BURBANK, CALIF. (July 30, 2020)—Pixar Animation Studios announced today that its next feature film release will be “Luca.” Directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”), “Luca” is set to open in U.S. theaters June 18, 2021.
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, the original animated feature is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the water’s surface.
“This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in ‘Luca,’” said Enrico Casarosa, director. “So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca.”
Academy Award®-Winning Kate Winslet Voices the Role of Black Beauty
Movie Adaptation of Classic Story Stars Mackenzie Foy, Iain Glen and Claire Forlani
BURBANK, Calif. (July 29, 2020) -Disney+ announced today that a contemporary adaptation of Anna Sewell’s classic 19th century novel, “Black Beauty” will premiere on the streaming service later this year. Black Beauty is a wild mustang born free in the American west. When she is captured and taken away from family, her story intertwines with that of 17-year old Jo Green, similarly grieving over the loss of her parents. The two slowly develop a bond that is built on love, respect and mutual healing.
“Black Beauty” features Oscar® winner Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) as the voice of “Black Beauty” and stars Mackenzie Foy (“Interstellar”) as Jo Green; Iain Glen (“Game of Thrones”) as John Manly; and Claire Forlani (“Meet Joe Black”) as Mrs. Winthorp.
“Black Beauty” is directed by Ashley Avis (“Adolescence'') who also wrote the screenplay. JB Pictures’ Jeremy Bolt (“Polar,” “Monster Hunter”) and Robert Kulzer (“Polar”) from Constantin Film are producers and Martin Moszkowicz, Edward Winters and Jon Brown are executive producers. Dylan Tarason is a co-producer, and Moonlighting Films president Genevieve Hofmeyr (“Mad Max: Fury Road”) is the South African producer.
“Black Beauty” is produced by Constantin Film and JB Pictures.
SNEAK PEEK OF DISNEY+'s "PHINEAS AND FERB THE MOVIE: CANDACE AGAINST THE UNIVERSE" FROM COMIC-CON@HOME PANEL
The cast and creative team of Disney+'s out-of-this-world animated movie "Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe" participated in a virtual Comic-Con@Home panel, hosted by San Diego Comic-Con, on Saturday, July 25.
Stars Ashley Tisdale (Candace), Vincent Martella (Phineas), Maulik Pancholy (Baljeet) and Dee Bradley Baker (Perry the Platypus) were joined by creators/executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and director Bob Bowen to discuss the origins of the iconic animated series and share an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming movie's opening song, "Such A Beautiful Day." The song is performed by Tisdale and is available here. The panel was moderated by Variety's Michael Schneider.
Premiering on Disney+ on Friday, August 28, "Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is an adventure story that tracks stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb as they set out across the galaxy to rescue their older sister Candace, who after being abducted by aliens, finds utopia in a far-off planet, free of pesky little brothers.
FEATURING CAST AND FILMMAKERS AND AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE
OPENING SEQUENCE OF THE ORIGINAL HORROR THRILLER
The ComicCon@Home panel featuringwriter/director Josh Boone, the stars of “The New Mutants,” including: Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt and Henry Zaga and graphic artist Bill Sienkiewicz, is now available. Included in the 30-minute panel, moderatedbyIra Madison III, is an exclusive look at the opening sequence of the original horror thriller.
Twentieth Century Studios in association with Marvel Entertainment presents “The New Mutants,” an original horror thriller set in an isolated hospital where a group of young mutants is being held for psychiatric monitoring. Whenstrange occurrences begin to take place, both their new mutant abilities and their friendships will be tested as they battle to try and make it out alive.Directed by Josh Boone (“The Fault in our Stars”) and written by Josh Boone & Knate Lee, “The New Mutants” stars: Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”); Anya Taylor-Joy (“Glass”); Charlie Heaton (“Stranger Things”); Alice Braga (“Predators”); Blu Hunt (“The Originals”); and Henry Zaga (“13 Reasons Why”). The film is produced by Simon Kinberg, p.g.a., Karen Rosenfelt and Lauren Shuler Donner with Stan Lee and Michele Imperato Stabile serving as executive producers.
