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https://www.thenerdelement.com/2022/09/10/disney-branded-television-debuts-new-content-and-unveils-key-projects-at-d23-expo-2022/

DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION DEBUTS NEW CONTENT AND UNVEILS KEY PROJECTS FOR DISNEY+, DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY JUNIOR DURING
DISNEY’S EPIC ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE:
THE MUSICAL: THE EXTRAVAGANZA! AT D23 EXPO 2022

Premiere Dates, Trailers and New Footage Revealed for:

Disney Channel’s ‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’

Disney+ Original Series:
‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ Season 2,
‘National Treasure: Edge of History,’
‘The Santa Clauses,‘  and More!

It’s Now or Never: ‘High School Musical 3: Senior Year’ Announced as Musical for Season 4 of Disney+’s ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’

Lead Voice Cast Announced for ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ – First Full-Length Animated Star Wars Series for Preschoolers
Set to Air 2023 on Disney Junior and Disney+

New Unscripted Holiday Specials for Disney+ Announced: ‘Best In Snow,’ ‘Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays’ and ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’

Disney Branded Television today revealed new projects and released never-before-seen content for its series and movies across Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior during Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza! at D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California. The announcements were made by Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis with some help from the casts and creative teams of current and upcoming series and movies across Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior.
 
“At Disney Branded Television, we create shows full of magic, adventure, thrill and heart that resonate with audiences around the world,” said Davis. “Our announcements today spotlight the breadth and depth of our commitment to entertaining fans of all ages, across animation, live-action series and movies, unscripted and documentaries.”
 
Key premiere dates and trailers unveiled during the Showcase include the following:
“American Born Chinese” – first look at the exciting new Disney+ Original series coming in 2023 (link here)
“Big Shot” – season two, all episodes streaming on Disney+ on Oct. 12
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” – debuts Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and shortly thereafter on Disney+ – first trailer released (link here)
“National Treasure: Edge of History” – Disney+ Original series set to debut Dec. 14 with two episodes – trailer released (link here)
“Prom Pact” – first look at new movie revealed (link here)
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” – season two premieres February 2023 on Disney+ announced with all-new trailer (link here)
“The Santa Clauses” – Disney+ Original series debuts Nov. 16 with two episodes – first-look teaser released (link here) 
Other key announcements during the showcase included the following:
Three new unscripted holiday specials announced for Disney+ streaming this holiday season: 
“Best in Snow,” an action-packed winter competition event hosted by Titus Burgess;
Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays,” following the superstar a cappella group as they work to find inspiration for their annual holiday album;
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” a modern reimagining of a holiday classic that fuses the worlds of hip-hop and classical music to put a fresh spin on a beloved tale.
In season four of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” after an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they will prepare a stage production of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” On their first day back, the principal announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited “High School Musical 4: The Reunion” movie on location at their beloved high school, and our Wildcats will be playing featured extras in the movie. It’s season four, and it’s now or never.
New single “Can You Picture That?” from the upcoming Disney+ series “The Muppets Mayhem” released after The Electric Mayhem’s live performance of the musical number – https://disneymusic.lnk.to/CanYouPictureThat New details about “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” were shared with D23 Expo attendees about the upcoming series and two members of the lead voice cast – Jamaal Avery Jr. and Emma Berman – revealed. 

 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS FOR SERIES AND SPECIALS PRESENTED DURING THE SHOWCASE:
 
“American Born Chinese”
Coming to Disney+ in 2023 (DBT and 20th Television)
Based on the genre-hopping graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, “American Born Chinese” tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods. “American Born Chinese” stars Ben Wang as Jin Wang, Yeo Yann Yann as Christine Wang, Chin Han as Simon Wang, Ke Huy Quan as Freddy Wong, Jimmy Liu as Wei-Chen, Sydney Taylor as Amelia with Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong “The Monkey King” and Michelle Yeoh as Guanyin.
 
Emmy® Award-winning writer/producer Kelvin Yu (“Bob’s Burgers,” “Central Park”) serves as executive producer and showrunner. Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Short Term 12”) is set to direct and serves as executive producer, alongside Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan (both of “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” for Disney+, and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Jumanji: The Next Level” feature films), Erin O’Malley (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Asher Goldstein (“Short Term 12,” “Just Mercy”) and Gene Luen Yang. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“Big Shot” Season Two
Premieres Oct. 12 on Disney+ (DBT and 20th Television)
Marvyn’s (John Stamos) latest plan toward relevance is to get his team broadcast on ESPN, and his method is to recruit an unlikely player: Ava (SaraEcheagaray), a gutsy beach volleyball phenom whose public tantrum got her ousted from her own sport. Between losing their assistant coach Holly Barrett (Jessalyn Gilsig) to a rival school, new friction amongst teammates, a sudden and unexpected proximity to boys, and off-the-court disasters that no one could’ve predicted this season, the Westbrook Sirens have even more to prove. “Big Shot” stars John Stamos (“You,” “The Little Mermaid Live”), Jessalyn Gilsig (Glee), Sophia Mitri Schloss (“Potato Dreams of America), Nell Verlaque (“Secrets in a Small Town), Tiana Le (“Just Add Magic”), Tisha Custodio, Cricket Wampler (“About A Boy”), Sara Echeagaray and Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”). Executive producers and co-creators are David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey and Brad Garrett. Bill D’Elia also serves as executive producer. A Disney Branded Television series, “Big Shot” is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“The Santa Clauses”
Premieres Nov.16 on Disney+, Two-episode premiere (DBT and 20th Television)
Scott Calvin is on the brink of his 65th birthday and realizing that he can’t be Santa forever. He’s suddenly starting to lose his Santa magic; and, more importantly, he’s got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world, especially his two kids who have grown up at the North Pole. With a lot of elves, children and family to please, Scott sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the pole.
 
