Tuesday, March 30, 2021

“STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH” TRAILER & POSTER

 



BURBANK, Calif. (March 30, 2021) — Check out the brand-new trailer for Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” an original animated series launching exclusively on Disney+. “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” makes its debut on Tuesday, May 4, with a special 70-minute premiere, followed by new episodes every Friday starting on May 7. 

 

Star Wars: The Bad Batch” 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 that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.

 

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.   

 

Visit StarWars.com for more exciting news on the series.  

Monday, March 29, 2021

“OBI-WAN KENOBI” PRODUCTION TO BEGIN AND CAST ANNOUNCED

 


Obi-Wan Kenobi,” the new Disney+ special event series starring Ewan McGregor as the iconic Jedi Master, will begin shooting in April. The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Kenobi faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. 

 

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is directed by Deborah Chow, director of two critically acclaimed episodes of “The Mandalorian,” Season 1.

 

The series also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. 

 

Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie. 

 

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor and writer Joby Harold. The casting director is Carmen Cuba.

 

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” will be available exclusively on Disney+.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Go beyond the legacy of the shield with this brand new featurette from "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier"

 



A new featurette for Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is available now ahead of Episode 2’s imminent debut on Disney+.  Offering front-row insights in the new featurette are Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, director Kari Skogland, head writer Malcolm Spellman and executive producer Nate Moore. 

 

Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman as head writer, the six-episode series stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Emily VanCamp and Daniel Brühl. The series also features Erin Kellyman, Georges St. Pierre, Amy Aquino, Adepero Oduye and Danny Ramirez. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is now streaming on Disney+.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

DISNEY MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO SUMMER FILM RELEASE SCHEDULE

 


DISNEY MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO SUMMER FILM RELEASE SCHEDULE

 

Disney’s Live-Action “Cruella” and Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” Both to Release Day and Date in Theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28 and July 9, respectively 

  

Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” to Release Exclusively on Disney+ on June 18

 

BURBANK, Calif. (March 23, 2021) – Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution today announced new release details for a number of titles on Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming slate of films. The announcement updates rollout details for the forthcoming Disney live-action “Cruella,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow,” and Disney and Pixar’s “Luca,” and also includes revised premiere dates for several other titles.

 

“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences.  By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.

 

Following the successful release of “Raya and The Last Dragon, the highly anticipated live-action film “Cruella” and Marvel Studios’ long-awaited “Black Widow” will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets on Friday, May 28 and on Friday, July 9, respectively.


Similar to the launch of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated “Soul” that delighted Disney+ subscribers during the holidays, Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” will stream directly in homes worldwide exclusively on Disney+ beginning Friday, June 18, as a special offering to kick-off the summer season.  In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.

 

Theatrical release dates also shifted for several additional upcoming films. New release dates include:

 

  • “Free Guy” on August 13, 2021
  • “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” on September 3, 2021
  • “The King’s Man” on December 22, 2021
  • “Deep Water” on January 14, 2022
  • “Death on the Nile” on February 11, 2022

‘THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER’ OPENS AS MOST WATCHED SERIES PREMIERE EVER ON DISNEY+

 


BURBANK, Calif. (March 22, 2021) – Disney+ Original series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” from Marvel Studios ranked as the most watched series premiere ever on Disney+ during its opening weekend, Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22, and the most watched title overall for the same time period on a global basis, including in Disney+ Hotstar markets.

 

The premiere of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” joins the premieres of Marvel Studios’ first live-action series, “WandaVision,” and the season two premiere of “The Mandalorian” from Lucasfilm as the three most-watched Disney+ Original series opening weekends to-date.

 

Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience. Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the six-episode series also stars Daniel Brühl as Zemo, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” debuted worldwide on Disney+ March 19, 2021.

Start Your Countdown to the Glorious Arrival of Marvel Studios’ “Loki”— June 11 Exclusively on Disney+

 


Check out the brand-new key art for Marvel Studios’ “Loki.” The all-new, original series debuts exclusively on Disney+ on June 11, 2021. Feel free to share the key art with your readers.

 

Marvel Studios’ “Loki” features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. Kate Herron directs “Loki,” and Michael Waldron is head writer. 

 

Twitter: @LokiOfficial, @DisneyPlus 

Facebook: @LokiOfficial, @DisneyPlus
Instagram: @OfficialLoki, @DisneyPlus

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

MINDY KALING JOINS THE CAST OF DISNEY+ ORIGINAL SERIES ‘MONSTERS AT WORK’ FROM DISNEY TELEVISION ANIMATION

 


BURBANK, Calif. (March 17,  2021) -- Mindy Kaling has joined the cast of Disney+'s highly anticipated animated series "Monsters At Work." Kaling will voice the role of Val Little, an enthusiastic member of the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (aka "MIFT"). Additionally, Bonnie Hunt will reprise her role as Ms. Flint, who was formerly in charge of training new Scarers at Monsters, Inc., but will now manage the department responsible for recruiting and training the funniest monsters to become Jokesters. "Monsters At Work" will begin streaming Friday, July 2, exclusively on Disney+.

