Disney’s D23 Expo 2024 was a whirlwind of excitement, showcasing a plethora of upcoming projects that have fans buzzing. From heartwarming animated sequels like Moana 2 and Frozen 3 to thrilling live-action remakes like Lilo & Stitch and Snow White, Disney is set to enchant audiences of all ages. To add on to the excitement, stage plays for Frozen, Hercules, and The Greatest Showman were also announced.
But it’s not just the House of Mouse that’s making waves. Marvel Studios also stole the show with exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming streaming series, Daredevil: Born Again and Agatha All Along. Meanwhile, Lucasfilm delighted Star Wars fans with updates on the highly-anticipated The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Here are the top 10 announcements made at Disney’s D23 Expo 2024.
1) Disney+ Spin-Offs and New Seasons
Dream Productions is The Inside Out 2 streaming series
Dream Productions, the fantastical realm behind Riley’s night time imaginings in Inside Out, is stepping into the spotlight with its own Disney+ series in 2025. This ‘in-betweenquel’, set between the events of the first two films, promises to pull back the curtain on the whimsical movie studio within Riley’s mind, offering a Pixar-infused look at the creative process behind dreams.
A sneak peek at D23 2024 revealed the bustling activity within Dream Productions as Riley drifts off to sleep, hinting at the show’s exploration of how dreams are born and their impact on our waking lives.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 starts production
Even though season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has barely begun filming, D23 2024 attendees were treated to an exciting sneak peek. A brief clip showcased Walker Scobell’s Percy Jackson, ready for action in a blue chariot drawn by majestic white horses.
Based on Rick Riordan’s The Sea of Monsters, the upcoming season promises to be a whirlwind of adventure. Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood to find his world in disarray: his friendship with Annabeth is strained, he discovers a cyclops brother, Grover is missing, and the camp is under attack. The stakes are higher than ever as Percy embarks on a perilous quest into the treacherous Sea of Monsters, where a hidden destiny awaits him.
2) Avatar 3 is officially named Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron revealed the title of the third instalment in the Avatar franchise as Avatar: Fire and Ash. This announcement follows the monumental success of 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water, a sequel over a decade in the making that raked in over US$2.3 billion at the box office. Cameron expressed his enthusiasm for the project, which has been in development for years alongside The Way of Water, stating that both films were shot concurrently and are now deep in post-production.
Additionally, Cameron teased that Avatar: Fire and Ash will explore previously unseen parts of Pandora. The film, set to deepen the franchise’s lore, is slated for release by Disney’s 20th Century Studios on 25 December 2025.
3) All Pixar Announcements
Toy Story 5
Pixar is gearing up for a nostalgic return to the Toy Story universe with the announcement of Toy Story 5. Helmed by Andrew Stanton, the visionary director behind beloved classics like Wall-E and Finding Nemo, this fifth instalment promises to be a delightful adventure for fans of all ages.
While details remain scarce, it’s been revealed that the toys will face a new challenge in the form of electronic playthings, including a mischievous army of 50 rogue Buzz Lightyears. Stanton’s playful description of the film suggests a heartwarming and humorous exploration of childhood in the digital age.
Incredibles 3
Pixar’s beloved superhero family, the Incredibles, are gearing up for another adventure as Incredibles 3 is officially in development. With franchise veteran Brad Bird back at the helm, this announcement is a welcome surprise for fans who have eagerly awaited the return of the Parr family. While details about the plot and release date remain under wraps, the news alone is enough to generate excitement.
Original film Hoppers will star Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan
Pixar isn’t just revisiting familiar worlds, they’re also venturing into uncharted territory with Hoppers, an original animated movie set to hop into theatres in the spring of 2026. Featuring the vocal talents of Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda, this fresh narrative promises to introduce audiences to a brand-new cast of characters and a captivating story that’s sure to capture hearts.
New film Elio charts course for June 2025 premiere, stars Zoe Saldana
Pixar will launch another original animated movie, Elio, in 2025. This space-themed adventure, set to premiere on 13 June 2025, will transport audiences to uncharted realms and introduce them to a captivating new cast of characters. The D23 expo not only brought the exciting news of Zoe Saldana joining the voice cast as Elio’s aunt but also treated attendees to an exclusive trailer, offering a sneak peek into this intergalactic journey.