The Disney+ Original series “The Santa Clauses” stars Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, Devin Bright, Austin Kane, Matilda Lawler, Rupali Redd and Kal Penn. Award-winning Jack Burditt (“30 Rock,” “Modern Family”) is the executive producer and showrunner; and Tim Allen, in addition to starring, Kevin Hench (“Last Man Standing”), Richard Baker and Rick Messina will also serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company. The Disney Branded Television series is a production of 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“National Treasure: Edge of History”
Premieres Dec. 14 on Disney+, Two-episode premiere (DBT and 20th Television)
The Disney+ Original series “National Treasure” Edge of History” is an expansion of the “National Treasure” movie franchise told from the point of view of a young heroine, Jess – a brilliant and resourceful DREAMer in search of answers about her family – who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover the truth about the past and save a lost Pan-American treasure. “National Treasure” stars Lisette Olivera, Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Jake Austin Walker (“Rectify”), Jordan Rodrigues (“Lady Bird”), Zuri Reed (“Flatbush Misdemeanors”), Antonio Cipriano (“Jagged Little Pill”) and Lyndon Smith (“Parenthood”). Jerry Bruckheimer, Cormac & Marianne Wibberley, Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed serve as executive producers on the series alongside Rick Muirragui, who also serves as a writer. Jon Turteltaub is also an executive producer. Mira Nair is directing and executive producing. A Disney Branded Television series, “National Treasure” is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur”
Premieres Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and streams shortly thereafter on Disney+ (DBT)
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” based on Marvel’s hit comic books, follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.
 
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” stars Diamond White as Lunella (aka Moon Girl); Fred Tatasciore as Devil Dinosaur; Alfre Woodard as Lunella’s grandmother, Mimi; Libe Barer as Lunella’s best friend and manager, Casey; Sasheer Zamata as Lunella’s mom, Adria; Jermaine Fowler as Lunella’s dad, James Jr.; Gary Anthony Williams as Lunella’s grandfather, Pops; and series executive producer Laurence Fishburne in the recurring role of The Beyonder, a curious and mischievous trickster.
 
Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series is executive produced by Fishburne and Helen Sugland’s Cinema Gypsy Productions (ABC’s “black-ish” and “mixed-ish,” Freeform’s “grown-ish”) and Steve Loter (Disney’s “Kim Possible”). Rodney Clouden (“Futurama”) is supervising producer, Kate Kondell (“The Pirate Fairy”) and Jeffrey M. Howard (“Planes”) are co-producers and story editors, and Pilar Flynn (“Elena of Avalor”) is producer.
 
“Prom Pact”
Streaming Soon on Disney+ (DBT)
It’s the height of prom season, and high school senior Mandy Yang and her best friend and fellow outsider Ben are surrounded by over-the-top ’80s-themed promposals. However, Mandy keeps her eyes focused on a different goal: her lifelong dream of attending Harvard. When she finds out that she has been put on the waitlist, she is determined to do whatever she can do to get herself accepted, even if that means asking for help from the one person she abhors – popular all-star jock Graham Lansing, whose father is a powerful senator and Harvard alum. Once Mandy becomes Graham’s tutor, she begins to realize there’s more to him than she thought and perhaps something more to life than Harvard.
 
“Prom Pact” stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Mandy, Milo Manheim as Ben, Blake Draper as Graham, Monique Green as LaToya, Arica Himmel as Zenobia, Jason Sakaki as Charles, Margaret Cho as Ms. Chen, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Alyssa and David S. Jung as Tom.
 
Jake Kasdan (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Melvin Mar (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) and Rachael Field (“Modern Family”) are executive producers on “Prom Pact”; and Anya Adams (“Ginny & Georgia”) directed the movie, which was written by Anthony Lombardo (“American Housewife”).
 
“The Muppets Mayhem”
Coming to Disney+ in 2023 (DBT and ABC Signature)
“Can You Picture That” Single: https://disneymusic.lnk.to/CanYouPictureThat

The comedy series follows The Electric Mayhem Band — Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone and Lips on trumpet — on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven, young music executive, Nora, the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current-day music scene as they try to finally go platinum. “The Muppets Mayhem” stars Lilly Singh (“Nora”), Tahj Mowry (“Moog”), Saara Chaudry (“Hannah”) as well as Anders Holm (“JJ”) in a recurring role.
 
“The Muppets Mayhem” is developed by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta and Jeff Yorkes based on characters created by Jim Henson. It is written by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta and Jeff Yorkes; the executive producers are Goldberg, Barretta, Michael Bostick and Kris Eber. Yorkes is a co-executive producer. The Muppets Studio’s David Lightbody and Leigh Slaughter are also executive producers. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by ABC Signature, which is part of Disney Television Studios, and The Muppets Studio for Disney+.
 
 
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”
Season Two Premieres February 2023 on Disney+ (Disney Television Animation)
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and includes her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). Of course, it would not be “The Proud Family” without Penny’s loyal crew: Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez, Zoey Howzer and Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, among others.
 
Cast members reprising their roles from the original series and returning for season two are Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron. Recurring new voices that will also return include Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto as Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, EJ Johnson as Michael Collins, Asante Blackk as Kareem, Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins, Bresha Webb as CeCe and Aiden Dodson as BeBe.
 
The series, a critically acclaimed revival of Disney’s groundbreaking “The Proud Family,” is executive produced by its creator Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar. Calvin Brown, Jr. (“Moesha”) is co-executive producer and story editor. Jan Hirota (“Big Hero 6 The Series”) is producer. Eastwood Wong (“Carmen Sandiego”) is art director, and directors are Latoya Raveneau (“Rise Up, Sing Out”), Rudi Bloss (“DC Super Hero Girls”) and Tara Nicole Whitaker (“Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure”).
 