 

Ben Feldman stars as the voice of Tylor Tuskmon in the series, which introduces new monster characters alongside returning favorites, including Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, who will again be voiced by renowned actors Billy Crystal and John Goodman. Starring alongside Feldman and Kaling as part of the MIFT crew is Henry Winkler ("Happy Days") as Fritz, the scatterbrained boss; Lucas Neff ("Raising Hope") as Duncan, an opportunistic plumber; and Alanna Ubach ("Coco") as Cutter, the officious rule follower. 


"Monsters At Work" takes place the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children to fuel the city of Monstropolis, thanks to Mike and Sulley's discovery that laughter generates ten times more energy than screams. It follows the story of Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and always dreamed of becoming a Scarer until he lands a job at Monsters, Incorporated, and discovers that scaring is out and laughter is in. After Tylor is temporarily reassigned to the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT), he must work alongside a misfit bunch of mechanics while setting his sights on becoming a Jokester.

In addition to Crystal, Goodman and Hunt, returning cast members from the original movies include John Ratzenberger as Yeti and Tylor's dad, Bernard, Jennifer Tilly as Celia Mae and Bob Peterson as Roze, twin sister to his original "Monsters, Inc." character, Roz. Voicing additional characters are Stephen Stanton ("Star Wars Resistance") as Smitty and Needleman, the bumbling custodial team at Monsters, Inc., and Aisha Tyler ("Archer") as Tylor's mom, Millie Tuskmon.

 

Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series was developed and is executive produced by Disney animation veteran Bobs Gannaway ("Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Planes: Fire & Rescue"). Academy Award-nominated Sean Lurie ("Inner Workings") is producer, and Kat Good ("Big Hero 6 The Series") and Steve Anderson ("Meet the Robinsons") serve as supervising directors. The late Rob Gibbs ("Monsters, Inc.") also served as director on some of the earlier episodes.

 

Kaling is represented by CAA, 3Arts, The Lede Company and Ziffren Law. Hunt is represented by WME and Edelstein, Laird & Sobel Law.

Raya and the Last Dragon' on Digital on 4/2 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on 5/18

 


Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic adventure “Raya and the Last Dragon” arrives on all major digital platforms beginning April 2, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD beginning May 18. Consumers can enjoy never-before-seen bonus footage and deleted scenes in stunning Ultra HD quality and Dolby Audio.

 

Film Synopsis

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it’s going to take trust as well. From directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, the film features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as Sisu.

 

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” Bonus Features*

  • An Introduction to “Us Again” – Director Zach Parrish takes you behind the scenes of the Walt Disney Animation Studios short.
  • “Us Again” – An elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their passion for life on one magical night.
  • Taste of Raya – Dine along with Kelly Marie Tran and the film’s creative team--virtually--over a Southeast Asian menu inspired by the countries that influenced the film as they discuss their experiences creating the world of Kumandra.
  • Raya: Bringing it Home – When the global pandemic of 2020 hit, production of “Raya and the Last Dragon” moved to the houses of over 450 people. We open a window into their lives and learn how they overcame massive obstacles to make an animated feature from home.
  • Martial Artists – Get a kick out of learning about the martial art forms and weapons used in the film as co-screenwriter Qui Nguyen and visual anthropologist Dr. S. Steve Arounsack share the inspiration behind the film’s action-packed elements.
  • We are Kumandra – Meet members of the Southeast Asia Story Trust and discover the cultural influences that inspired the film...and how important this representation in a Disney animated film is to the people of the region.
  • Outtakes – Step into the homes and behind the mics of the cast of “Raya and the Last Dragon” as they experience voice-over sessions in closets and shaky internet connections, which made recording this film unlike any other.
  • Fun Facts & Easter Eggs – Take a look at some of the hidden surprises and behind-the-scenes secrets of “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
  • The Story Behind the Storyboard with John Ripa – Co-Director John Ripa invites you to get an inside look at his thought process as he pitches a storyboard sequence from the film and talks about his amazing career with Disney Animation.
  • Deleted Scenes:
    • Introduction – Head of Story Fawn Veerasunthorn introduces deleted scenes from “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
    • The Bridge – Raya confronts an early version of the Druun in this deleted storyboard sequence.
    • Escaping Namaari – See an early version sequence of an introduction to Namaari as an adult.
    • Dragon Blade – Discover an early version of Raya’s sword, when it used to have magical powers.
    • Meet Boun – Meet an early version of Boun before he was a chef and shrimp boat captain.
    • The Heart of the Dragon – Co-Director John Ripa introduces a deleted scene which brought the theme of hope into the film.

DISNEY+ RELEASES FIRST LOOK TRAILER FOR “EARTH MOODS” FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

 


BURBANK, Calif. (March 15, 2021)  Today, Disney+ shared the trailer and key art for “Earth Moods” from National Geographic. “Earth Moods,” a visual and soundscape experience, takes viewers on the ultimate retreat—transporting them to a vast array of colorful and calming corners of the world. Viewers travel to blue glaciers, arid deserts, lush rainforests and pulsating metropolises to escape from the cacophony of everyday life.  With an original score produced by Neil Davidge, known for “Massive Attack” as well as collaborations with Snoop Dogg and David Bowie, each “mood” gives the audience an opportunity to relax and reset as the sound of music and the natural world washes over them.