DISNEY+ DEBUTS A SNEAK PEEK FOR NEW ORIGINAL DOCUSERIES “MARVEL’S 616”
Streaming on Disney+ this Fall
Today, Disney+ shared two exclusive sneak peek clips from the upcoming new original anthology docuseries, “Marvel’s 616.” The first clip is from the episode “Higher, Further, Faster” directed by actor/director Gillian Jacobs, which shines a light on the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics and how they found ways to tell stories of representation and inclusion. The second clip is from the Paul Scheer-directed episode “Lost and Found,” following the actor and comedian’s eye-opening and hilarious journey to discover the “forgotten” characters of Marvel Comics. Individually, each documentary in this series tells a compelling story that brings its filmmaker's vision to life.
“Marvel’s 616” explores how Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators exist within the world outside your window. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, explores the intersections of storytelling, pop culture, and fandom within the Marvel Universe. Films in this anthology series will cover topics including Marvel’s world-spanning artists, the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics, discovering the “forgotten” characters of Marvel, and much more.
“Marvel’s 616”is produced by Marvel New Media with Supper Club. The series is executive produced by Joe Quesada, Shane Rahmani, Stephen Wacker, John Cerilli, Harry Go, and Sarah Amos for Marvel; and Jason Sterman, Brian McGinn, and David Gelb for Supper Club.
About Disney+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. From The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Visit DisneyPlus.comto subscribe and/or learn more about the service.
Simultaneously, a distribution deal was announced to make “Black Is King” available on much of the African Continent, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Namibia, Cameroon, Liberia, Burundi, Senegal, Togo, Somalia, Benin, Congo, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Gabon, Cape Verde and many more countries through MultiChoice Group’s M-Net and Canal+ Afrique.
The list of additional co-directors and second unit directors adds to the crew’s global representation, including Dafe Oboro, Julian Klincewicz, Derek Milton, Meji Alabi, Joshua Kissi, Alexandre Moors and Deon Van Zyl.
Filmed in various locations, the film’s cinematography captures beautiful people and landscapes across continents, starting in New York, then Los Angeles, South Africa, West Africa, London and Belgium. From all those places came an extraordinary cast of actors and dancers that influenced the film’s rich tableau and vibrant choreography.
The new trailer provides a glimpse of some of the special guests in the film. They include models Aweng Ade-Chuol and Adut Akech, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Tina Knowles-Lawson, author and Academy Award®-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o, singer Kelly Rowland, Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z, among others. Many artists featured on “The Lion King: The Gift” album also make appearances.
A celebratory memoir for the world on the black experience, “Black Is King” includes full-length videos for the songs “Already,” “Brown Skin Girl,” “Mood 4 Eva” and “My Power,” which is heard in the new trailer.
FROM TWENTIETH CENTURY STUDIOS AND MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT’S
“THE NEW MUTANTS” TO DEBUT ON JULY 23, 2020
Special Look at the Original Horror Thriller Available Now
A special ComicCon@Home panel featuring writer/director Josh Boone and the stars of “The New Mutants,” including: Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt and Henry Zaga and moderated by Ira Madison III, will debut on July 23, 2020. In the meantime, check out this special look at the original horror thriller and share it with your readers.
Twentieth Century Studios in association with Marvel Entertainment presents “The New Mutants,” an original horror thriller set in an isolated hospital where a group of young mutants is being held for psychiatric monitoring. When strange occurrences begin to take place, both their new mutant abilities and their friendships will be tested as they battle to try and make it out alive. Directed by Josh Boone (“The Fault in our Stars”) and written by Josh Boone & Knate Lee, “The New Mutants” stars: Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”); Anya Taylor-Joy (“Glass”); Charlie Heaton (“Stranger Things”); Alice Braga (“Predators”); Blu Hunt (“The Originals”); and Henry Zaga (“13 Reasons Why”). The film is produced by Simon Kinberg, p.g.a., Karen Rosenfelt and Lauren Shuler Donner with Stan Lee and Michele Imperato Stabile serving as executive producers.
“HOWARD”, AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY FILM CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ACADEMY AWARD®-WINNING LYRICIST HOWARD ASHMAN, PREMIERES AUGUST 7 ON DISNEY+
Acclaimed Filmmaker Don Hahn Directs Feature-Length Documentary
BURBANK, Calif. (July 16, 2020)Disney+ announced today that the original documentary film “Howard” will premiere exclusively on the service on Friday, August 7, 2020. The film, which first premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, follows the captivating life story of Disney Legend and Academy Award®-winning Lyricist Howard Ashman.