 
New Unscripted Holiday Specials
 
“Best in Snow”
Coming This Holiday Season to Disney+ (Six West Media and Milojo Productions)
“Best in Snow” is a festive holiday special, hosted by Tituss Burgess, featuring teams from around the world transported to a magical snowy village, Snowdome, and thrown into a spirited competition to compete for the title of Best in Snow. With the help of Snowdome’s finest carvers, teams will transform their 10-foot, 20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful creations inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios and The Muppets Studio. The teams will take family favorites such as Moana, Coco and The Lion King, and bring the characters to life in a way you’ve never seen before – in snow! Spectacular snow sculptures and lively musical performances from Tituss Burgess, Kermit the Frog and DCappella make this an action-packed winter event for the entire family.
 
Produced by Six West Media and Milojo Productions. Executive producers are Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Steve Ascher, Albert Bianchini, Allie Breslin, Jessica Conway, Josh Greenberg (and showrunner) and Tabitha Hanson-Obtulowicz. Michael Halpern is a producer, and the special was directed by Sam Wrench.
 
Cast includes Tituss Burgess as Mayor Frostifer von Fjord, Kermit the Frog and Disney’s DCapella as the Town Carolers.
 
 
“Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays”
Coming This Holiday Season to Disney+ (Done+Dusted)
Superstar a capella group Pentatonix is struggling to find inspiration for their annual holiday album, and the clock is ticking. To make matters worse, their well-intentioned but misguided manager mistakenly locks them in a magic mailroom. But with the help of some Disney magic, we’re soon on a whirlwind tour around the world, discovering holiday traditions and inspiration from Pentatonix fans all around the globe: from Tokyo to Grenada, Ghana to Mexico and Iceland. The fun-filled journey leads the group to realize that wherever we find ourselves, the holidays offer the perfect opportunity to discover how much we have in common and that it really is a small world after all!
 
Produced by Done+Dusted, executive producers are Ashley Edens, David Jammy, Katy Mullan.
 
Cast includes Pentatonix – Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee and Nico Santos as manager.
 
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”
Coming This Holiday Season to Disney+ (Done+Dusted)
Run-D.M.C.’s Rev Run brings us along for a hip-hop reimagining of The Nutcracker ballet set in New York City. It’s the night of the annual New Year’s Eve block party and Maria-Clara’s (Caché Melvin) mom and pop (Allison Holker Boss and Stephen “tWitch’ Boss) aren’t getting along … and it’s bringing her down. Maria-Clara embarks on a holiday adventure to bring her parents back together, finding help along the way from the magical toymaker, Drosselmeyer (Comfort Fedoke), and the Nutcracker (Du-Shant “Fik-shun” Stegall) whom she brings to life.
 
Maria-Clara’s journey takes her from the streets of New York to fantasy worlds where she battles with mice and toy soldiers (Viktor White, BDash, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis”), and back in time to the Land of Sweets in order to find the key to unlock her holiday wish. Will it be enough to rekindle her parents’ lost love before the clock strikes midnight? The special features best-in-class dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tiler Peck, KidaTheGreat AKA Kida Burns, the Jabbawockeez as magical snowflakes, and more.
 
Produced by Done+Dusted, executive producers are Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, Jennifer Weber, Eva Price and NappyTabs. Choreographers include NappyTabs, Hokuto “HOK” Konishi, Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman, Luther Brown, D-Trix and Jennifer Weber.
 
Nikki Parsons is director. The Disney+ Original special “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is inspired by the live stage phenomenon touring America this holiday season.
 
Cast:
Rev Run – Neighborhood MC/Narrator
Caché Melvin – Maria-Clara
Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall – Nutcracker
Stephen “tWitch” Boss & Allison Holker Boss – Mom and Dad
Comfort Fedoke – Drosselmeyer
Jabbawockeez – Snowflakes
Jaja Vankova – Marionette Toy
Tiler Peck – Ballerina Toy
Nicholas “Slick” Stewart – Jack in the Box Toy
Robert Green – Violinist, Ensemble
BDash, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis, Viktor White – Soldiers
Jean Sok – Mouse King
KidaTheGreat AKA Kida Burns – Reed Pipes, Ensemble
Alex Wong, Simrin Player – Sweets, Ensemble
Ray Basa – Chocolates
D-Trix – Piano Player
Bailey “Bailrok” Munoz, Dustin “D” Payne, Randi “Rascal” Freitas, Rudy Reynon, Tre De Rego, Ethan Evaro, Elyssa Cueto, Angel Gibbs, Alexis Shon, Brynda Rowen, Shannon Kelly, Maycee Steele, Winnie Chang, Jordan Laza, Dayne Sempert, Alex Palaez, Hugh Aparente, Chris Andrews, Noelle Rodriguez, Taylor Thomas – Ensemble
Marisa Kouroubacalis – Bucket Drummer
Mikhail Baryshniikov – Cameo
Kurtis Blow – Cameo
Phil Wright – Cameo
 
 
Disney+:
 
“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”
Season Two Coming Soon to Disney+ (DBT and 20th Television)
After spending the summer apart, Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) is finally reunited with Walter (Alex Aiono), although he’s not the same boyfriend she said goodbye to months before. Their relationship has shifted and they’re no longer on the same page. Her head is spinning and even more so when she meets a new patient, Nico (Milo Manheim). Lahela’s life is full of decisions – Walter, Nico and choosing her medical specialty. In the end, who or what will she choose? Luckily, she has her family, coworkers and best friend (Emma Meisel) to support her along the way.
 
“Growing Up”
Now Streaming on Disney+ (Culture.House)
Created by Brie Larson and Culture.House, “Growing Up” is an innovative hybrid docu-series that explores the challenges, triumphs and complexities of adolescence through 10 compelling coming-of-age stories. The series uses narrative, experimental and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode features one young person or “hero” and their experience growing up. Each episode is anchored by a deeply personal interview that allows our heroes to walk us through their childhood and teenage years. Alongside these interviews, creative cinematic reenactments help bring their major inflection points to life.
 
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”
Season Three Finale Streams Sept. 14 on Disney+ (DBT)
Season three of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is set at Camp Shallow Lake, a sleepaway camp in California, as the Wildcats and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights and a taste of the great outdoors. With a high-stakes production of “Frozen” on the horizon AND a drama-filled “docu-series” of the production, the Wildcats will attempt to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold.
 
