Disney just issued a press release revealing its D23 Expo slate and confirmed that the next slate of Marvel Cinematic Universe films will be announced at the event. In addition to Marvel Studios films, Disney will also unveil upcoming Star Wars and live-action films as well as animated movies from Pixar in the same event, with attendees treated to “exclusive footage” from the movies.
The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Fans will see what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and get a peek at the exciting slate of live-action projects, from Disney to Marvel Studios to Star Wars. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!
Does this mean Marvel Studios would be skipping San Diego Comic Con’s Hall H panel as well? It definitely looks likely, which is sad given how DC is already skipping the event as well. It appears SDCC this year is going to feel relatively empty, with the major announcements either not happening or shifted to other events, as in this case. Disney appears to be positioning its D23 event as the next-big thing after Comic Con and the place to be to catch all exclusive looks at its movie and theme park lineup and this year is going to be big on that front.
In addition to these movies, Disney will also announce a slate of original films set to premiere on its upcoming streaming service Disney+. Now whether this means we’ll get original streaming-service only films for Marvel and Star Wars remains to be seen; I’d like to believe that’s eventually a possibility but not at the moment. It could give Feige and co the chance to do Inhumans properly or Lucasfilm the opportunity to explore more standalone films with the tag A Star Wars Story. Disney will also honor some members with Legends Awards; recipients include Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Hans Zimmer, Ming-Na Wen and many more.
Here’s the complete press release issued from Disney. Let us know what you make of this announcement in the comments below:
Some of the most exciting and anticipated Disney announcements have happened at past D23 Expos, and D23 Expo 2019 is proving to be just as thrilling. Starting with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, kicking off the Expo on Friday morning, August 23, the presentations and panels coming to “Hall D23” are sure to wow audiences. Later that same day, Disney+ will showcase its exciting slate of original films and series coming to the streaming service, set to launch in the U.S. on November 12. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at their collection of world-class film labels, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. And on Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks during a presentation hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek.
These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):
Friday, August 23
The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Wing Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.
On Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the highly anticipated streaming service Disney+ will give guests a first look at some of its original content including Lady and the Tramp, The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and many more during this star-studded presentation.
Saturday, August 24
The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Fans will see what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and get a peek at the exciting slate of live-action projects, from Disney to Marvel Studios to Star Wars. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!
Sunday, August 25
On Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m., step into the magical world of Disney Parks, Experiences and Productswith Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe, including more about the transformational plans for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Want to see the action for yourself? Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