Directed by Don Hahn (“Beauty and the Beast”), “Howard” is the untold story of Howard Ashman, the brilliant lyricist behind Disney classics like “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and creator of musicals including “Little Shop of Horrors.” Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, personal films and photographs, as well as interviews with Howard’s friends and family, the film is an intimate look at the Disney Legend’s life, his creative drive, and the process behind the music. Spanning his childhood in Baltimore, to his formative years in New York, and his untimely death from AIDS, “Howard” goes in-depth to explore his journey to become the lyricist behind some of the most beloved and well-known classic family films in the world.
“You may not know his name, but you sure know Howard Ashman’s music,” said Director, Writer and Producer Don Hahn. “He’s one of the greatest storytellers of the twentieth century who helped to revitalize the American musical and re-energize Disney Animation. He left us a songbook that still lives on in us today, yet his personal story has never been fully told until now.”
The film features interviews with Ashman’s longtime musical collaborator Alan Menken, who also scored the film, Bill Lauch (Ashman’s Partner), Jodi Benson (“The Little Mermaid”), Paige O’Hara (“Beauty and the Beast”), Sarah Gillespie (Ashman’s Sister), and more.
Produced by Don Hahn and Lori Korngiebel at Stone Circle Pictures, “Howard” premieres Friday, August 7, streaming only on Disney+.
SWAMP (JULY 15, 2020) -In preparation for the world premiere of the Muppets’ first-ever streaming show, “Muppets Now,” Kermit the Frog will conduct a video chat to break the news that Disney+ has ordered six half-hour muppisodes premiering July 31. With a full roster of rotating guest stars, world-class production facilities, and pure unscripted mayhem, “Muppets Now” breaks new ground for the gang in their Disney+ debut.
“The Muppets are thrilled to be doing our first-ever unscripted show! It’s going to be extremely spontaneous and very surprising; almost as surprising as the fact that weeveractually used a script in the past.”
Kermit the Frog
“This is moi unfiltered, unexpurgated, and more unbelievably fabulous than ever. If you watch only one show on Disney+ ,you really should tune in more often. But whenever you watch, make it moi onMuppets Now.”
Miss Piggy
“For the first time ever, I’m working without a joke book, folks. It’s a new kind of totally improvised comedy I call ‘bare bear’! See what I did there? Ahh! Wocka! Wocka!”
Fozzie Bear
“I knewMuppets Nowwas coming to Disney+ but I did NOT know they wantedMuppets Now NOW, as in right away, as in “doesn’t anybody give a warning around here’!? Gotta go upload those episodes pronto! Wish me luck; I’ll need it.”
Scooter
This season’s celebrity guests include entertainers, comedians, chefs, and more. Fans won’t want to miss all-new improvised comedy segments from their favorite Muppets including Miss Piggy, Beaker, Camilla, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo the Great, Kermit the Frog, Pepe the King Prawn, The Swedish Chef, Scooter, Uncle Deadly, among others.
Disney+ is the streaming home for the Muppets collection where “Muppets Now” will join an assortment of fan-favorite Muppet movies, series, and shorts.
Produced by The Muppets Studio and Soapbox Films, “Muppets Now” premieres Friday, July 31, streaming only on Disney+. New episodes will be released every Friday.
BURBANK, Calif. (July 13, 2020) – Today Disney+ ordered its next animated series from Lucasfilm, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” Fresh off of the critically-acclaimed series finale of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” the Disney+ original series will premiere on the streaming service in 2021.
The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army -- each possess a singular exceptional skill which makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose.
“Giving new and existing fans the final chapter of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ has been our honor at Disney+, and we are overjoyed by the global response to this landmark series,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president, Content, Disney+. “While the Clone Wars may have come to its conclusion, our partnership with the groundbreaking storytellers and artists at Lucasfilm Animation is only beginning. We are thrilled to bring Dave Filoni’s vision to life through the next adventures of the Bad Batch.”