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” season three stars Joshua Bassett (“Ricky”), Sofia Wylie (“Gina”), Matt Cornett (“E.J.”), Julia Lester (“Ashlyn”), Dara Reneé (“Kourtney”), Frankie Rodriguez (“Carlos”), Saylor Bell Curda (“Maddox”) and Adrian Lyles (“Jet”). Also featured this season are recurring guest stars Corbin Bleu (himself), Meg Donnelly (“Val”), Jason Earles (“Dewey Wood”), Kate Reinders (“Miss Jenn”), Aria Brooks (“Alex”), Liamani Segura (“Emmy”), Ben Stillwell (“Channing”) and Olivia Rodrigo (“Nini”) as well as guest stars Olivia Rose Keegan (“Lily”), Larry Saperstein (“Big Red”), Joe Serafini (“Seb”), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Marvin”) and JoJo Siwa (“Maddox”).
 
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is created and executive produced by Tim Federle.
 
“ZOMBIES 3”
Now Streaming on Disney+ (DBT)
“ZOMBIES 3,” the third installment in the uber-popular “ZOMBIES” franchise, takes an interstellar turn as space aliens suddenly touch down in Seabrook, upsetting Zed and Addison’s final year at Seabrook High in the town that’s become a safe haven for zombies, werewolves and humans alike. Zed is anticipating an athletic scholarship that will make him the first zombie to attend college, and Addison is gearing up for Seabrook’s first international cheer-off competition when mysterious extraterrestrial beings appear around Seabrook, provoking something other than friendly competition.
 
“ZOMBIES 3” stars Milo Manheim as Zed, Meg Donnelly as Addison, Chandler Kinney as Willa, Ariel Martin as Wynter, Pearce Joza as Wyatt, Carla Jeffery as Bree, Trevor Tordjman as Bucky, Kylee Russell as Eliza, Terry Hu as A-spen, Matt Cornett as A-lan, Kyra Tantao as A-li, James Godfrey as Bonzo and Kingston Foster as Zoey.
 
DGA Award winner Paul Hoen, who has directed a record-setting 15 Disney Channel Original Movies (“The Luck of the Irish,” “Jump In,” “Let It Shine,” “Camp Rock 2” and both “ZOMBIES” hits among them), directed “ZOMBIES 3” from a screenplay by David Light and Joseph Raso (nominees for a Humanitas Prize for “ZOMBIES”). Light, Raso and Suzanne Farwell (Disney’s “Upside Down Magic”) are executive producers.
 
Disney Channel:
 
Under Wraps 2
Premieres Sept. 25 on Disney Channel and Streams Sept. 30 on Disney+ (DBT and MarVista Entertainment)
“Under Wraps 2” picks up as Marshall, Gilbert and Amy are getting ready to attend Amy’s father’s Spooktacular Halloween-themed wedding. However, plans soon go awry when the three friends discover their mummy pal Harold and his beloved Rose may be in danger. Sobek, an evil mummy with a 1,000-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned-bitter-rival, Harold, is unexpectedly awakened and out for revenge. With help from his hypnotized lacky Larry, Sobek kidnaps Rose. Amy, Gilbert, Marshall, Buzzy and Harold must use their skills once again to save her and get back in time to attend the wedding.
 
“Under Wraps 2” stars Malachi Barton (Marshall), Christian J. Simon (Gilbert), Sophia Hammons (Amy), Phil Wright (Harold), Melanie Brook (Buzzy), Ryla McIntosh (Rose), Jordan Conley (Larry), T.J. Storm (Sobek), Claude Knowlton (Pop), Antonio Cayonne (Carl) and Adam Wylie (Beuller).
 
Produced by MarVista Entertainment, Alex Zamm returns as director of “Under Wraps 2” with Todd Y. Murata and Fernando Szew also returning as executive producers for MarVista Entertainment. Josh A. Cagan is writer for the sequel, based on the original movie written by Don Rhymer.
 
Disney Junior:
 
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Premieres 2023 on Disney Junior and Disney+ (Lucasfilm and Disney Junior)
New Image Available HERE
Set during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will follow a group of Younglings as they embark on missions where they will help people in need, discover exotic creatures, clash with villainous pirates, train with their masters, and ultimately learn the valuable skills needed in order to become Jedi: compassion, self-discipline, teamwork, patience and friendship.
 
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” stars Jamaal Avery Jr. (“Abbott Elementary”) as Kai Brightstar, a Jedi Youngling who hopes to follow in the footsteps of his hero, the great Master Yoda, and become a Jedi Knight; and Emma Berman (Pixar’s “Luca”) as Nash Durango, a pilot who befriends Kai and his friends and joins them on their adventures across the galaxy.

Produced by Lucasfilm for Disney Junior and Disney+, the series is executive produced by  Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez and Josh Rimes. Michael Olson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is showrunner and executive producer. Elliot M. Bour (“Elena of Avalor”) is co-producer and supervising director; Jeannine Hodson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is producer; and Lamont Magee (“Black Lightning”) is consulting producer.
 
About Disney Branded Television
Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences. Recent projects include “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “Monsters at Work,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.” Disney Branded Television has created some of the most iconic and award-winning properties and franchises, including Peabody Award winners “Doc McStuffins” and “The Owl House”; Emmy Award winners “Big City Greens” and “Elena of Avalor”; the beloved “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts plus the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) franchise, comprised of more than 100 titles.
 
About DISNEY+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is part of the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment. The service offers commercial-free streaming alongside an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service or as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
 
*Source: NMR, 6/3-8/7/22, L+SD blended data, rank based on 000’s.
 
**COPYRIGHT ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney+.

The post DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION DEBUTS NEW CONTENT AND UNVEILS KEY PROJECTS AT D23 EXPO 2022 appeared first on The Nerd Element.

