! It is a gorgeous Gold Simba!

Hatbox Ghost Ears from Disneyland

Take a look at the awesome new Hatbox Ghost ears from Disneyland!

First Look at the Imaginary Pal and Rainbow Unicorn slushies from Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff

Today was the opening of Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff in the Pixar Pier and we got the first slushies of the day! Here is your first look at two of them!

Grand Canyon and Primeval World on the Disneyland Railroad

Take a ride on the Disneyland Railroad through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World!

Giveaway: Starbucks You Are Here New Orleans Square at Disneyland Mug

Enter to win the latest Starbucks You Are Here New Orleans Square at Disneyland Mug plus a $20 Starbucks Gift Card! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email!

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Giveaway: Minnie Mouse Iridescent Ears from Disneyland

Enter to win this awesome pair of Minnie Mouse iridescent ears! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email!

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Snacking In The Parks: Iridescent Cupcake from Jolly Holiday

Take a look at the iridescent cupcake from the Jolly Holiday at Disneyland. It retails for $6.99 and has a confetti cake and mango filling! Absolutely delicious and almost too cute to eat!

Christopher Robin "Legacy" Featurette

Advance tickets for Disney’s “Christopher Robin” are now available for purchase, and to celebrate, Disney has released a featurette on the legacy of the beloved A.A. Milne characters. The piece features new footage from the upcoming film and interviews with Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell and director Marc Forster. And don’t forget to see “Christopher Robin” when it hits theaters August 3, 2018!

Unboxing the Pixar Cars Pullback Vehicle Series

Take a look at one of the sets from the new Pixar Cars Pullback Vehicle Series! This set features Todd Pizza Planet and Darrel Cartrip!

Taste Testing the Inside out Popcorn from the Pixar Pier

Taste testing all of the Inside Out themed packaged popcorn except the confetti one. They are $5.99 each and are currently available at Knick Knacks in the Pixar Pier of Disney California Adventure.

Giveaway: Christmas in July Mug from Disneyland

Celebrate Christmas in July with this brand new Christmas mug from Disneyland plus a $20 Starbucks gift card! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email!

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