Disney+ debuts first Pixar original series, Win or Lose
Pixar is set to break new ground with Win or Lose, their first-ever original television series premiering on Disney+ on 6 December. The trailer, revealed at D23 2024, showcases a variety of animation styles, each capturing the distinct personalities and emotions of the players and coaches. Featuring a talented voice cast, including Will Forte and Rosa Salazar, the show takes a unique approach to storytelling, exploring the perspectives of different characters as they navigate the highs and lows of a championship softball season.
4) Tron: Ares reveals exclusive footage, rock band Nine Inch Nails to score
Disney reignited the iconic Tron franchise at D23 2024, unveiling the first footage from the highly-anticipated third film, Tron: Ares. The trailer offered a glimpse into a world where the lines between the virtual and the real are blurred, with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack by rock band Nine Inch Nails.
Jeff Bridges, reprising his role as Kevin Flynn, expressed his excitement for the film’s timely return, noting the perfect synergy between the franchise’s themes and the current technological landscape. The trailer also introduced Jared Leto’s character, Ares, a villainous programme seeking to dominate the real world. With its mix of high-stakes action, philosophical undertones, and the promise of an unforgettable score, Tron: Ares, slated for release in 2025, is poised to be a thrilling addition to the sci-fi canon.
5) Monster Jam sees The Rock working with Disney again
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson surprised D23 2024 attendees with a sneak peek at a brand-new project at Disney: Monster Jam. While details are scarce, Johnson’s enthusiasm for this live-action venture is palpable. He envisions a thrilling, immersive experience that captures the heart-pounding excitement of monster truck rallies, showcasing the eccentric personalities behind the wheel. With Johnson’s passion and Disney’s magic, Monster Jam is shaping up to be an exhilarating ride.
6) Zootopia 2 casts Ke Huy Quan
Zootopia, the beloved animated world of anthropomorphic animals, is set to welcome a new, and potentially slippery, resident. At the D23 2024, Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps, announced that Ke Huy Quan (The Goonies, Everything Everywhere All At Once) will be joining the cast of Zootopia 2 as Gary, a snake with a “shady past.” This casting choice hints at a thrilling new adventure for Judy and Nick Wilde, as they navigate the complexities of Gary’s enigmatic presence and embark on a “whole new mission.”
With his reputation as a “creepy, slithery, and highly venomous” character, Gary’s introduction adds a layer of suspense to the highly-anticipated sequel. As fans eagerly await the film’s release in November 2025, the addition of Quan’s character promises to expand the already vibrant and diverse world of Zootopia.
7) All Disney Sequels
Moana 2 Trailer
At D23 2024, an extended trailer for Moana 2 offered a glimpse into the next chapter of Moana’s journey, where a new, menacing threat forces her to seek Maui’s help once again. The trailer showcased stunning visuals, including an in-person dance number. Stars Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho took to the stage, sharing insights into their characters’ growth and motivations. Cravalho emphasised Moana’s new role as a leader and a protective older sister, while also highlighting her unwavering curiosity and desire to explore the world beyond her familiar shores. With its promise of adventure, family bonds, and a formidable new challenge, Moana 2 is set to make a splash when it hits theatres this November.
Frozen 3 Concept Art
Frozen fans rejoice! The beloved animated franchise is set to expand with not one, but potentially two more films. At D23 2024, director Jennifer Lee revealed that Frozen 3 is currently in development, with a 2027 release date in sight. Attendees were treated to a tantalising teaser featuring Elsa and Anna on horseback, setting the stage for another enchanting adventure. Lee also hinted at the possibility of a fourth film, explaining that the team still has unanswered questions from Frozen 2, necessitating further exploration of this magical world.
Freakier Friday First Images & Title
Get ready for another dose of body-swapping hilarity in 2025! Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back for the highly-anticipated sequel to Freaky Friday, now officially titled Freakier Friday. The duo delighted fans at D23 2024 with a sneak peek at the film’s first images and a playful onstage reunion.
While plot details remain under wraps, we know that the film will revisit the mother-daughter duo of Tess and Anna Coleman as they navigate the complexities of blending families through marriage.