September 13, 2022

DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION DEBUTS NEW CONTENT AND UNVEILS KEY PROJECTS AT D23 EXPO 2022

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2022/09/10/disney-branded-television-debuts-new-content-and-unveils-key-projects-at-d23-expo-2022/

DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION DEBUTS NEW CONTENT AND UNVEILS KEY PROJECTS FOR DISNEY+, DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY JUNIOR DURING
DISNEY’S EPIC ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE:
THE MUSICAL: THE EXTRAVAGANZA! AT D23 EXPO 2022

Premiere Dates, Trailers and New Footage Revealed for:

Disney Channel’s ‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’

Disney+ Original Series:
‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ Season 2,
‘National Treasure: Edge of History,’
‘The Santa Clauses,‘  and More!

It’s Now or Never: ‘High School Musical 3: Senior Year’ Announced as Musical for Season 4 of Disney+’s ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’

Lead Voice Cast Announced for ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ – First Full-Length Animated Star Wars Series for Preschoolers
Set to Air 2023 on Disney Junior and Disney+

New Unscripted Holiday Specials for Disney+ Announced: ‘Best In Snow,’ ‘Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays’ and ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’
Disney Branded Television today revealed new projects and released never-before-seen content for its series and movies across Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior during Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza! at D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California. The announcements were made by Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis with some help from the casts and creative teams of current and upcoming series and movies across Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior.
 
“At Disney Branded Television, we create shows full of magic, adventure, thrill and heart that resonate with audiences around the world,” said Davis. “Our announcements today spotlight the breadth and depth of our commitment to entertaining fans of all ages, across animation, live-action series and movies, unscripted and documentaries.”
 
Key premiere dates and trailers unveiled during the Showcase include the following:
“American Born Chinese” – first look at the exciting new Disney+ Original series coming in 2023 (link here)
“Big Shot” – season two, all episodes streaming on Disney+ on Oct. 12
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” – debuts Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and shortly thereafter on Disney+ – first trailer released (link here)
“National Treasure: Edge of History” – Disney+ Original series set to debut Dec. 14 with two episodes – trailer released (link here)
“Prom Pact” – first look at new movie revealed (link here)
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” – season two premieres February 2023 on Disney+ announced with all-new trailer (link here)
“The Santa Clauses” – Disney+ Original series debuts Nov. 16 with two episodes – first-look teaser released (link here) 
Other key announcements during the showcase included the following:
Three new unscripted holiday specials announced for Disney+ streaming this holiday season: 
“Best in Snow,” an action-packed winter competition event hosted by Titus Burgess;
Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays,” following the superstar a cappella group as they work to find inspiration for their annual holiday album;
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” a modern reimagining of a holiday classic that fuses the worlds of hip-hop and classical music to put a fresh spin on a beloved tale.
In season four of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” after an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they will prepare a stage production of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” On their first day back, the principal announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited “High School Musical 4: The Reunion” movie on location at their beloved high school, and our Wildcats will be playing featured extras in the movie. It’s season four, and it’s now or never.
New single “Can You Picture That?” from the upcoming Disney+ series “The Muppets Mayhem” released after The Electric Mayhem’s live performance of the musical number – https://disneymusic.lnk.to/CanYouPictureThat New details about “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” were shared with D23 Expo attendees about the upcoming series and two members of the lead voice cast – Jamaal Avery Jr. and Emma Berman – revealed. 

 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS FOR SERIES AND SPECIALS PRESENTED DURING THE SHOWCASE:
 
“American Born Chinese”
Coming to Disney+ in 2023 (DBT and 20th Television)
Based on the genre-hopping graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, “American Born Chinese” tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods. “American Born Chinese” stars Ben Wang as Jin Wang, Yeo Yann Yann as Christine Wang, Chin Han as Simon Wang, Ke Huy Quan as Freddy Wong, Jimmy Liu as Wei-Chen, Sydney Taylor as Amelia with Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong “The Monkey King” and Michelle Yeoh as Guanyin.
 
Emmy® Award-winning writer/producer Kelvin Yu (“Bob’s Burgers,” “Central Park”) serves as executive producer and showrunner. Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Short Term 12”) is set to direct and serves as executive producer, alongside Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan (both of “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” for Disney+, and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Jumanji: The Next Level” feature films), Erin O’Malley (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Asher Goldstein (“Short Term 12,” “Just Mercy”) and Gene Luen Yang. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“Big Shot” Season Two
Premieres Oct. 12 on Disney+ (DBT and 20th Television)
Marvyn’s (John Stamos) latest plan toward relevance is to get his team broadcast on ESPN, and his method is to recruit an unlikely player: Ava (SaraEcheagaray), a gutsy beach volleyball phenom whose public tantrum got her ousted from her own sport. Between losing their assistant coach Holly Barrett (Jessalyn Gilsig) to a rival school, new friction amongst teammates, a sudden and unexpected proximity to boys, and off-the-court disasters that no one could’ve predicted this season, the Westbrook Sirens have even more to prove. “Big Shot” stars John Stamos (“You,” “The Little Mermaid Live”), Jessalyn Gilsig (Glee), Sophia Mitri Schloss (“Potato Dreams of America), Nell Verlaque (“Secrets in a Small Town), Tiana Le (“Just Add Magic”), Tisha Custodio, Cricket Wampler (“About A Boy”), Sara Echeagaray and Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”). Executive producers and co-creators are David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey and Brad Garrett. Bill D’Elia also serves as executive producer. A Disney Branded Television series, “Big Shot” is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“The Santa Clauses”
Premieres Nov.16 on Disney+, Two-episode premiere (DBT and 20th Television)
Scott Calvin is on the brink of his 65th birthday and realizing that he can’t be Santa forever. He’s suddenly starting to lose his Santa magic; and, more importantly, he’s got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world, especially his two kids who have grown up at the North Pole. With a lot of elves, children and family to please, Scott sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the pole.
 
