The 2024 D23 Expo, the biggest and most anticipated event for Disney fans, has once again surprised everyone with a series of announcements that solidify the company as the undisputed leader in immersive and memorable entertainment.
Held this past weekend (August 9-11) at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Disney revealed an impressive lineup of new movies, series, and theme park expansions that promise to keep Disney's magic evolving and captivating fans of all ages.
In this article, we gather all the details presented at the Expo.
Movies and Series Announced at the 2024 D23 Expo
1. Moana 2 (November 27, 2024):
The sequel to Moana promises to be another box office hit. Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho returned to the stage to present an exclusive preview and a new song titled "We’re Back." With a release date set for November 27, this film is one of the most anticipated of the year, especially after the trailer broke records with nearly 200 million views in just 24 hours.
2. Mufasa: The Lion King (December 20, 2024):
Disney also presented Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel directed by Barry Jenkins that will explore the origins of the iconic King Mufasa and how he became one of the greatest rulers of the Pride Lands. The film, set to premiere on December 20 this year, promises to be an emotional addition to the legacy of The Lion King.
3. Daredevil: Born Again (March 2025):
Marvel Television continues to expand its universe with Daredevil: Born Again. The series, starring Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, and other original cast members, will premiere on Disney+ in March 2025 as an intense and thrilling continuation of Matt Murdock's story.
4. TRON: Ares (October 10, 2025):
The TRON franchise returns with TRON: Ares, a film directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto. This new chapter will explore the interaction between humans and digital beings, with a soundtrack created by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. It is scheduled to be released on October 10, 2025.
5. Avatar: Fire And Ash (December 19, 2025):
The successful Avatar franchise will continue with a third installment titled Avatar: Fire And Ash. With its release set for December 19, 2025, James Cameron, along with lead actors Zoë Saldaña and Sam Worthington, shared details about this new adventure that will further expand the universe of Pandora and its inhabitants.
6. The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026):
The Star Wars universe continues to grow, and the movie The Mandalorian & Grogu will be the first to bring these characters to the big screen since the success of the Disney+ series. With a release scheduled for 2026, this film promises to be an unmissable event for fans of the saga.
7. Frozen 3 (2027):
With the phenomenal success of the first two films, Frozen 3 is one of the most anticipated sequels. The movie will explore new stories of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf with new songs and magical challenges, promising to delve even deeper into the bond between the sisters and the kingdom of Arendelle, while maintaining the charm and magic that has captured hearts worldwide.
8. Incredibles 3 (Date TBA):
Fans of The Incredibles were thrilled with the announcement that the third installment of this beloved franchise is in development. The Parr family will return with new dynamics and challenges. And Brad Bird, the original director, will be responsible for continuing this exciting blend of family life and heroic feats.
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 10, 2024
Just announced at #D23: #Incredibles3 is officially in the works at Pixar! pic.twitter.com/IZCEBFJwXs
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 10, 2024
Expansions in Disney Theme Parks
1. Villains Land in Magic Kingdom, Orlando:
One of the most exciting announcements was the creation of a new land dedicated to Disney’s classic villains at Magic Kingdom. This area will include two major attractions, as well as themed shops and restaurants, offering an immersive experience into the world of Disney's most infamous villains.
2. Monsters, Inc. Land in Hollywood Studios:
Hollywood Studios in Orlando will expand with a new land based on Monsters, Inc., featuring a thrilling attraction that will take visitors on a tour of the Laugh Factory in a suspended roller coaster.
3. Tropical America’s Land in Animal Kingdom:
This new area in Animal Kingdom will feature an Indiana Jones attraction inside a Mayan temple and the recreation of the Madrigal House from Encanto in Pueblo Esperanza. Visitors will be able to explore the magical house and enjoy a carousel inspired by classic Disney animals.
4. Avengers Campus Expansion in Disney California Adventure:
Avengers Campus will double in size with two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. In the first, visitors will go on an adventure to prevent King Thanos from using stolen portal technology. In the second, visitors will defend iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City while learning to fly like superheroes.
5. Avatar Land in Disney California Adventure:
Disney California Adventure will add an area dedicated to Avatar: The Way of Water and future films in the franchise. This space will offer a large-scale experience that captures the majesty of Pandora and its inhabitants.
6. Coco Attraction in Disneyland:
Inspired by the popular film Coco, this new attraction at Disneyland will follow Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead, utilizing advanced animatronic technology and a design inspired by classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean.
7. International Expansions:
Some international parks will also receive significant expansions. Disneyland Paris will add a Lion King area, Shanghai and Hong Kong will feature a new Spider-Man roller coaster, and Tokyo Disneyland will debut a new nighttime show titled Reach for the Stars featuring characters from Big Hero Six, Up, and Marvel superheroes.
8. Disney Cruise Line Expansion:
Disney Cruise Line will expand with four new ships that will join the existing fleet between 2027 and 2031. This expansion will allow more people to enjoy the unique at-sea experience that only Disney can offer.
Epic Games and Interactive Collaborations
In addition to exciting sequels and impressive theme park expansions, Disney also announced a significant collaboration with Epic Games, focusing on integrating iconic characters and franchises into the popular video game Fortnite. This strategic move aims to further connect Disney with a younger, tech-savvy audience.
1. Disney Characters in Fortnite:
Starting this fall, Fortnite players will be able to interact with characters from Disney Animation, Pixar, and Lucasfilm. Featured characters include Cruella, Hook, and Maleficent, along with heroes from The Incredibles like Frozone, Elastigirl, and Mr. Incredible. Additionally, characters from Star Wars, like IG-11 and Grogu, will also make their debut in the game.
2. Marvel Event in Fortnite:
Marvel will continue its collaboration with Fortnite with a new event centered on Doctor Doom, featuring new special weapons and themed elements. This partnership strengthens the connection between video games and the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe, attracting both gamers and fans of comics and movies.
The 2024 D23 Expo made it clear that Disney is not only focused on expanding its creative boundaries in film and television but is also continually reinventing its stunning theme parks and interactive experiences.
This event not only fuels the nostalgia of long-time fans but also opens new doors to attract future generations. Whether through a movie, a video game, or a theme park attraction, Disney, with more than 100 years of history, continues to redefine the magic of storytelling and creating worlds we can all feel a part of. The coming years promise to be exciting for everyone who carries Disney's magic in their hearts.
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