8) All Star Wars Announcements
The Mandalorian & Grogu First Footage
The Mandalorian and Grogu are set to make their triumphant return to the big screen, and while details about the film remain scarce, a recent featurette offers tantalising glimpses of Grogu sporting a full set of Mandalorian Beskar armour, hinting at his continued growth and training under Din Djarin’s tutelage. The appearance of AT-ATs and a snow-covered planet reminiscent of Hoth suggests a thrilling adventure that may delve deeper into the remnants of the Galactic Empire. Mark your calendars, because The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled to blast into theatres on 22 May 2026, promising a reunion with everyone’s favourite Star Wars duo.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Premieres December on Disney+
Disney+ is ready to take Star Wars fans on a nostalgic journey with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, a live-action series set in the New Republic era. The show, heavily inspired by classic Steven Spielberg films like E.T. and Hook, follows a group of lost children navigating the vastness of the galaxy, their adventure punctuated by thrilling encounters and heartwarming moments. The first trailer, unveiled at D23 2024, showcases the show’s Spielbergian influences, X-Wings soaring through the sky and Jude Law’s enigmatic character, Jod Na Nawood, demonstrating his mastery of the Force.
The series premieres on 3 December with a two-episode debut on Disney+.
Andor Unveils Season 2 Footage
Fans of the critically acclaimed Andor series can rejoice! The second season, while still a ways off, teased its highly anticipated return with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage unveiled at D23 2024. The snippets showcased familiar faces like Cassian Andor’s loyal droid companion, K-2SO, and the ambitious Director Krennic, hinting at a thrilling narrative spanning four years. This glimpse has left fans buzzing with excitement, eager to see how Cassian’s journey unfolds in the ever-evolving Star Wars universe.
9) All Marvel Announcements
Daredevil: Born Again Premieres March 2025
Marvel Studios isn’t pulling any punches with Daredevil: Born Again, the highly anticipated sequel series that brings the beloved vigilante back to the small screen. Attendees were treated to an exclusive trailer, showcasing Charlie Cox’s Daredevil cleaning up the streets of New York, but also hinting at a darker and more complex narrative. The return of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Wilson Bethel’s Bullseye promises thrilling confrontations, while the introduction of the vigilante White Tiger adds a new layer of intrigue.
While an official trailer release is still pending, the 1 March 2025 premiere date on Disney+ can’t come soon enough.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Drops Snippet
D23 2024 attendees got a sneak peek at The Fantastic Four: First Steps, showcasing the team’s origin and a glimpse of Galactus. The trailer, which previously premiered at SDCC featuring test footage, highlights the all-star cast and hints at the epic challenges to come. With a July 2025 release date, fans are eagerly anticipating this thrilling addition to the MCU.
Agatha All Along
Agatha Harkness is back! The WandaVision spinoff, Agatha All Along, showcased a new trailer at D23 2024, featuring Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza dealing with the Scarlet Witch’s fallout. The trailer, accompanied by an original song performance, teased Agatha’s journey to reclaim her powers through a series of magical trials. With a star-studded cast and a premiere date of 18 September on Disney+, Agatha All Along is set to cast a spell on audiences.
10) Disney Live-Action Trailers
Lilo & Stitch Unveils First Look at Live-Action Stitch
Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is taking a different approach compared to its predecessors. While The Lion King opted for hyper-realistic visuals, Lilo & Stitch seems to be embracing the cartoonish charm of the original, maintaining Stitch’s beloved puppy-like appearance while adding some adorable furry details. While no further information was revealed, the first glimpse of the live-action Stitch promises a heartwarming adventure set to hit theatres in the summer of 2025.
Snow White Teaser Trailer
Rachel Zegler is set to enchant audiences as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake. The film’s first trailer, unveiled at D23 2024, offers a glimpse of Zegler’s performance and Gal Gadot’s take on the Evil Queen. With familiar tunes and beloved characters reimagined for a new generation, Snow White promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant retelling of the classic fairy tale. Mark your calendars for 21 March 2025, when this magical adventure hits theatres.
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer and Music
The Disney Entertainment Showcase concluded with an extensive preview of its upcoming film, Mufasa: The Lion King. This prequel centres on the origins of Mufasa and Scar, who is initially called Taka. The new trailer provides a glimpse into their early friendship, narrated by Rafiki. It also features fresh music composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative force behind the award-winning musical Hamilton. Set to provide a fresh take on a beloved Disney tale, Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled to hit theatres on 20 December.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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