The Disney+ Original series “The Santa Clauses” stars Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, Devin Bright, Austin Kane, Matilda Lawler, Rupali Redd and Kal Penn. Award-winning Jack Burditt (“30 Rock,” “Modern Family”) is the executive producer and showrunner; and Tim Allen, in addition to starring, Kevin Hench (“Last Man Standing”), Richard Baker and Rick Messina will also serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company. The Disney Branded Television series is a production of 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“National Treasure: Edge of History”
Premieres Dec. 14 on Disney+, Two-episode premiere (DBT and 20th Television)
The Disney+ Original series “National Treasure” Edge of History” is an expansion of the “National Treasure” movie franchise told from the point of view of a young heroine, Jess – a brilliant and resourceful DREAMer in search of answers about her family – who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover the truth about the past and save a lost Pan-American treasure. “National Treasure” stars Lisette Olivera, Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Jake Austin Walker (“Rectify”), Jordan Rodrigues (“Lady Bird”), Zuri Reed (“Flatbush Misdemeanors”), Antonio Cipriano (“Jagged Little Pill”) and Lyndon Smith (“Parenthood”). Jerry Bruckheimer, Cormac & Marianne Wibberley, Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed serve as executive producers on the series alongside Rick Muirragui, who also serves as a writer. Jon Turteltaub is also an executive producer. Mira Nair is directing and executive producing. A Disney Branded Television series, “National Treasure” is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
 
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur”
Premieres Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and streams shortly thereafter on Disney+ (DBT)
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” based on Marvel’s hit comic books, follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.
 
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” stars Diamond White as Lunella (aka Moon Girl); Fred Tatasciore as Devil Dinosaur; Alfre Woodard as Lunella’s grandmother, Mimi; Libe Barer as Lunella’s best friend and manager, Casey; Sasheer Zamata as Lunella’s mom, Adria; Jermaine Fowler as Lunella’s dad, James Jr.; Gary Anthony Williams as Lunella’s grandfather, Pops; and series executive producer Laurence Fishburne in the recurring role of The Beyonder, a curious and mischievous trickster.
 
Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series is executive produced by Fishburne and Helen Sugland’s Cinema Gypsy Productions (ABC’s “black-ish” and “mixed-ish,” Freeform’s “grown-ish”) and Steve Loter (Disney’s “Kim Possible”). Rodney Clouden (“Futurama”) is supervising producer, Kate Kondell (“The Pirate Fairy”) and Jeffrey M. Howard (“Planes”) are co-producers and story editors, and Pilar Flynn (“Elena of Avalor”) is producer.
 
“Prom Pact”
Streaming Soon on Disney+ (DBT)
It’s the height of prom season, and high school senior Mandy Yang and her best friend and fellow outsider Ben are surrounded by over-the-top ’80s-themed promposals. However, Mandy keeps her eyes focused on a different goal: her lifelong dream of attending Harvard. When she finds out that she has been put on the waitlist, she is determined to do whatever she can do to get herself accepted, even if that means asking for help from the one person she abhors – popular all-star jock Graham Lansing, whose father is a powerful senator and Harvard alum. Once Mandy becomes Graham’s tutor, she begins to realize there’s more to him than she thought and perhaps something more to life than Harvard.
 
“Prom Pact” stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Mandy, Milo Manheim as Ben, Blake Draper as Graham, Monique Green as LaToya, Arica Himmel as Zenobia, Jason Sakaki as Charles, Margaret Cho as Ms. Chen, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Alyssa and David S. Jung as Tom.
 
Jake Kasdan (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Melvin Mar (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) and Rachael Field (“Modern Family”) are executive producers on “Prom Pact”; and Anya Adams (“Ginny & Georgia”) directed the movie, which was written by Anthony Lombardo (“American Housewife”).
 
“The Muppets Mayhem”
Coming to Disney+ in 2023 (DBT and ABC Signature)
“Can You Picture That” Single: https://disneymusic.lnk.to/CanYouPictureThat


The comedy series follows The Electric Mayhem Band — Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone and Lips on trumpet — on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven, young music executive, Nora, the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current-day music scene as they try to finally go platinum. “The Muppets Mayhem” stars Lilly Singh (“Nora”), Tahj Mowry (“Moog”), Saara Chaudry (“Hannah”) as well as Anders Holm (“JJ”) in a recurring role.
 
“The Muppets Mayhem” is developed by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta and Jeff Yorkes based on characters created by Jim Henson. It is written by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta and Jeff Yorkes; the executive producers are Goldberg, Barretta, Michael Bostick and Kris Eber. Yorkes is a co-executive producer. The Muppets Studio’s David Lightbody and Leigh Slaughter are also executive producers. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by ABC Signature, which is part of Disney Television Studios, and The Muppets Studio for Disney+.
 
 
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”
Season Two Premieres February 2023 on Disney+ (Disney Television Animation)
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and includes her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). Of course, it would not be “The Proud Family” without Penny’s loyal crew: Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez, Zoey Howzer and Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, among others.
 
Cast members reprising their roles from the original series and returning for season two are Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron. Recurring new voices that will also return include Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto as Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, EJ Johnson as Michael Collins, Asante Blackk as Kareem, Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins, Bresha Webb as CeCe and Aiden Dodson as BeBe.
 
The series, a critically acclaimed revival of Disney’s groundbreaking “The Proud Family,” is executive produced by its creator Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar. Calvin Brown, Jr. (“Moesha”) is co-executive producer and story editor. Jan Hirota (“Big Hero 6 The Series”) is producer. Eastwood Wong (“Carmen Sandiego”) is art director, and directors are Latoya Raveneau (“Rise Up, Sing Out”), Rudi Bloss (“DC Super Hero Girls”) and Tara Nicole Whitaker (“Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure”).
 