“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” is executive produced by Dave Filoni (“The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Athena Portillo (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”), Brad Rau (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Star Wars Resistance”) and Jennifer Corbett (“Star Wars Resistance,” “NCIS”) with Carrie Beck (“The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars Rebels”) as co-executive producer and Josh Rimes as producer (“Star Wars Resistance”). Rau is also serving as supervising director with Corbett as head writer.
Enter to win this awesome mug celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Disneyland on July 17th!!! You will also get a $20 Starbucks gift card!! This giveaway is open worldwide!!! The winner will be notified by email!!! Good luck!!!
BURBANK, Calif. (July 9, 2020) -- One week after premiering “Hamilton,” the filmed version of the original Broadway production, Disney+ will release a new special conversation “Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes on You,” exclusively on Friday, July 10.
Hosted by ABC News’ “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, “Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You” is an intimate discussion about the groundbreaking film that has become a global phenomenon and features “Hamilton”’s creator, its director and cast members of the original Broadway production. A Harvard Historian also shares insight on the historical relevance and accuracy of the production. Earlier today, Roberts shared a first look with “Good Morning America” viewers. From cast members sharing personal memories and stories about their participation in the groundbreaking Broadway show to what it means to them to be part of this project, this conversation will enhance the “Hamilton” experience for all Disney+ subscribers.
“It was an immense pleasure speaking with this talented group,” said Roberts. “After you listen to their insights and perspectives it will heighten your viewing of Hamilton. Such an engaging, enlightening conversation.”
This special encompasses topics that range from questions about the show’s creation and creative process to its remarkable relevance and today’s current social and political realities. As America tries to undergo a right-now revolution in racial awareness, can parallels with “Hamilton’s” take on the 1776 American Revolution guide its audience’s thoughts and feelings? Is “Hamilton” true to history, and what can we learn from what really happened more than 250 years ago as our nation began to search for the meaning of freedom?
“Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You” is produced by Rock ‘n Robin Productions and ABC News for Disney+. Robin Roberts and John R. Green are the executive producers
“Rogue Trip”, led by ABC News Correspondent Bob Woodruff and his 28-year-old son Mack Woodruff, takes viewers on a father-son adventure to some of the world’s most unexpected places – roguish nations and territories mostly known for conflict, but each possessing a unique power to surprise, amaze and inspire. They’ll visit Colombia, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Lebanon and Ukraine. Along the journey, Bob and Mack will share raw, big-hearted moments when “going rogue” together changes their perspectives – not just on their own relationship, but on other people and places.
All six episodes of National Geographic’s “Rogue Trip” will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning July 24,2020.
DISNEY+ DEBUTS HEARTWARMING NEW TRAILER FOR DISNEY’S “THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN”
Exclusively Streaming on Disney+, August 14th
Disney+ shared the new trailer from the upcoming film Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan.” Based on the award-winning book by Katherine Applegate, “The One and Only Ivan” tells the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who learns that life isn’t defined by place and circumstance but by the power of friendship and the courage to make change happen. Streaming only on Disney+, August 14th.
An adaptation of the award-winning book about one very special gorilla, Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan” is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualization and the significance of the place one calls home. Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant, Bob the dog, and various other animals. He has few memories of the jungle where he was captured, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, it touches something deep within him. Ruby is recently separated from her family in the wild, which causes him to question his life, where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be. The heartwarming adventure, which comes to the screen in an impressive hybrid of live-action and CGI, is based on Katherine Applegate’s bestselling book, which won numerous awards upon its publication in 2013, including the Newbery Medal.
The film stars: Sam Rockwell as the voice of Ivan; Angelina Jolie as the voice of Stella; Danny DeVito as the voice of Bob the dog; Helen Mirren as the voice of Snickers the poodle; Brooklynn Prince as the voice of Ruby; Ramon Rodriquez as the mall employee George; Ariana Greenblatt as George’s daughter Julia; Chaka Khan as the voice of Henrietta the chicken; Mike White as the voice of Frankie the seal; Ron Funches as the voice of Murphy the rabbit; Phillipa Soo as the voice of Thelma the parrot; and Bryan Cranston as Mack, the mall’s owner. “The One and Only Ivan” is directed by Thea Sharrock from a screenplay by Mike White based on Applegate’s book and is produced by the late Allison Shearmur, Angelina Jolie and Brigham Taylor. Sue Baden-Powell and Thea Sharrock serve as executive producers.