 

All five episodes, will be available on Disney+ on Friday, April 16.  Episodes include “Frozen Calm,” “Night Lights,” “Tropical Serenity,” “Desert Solitude,” and “Peaceful Patterns.”


Monday, March 15, 2021

Final Trailer for “THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER”

 


Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” debuts a new trailer today, ramping up the excitement for Friday’s debut of the new original series on Disney+.  All eyes are on the shield, as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier decide to team up—or rather, work together—when a new global threat launches them into an unexpected mission that may hit too close to home.  

 

Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman as head writer, the six-episode series stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Emily VanCamp and Daniel Brühl. The series also features Erin Kellyman, Georges St. Pierre, Amy Aquino, Adepero Oduye and Danny Ramirez. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” debuts on Disney+ March 19, 2021. 


Sunday, March 14, 2021

DISNEY’S “CRUELLA” SNEAK PEEK AND NEW STILLS

 


BURBANK, Calif. (March 14 , 2021) – Following its debut in tonight’s 2021 GRAMMY Show, The Walt Disney Company has released the sneak peek plus three additional still images from its all-new live-action feature film “Cruella,” starring Academy Award®-winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, directed by Craig Gillespie. The film will be released on Friday, May 28.

 




Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. 

 

Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) and produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone and Michelle Wright (“Baby Driver”) serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates the dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own. 


“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” New Featurette and Exclusive Clips

 


A new featurette for Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is now available, featuring fan-favorites Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan as Falcon and Winter Soldier, whose oil-and-water dynamic has entertained audiences since 2016’s “Avengers: Civil War.” Two clips are also available today to share with your readers. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” debuts exclusively on Disney+. 

 

Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, who came together in the final moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience. Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the six-episode series also stars Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Daniel Brühl as Zemo. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” debuts on Disney+ March 19, 2021.



Check out two exclusive clips: 



Friday, March 12, 2021

Marvel Studios’ “Assembled” Goes Behind the Scenes of “WandaVision”

 



Go behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ hit series “WandaVision” with a brand-new, documentary-style special “Assembled: The Making of ‘WandaVision’”—now streaming exclusively on Disney+. A trailer is available now to share with your readers.

 

The premiere episode of this groundbreaking series of documentary-style specials features Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany and the creative team behind Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” as they welcome viewers behind the scenes of their exciting series. Learn how the production’s surprising concept took shape by drawing inspiration from classic sitcoms. Witness how the crew went to great lengths to emulate various filmmaking methods used during the early years of television. Discover the unique challenges and ultimate rewards of performing an entire episode in front of a live studio audience. Spend time with exciting newcomers to the MCU, including Teyonah Parris and Kathryn Hahn, along with returning favorites like Kat Dennings and Randall Park. “Assembled: The Making of ‘WandaVision’” is an all-encompassing look at Marvel Studios’ first, and arguably most unusual, streaming series.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

DISNEY+ REVEALS THE TRAILER FOR ITS ORIGINAL SERIES ‘SECRETS OF THE WHALES’

 



BURBANK, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2021)  Today, Disney+ released the trailer for its upcoming original series “Secrets of the Whales,” which plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to reveal the mysterious and beautiful world of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales. 

 

The four-part series, from National Geographic, is executive produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron (“Avatar”) and narrated by award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver (“Alien,” “Avatar,” “Gorillas in the Mist”). All four episodes will be available to stream exclusively on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.

 

Featuring the expansive knowledge and skill of acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry, the series ventures deep into the world of whales to witness the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures to reveal life and love from their perspective. “Secrets of the Whales” unveils new science and technology to spotlight whales as they make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones. Filmed over three years in 24 global locations, throughout this epic journey, we learn that whales are far more complex and more like us than ever imagined. This is a personal story that very few are lucky enough to witness … until now.

 

“Secrets of the Whales” is produced for National Geographic by Red Rock Films. For Red Rock Films, Brian Armstrong and Shannon Malone-DeBenedictis are executive producers. For Earthship, James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm are executive producers and Kim Butts is associate producer. For National Geographic, Pamela Caragol is executive producer. The series is scored by composer Raphaelle Thibaut.

Monday, March 8, 2021

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” Character Posters + New "Legends" Trailer

 

Check out the new character posters for Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” featuring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier, Daniel Brühl as Zemo, and Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter. The all-new, six-episode series streams exclusively on Disney+ beginning March 19, 2021.

 

How did Sam become Falcon? When was Bucky’s mind healed? What drove Sharon underground? 

To revisit the journeys of favorite characters featured in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” before the series launches, TUNE IN to Marvel Studios’ “Legends”—exclusively on Disney+. “Falcon” and “Winter Soldier” episodes debuted Friday, March 5, and “Zemo” and “Sharon Carter” episodes debut Friday, March 12.