 
New Unscripted Holiday Specials
 
“Best in Snow”
Coming This Holiday Season to Disney+ (Six West Media and Milojo Productions)
“Best in Snow” is a festive holiday special, hosted by Tituss Burgess, featuring teams from around the world transported to a magical snowy village, Snowdome, and thrown into a spirited competition to compete for the title of Best in Snow. With the help of Snowdome’s finest carvers, teams will transform their 10-foot, 20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful creations inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios and The Muppets Studio. The teams will take family favorites such as Moana, Coco and The Lion King, and bring the characters to life in a way you’ve never seen before – in snow! Spectacular snow sculptures and lively musical performances from Tituss Burgess, Kermit the Frog and DCappella make this an action-packed winter event for the entire family.
 
Produced by Six West Media and Milojo Productions. Executive producers are Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Steve Ascher, Albert Bianchini, Allie Breslin, Jessica Conway, Josh Greenberg (and showrunner) and Tabitha Hanson-Obtulowicz. Michael Halpern is a producer, and the special was directed by Sam Wrench.
 
Cast includes Tituss Burgess as Mayor Frostifer von Fjord, Kermit the Frog and Disney’s DCapella as the Town Carolers.
 
 
“Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays”
Coming This Holiday Season to Disney+ (Done+Dusted)
Superstar a capella group Pentatonix is struggling to find inspiration for their annual holiday album, and the clock is ticking. To make matters worse, their well-intentioned but misguided manager mistakenly locks them in a magic mailroom. But with the help of some Disney magic, we’re soon on a whirlwind tour around the world, discovering holiday traditions and inspiration from Pentatonix fans all around the globe: from Tokyo to Grenada, Ghana to Mexico and Iceland. The fun-filled journey leads the group to realize that wherever we find ourselves, the holidays offer the perfect opportunity to discover how much we have in common and that it really is a small world after all!
 
Produced by Done+Dusted, executive producers are Ashley Edens, David Jammy, Katy Mullan.
 
Cast includes Pentatonix – Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee and Nico Santos as manager.
 
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”
Coming This Holiday Season to Disney+ (Done+Dusted)
Run-D.M.C.’s Rev Run brings us along for a hip-hop reimagining of The Nutcracker ballet set in New York City. It’s the night of the annual New Year’s Eve block party and Maria-Clara’s (Caché Melvin) mom and pop (Allison Holker Boss and Stephen “tWitch’ Boss) aren’t getting along … and it’s bringing her down. Maria-Clara embarks on a holiday adventure to bring her parents back together, finding help along the way from the magical toymaker, Drosselmeyer (Comfort Fedoke), and the Nutcracker (Du-Shant “Fik-shun” Stegall) whom she brings to life.
 
Maria-Clara’s journey takes her from the streets of New York to fantasy worlds where she battles with mice and toy soldiers (Viktor White, BDash, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis”), and back in time to the Land of Sweets in order to find the key to unlock her holiday wish. Will it be enough to rekindle her parents’ lost love before the clock strikes midnight? The special features best-in-class dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tiler Peck, KidaTheGreat AKA Kida Burns, the Jabbawockeez as magical snowflakes, and more.
 
Produced by Done+Dusted, executive producers are Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, Jennifer Weber, Eva Price and NappyTabs. Choreographers include NappyTabs, Hokuto “HOK” Konishi, Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman, Luther Brown, D-Trix and Jennifer Weber.
 
Nikki Parsons is director. The Disney+ Original special “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is inspired by the live stage phenomenon touring America this holiday season.
 
Cast:
Rev Run – Neighborhood MC/Narrator
Caché Melvin – Maria-Clara
Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall – Nutcracker
Stephen “tWitch” Boss & Allison Holker Boss – Mom and Dad
Comfort Fedoke – Drosselmeyer
Jabbawockeez – Snowflakes
Jaja Vankova – Marionette Toy
Tiler Peck – Ballerina Toy
Nicholas “Slick” Stewart – Jack in the Box Toy
Robert Green – Violinist, Ensemble
BDash, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis, Viktor White – Soldiers
Jean Sok – Mouse King
KidaTheGreat AKA Kida Burns – Reed Pipes, Ensemble
Alex Wong, Simrin Player – Sweets, Ensemble
Ray Basa – Chocolates
D-Trix – Piano Player
Bailey “Bailrok” Munoz, Dustin “D” Payne, Randi “Rascal” Freitas, Rudy Reynon, Tre De Rego, Ethan Evaro, Elyssa Cueto, Angel Gibbs, Alexis Shon, Brynda Rowen, Shannon Kelly, Maycee Steele, Winnie Chang, Jordan Laza, Dayne Sempert, Alex Palaez, Hugh Aparente, Chris Andrews, Noelle Rodriguez, Taylor Thomas – Ensemble
Marisa Kouroubacalis – Bucket Drummer
Mikhail Baryshniikov – Cameo
Kurtis Blow – Cameo
Phil Wright – Cameo
 
 
Disney+:
 
“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”
Season Two Coming Soon to Disney+ (DBT and 20th Television)
After spending the summer apart, Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) is finally reunited with Walter (Alex Aiono), although he’s not the same boyfriend she said goodbye to months before. Their relationship has shifted and they’re no longer on the same page. Her head is spinning and even more so when she meets a new patient, Nico (Milo Manheim). Lahela’s life is full of decisions – Walter, Nico and choosing her medical specialty. In the end, who or what will she choose? Luckily, she has her family, coworkers and best friend (Emma Meisel) to support her along the way.
 
“Growing Up”
Now Streaming on Disney+ (Culture.House)
Created by Brie Larson and Culture.House, “Growing Up” is an innovative hybrid docu-series that explores the challenges, triumphs and complexities of adolescence through 10 compelling coming-of-age stories. The series uses narrative, experimental and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode features one young person or “hero” and their experience growing up. Each episode is anchored by a deeply personal interview that allows our heroes to walk us through their childhood and teenage years. Alongside these interviews, creative cinematic reenactments help bring their major inflection points to life.
 
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”
Season Three Finale Streams Sept. 14 on Disney+ (DBT)
Season three of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is set at Camp Shallow Lake, a sleepaway camp in California, as the Wildcats and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights and a taste of the great outdoors. With a high-stakes production of “Frozen” on the horizon AND a drama-filled “docu-series” of the production, the Wildcats will attempt to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold.
 
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” season three stars Joshua Bassett (“Ricky”), Sofia Wylie (“Gina”), Matt Cornett (“E.J.”), Julia Lester (“Ashlyn”), Dara Reneé (“Kourtney”), Frankie Rodriguez (“Carlos”), Saylor Bell Curda (“Maddox”) and Adrian Lyles (“Jet”). Also featured this season are recurring guest stars Corbin Bleu (himself), Meg Donnelly (“Val”), Jason Earles (“Dewey Wood”), Kate Reinders (“Miss Jenn”), Aria Brooks (“Alex”), Liamani Segura (“Emmy”), Ben Stillwell (“Channing”) and Olivia Rodrigo (“Nini”) as well as guest stars Olivia Rose Keegan (“Lily”), Larry Saperstein (“Big Red”), Joe Serafini (“Seb”), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Marvin”) and JoJo Siwa (“Maddox”).
 
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is created and executive produced by Tim Federle.
 
“ZOMBIES 3”
Now Streaming on Disney+ (DBT)
“ZOMBIES 3,” the third installment in the uber-popular “ZOMBIES” franchise, takes an interstellar turn as space aliens suddenly touch down in Seabrook, upsetting Zed and Addison’s final year at Seabrook High in the town that’s become a safe haven for zombies, werewolves and humans alike. Zed is anticipating an athletic scholarship that will make him the first zombie to attend college, and Addison is gearing up for Seabrook’s first international cheer-off competition when mysterious extraterrestrial beings appear around Seabrook, provoking something other than friendly competition.
 
“ZOMBIES 3” stars Milo Manheim as Zed, Meg Donnelly as Addison, Chandler Kinney as Willa, Ariel Martin as Wynter, Pearce Joza as Wyatt, Carla Jeffery as Bree, Trevor Tordjman as Bucky, Kylee Russell as Eliza, Terry Hu as A-spen, Matt Cornett as A-lan, Kyra Tantao as A-li, James Godfrey as Bonzo and Kingston Foster as Zoey.
 
DGA Award winner Paul Hoen, who has directed a record-setting 15 Disney Channel Original Movies (“The Luck of the Irish,” “Jump In,” “Let It Shine,” “Camp Rock 2” and both “ZOMBIES” hits among them), directed “ZOMBIES 3” from a screenplay by David Light and Joseph Raso (nominees for a Humanitas Prize for “ZOMBIES”). Light, Raso and Suzanne Farwell (Disney’s “Upside Down Magic”) are executive producers.
 
Disney Channel:
 
Under Wraps 2
Premieres Sept. 25 on Disney Channel and Streams Sept. 30 on Disney+ (DBT and MarVista Entertainment)
“Under Wraps 2” picks up as Marshall, Gilbert and Amy are getting ready to attend Amy’s father’s Spooktacular Halloween-themed wedding. However, plans soon go awry when the three friends discover their mummy pal Harold and his beloved Rose may be in danger. Sobek, an evil mummy with a 1,000-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned-bitter-rival, Harold, is unexpectedly awakened and out for revenge. With help from his hypnotized lacky Larry, Sobek kidnaps Rose. Amy, Gilbert, Marshall, Buzzy and Harold must use their skills once again to save her and get back in time to attend the wedding.
 
“Under Wraps 2” stars Malachi Barton (Marshall), Christian J. Simon (Gilbert), Sophia Hammons (Amy), Phil Wright (Harold), Melanie Brook (Buzzy), Ryla McIntosh (Rose), Jordan Conley (Larry), T.J. Storm (Sobek), Claude Knowlton (Pop), Antonio Cayonne (Carl) and Adam Wylie (Beuller).
 
Produced by MarVista Entertainment, Alex Zamm returns as director of “Under Wraps 2” with Todd Y. Murata and Fernando Szew also returning as executive producers for MarVista Entertainment. Josh A. Cagan is writer for the sequel, based on the original movie written by Don Rhymer.
 
Disney Junior:
 
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Premieres 2023 on Disney Junior and Disney+ (Lucasfilm and Disney Junior)
New Image Available HERE
Set during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will follow a group of Younglings as they embark on missions where they will help people in need, discover exotic creatures, clash with villainous pirates, train with their masters, and ultimately learn the valuable skills needed in order to become Jedi: compassion, self-discipline, teamwork, patience and friendship.
 
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” stars Jamaal Avery Jr. (“Abbott Elementary”) as Kai Brightstar, a Jedi Youngling who hopes to follow in the footsteps of his hero, the great Master Yoda, and become a Jedi Knight; and Emma Berman (Pixar’s “Luca”) as Nash Durango, a pilot who befriends Kai and his friends and joins them on their adventures across the galaxy.


Produced by Lucasfilm for Disney Junior and Disney+, the series is executive produced by  Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez and Josh Rimes. Michael Olson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is showrunner and executive producer. Elliot M. Bour (“Elena of Avalor”) is co-producer and supervising director; Jeannine Hodson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is producer; and Lamont Magee (“Black Lightning”) is consulting producer.
 
About Disney Branded Television
Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences. Recent projects include “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “Monsters at Work,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.” Disney Branded Television has created some of the most iconic and award-winning properties and franchises, including Peabody Award winners “Doc McStuffins” and “The Owl House”; Emmy Award winners “Big City Greens” and “Elena of Avalor”; the beloved “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts plus the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) franchise, comprised of more than 100 titles.
 
About DISNEY+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is part of the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment. The service offers commercial-free streaming alongside an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service or as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
 
*Source: NMR, 6/3-8/7/22, L+SD blended data, rank based on 000’s.
 
**COPYRIGHT ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney+.

The post DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION DEBUTS NEW CONTENT AND UNVEILS KEY PROJECTS AT D23 EXPO 2022 appeared first on The Nerd Element.


September 13, 2022

Why Viserys’ Iron Throne Wounds Are an Ill-Omen on HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

https://nerdist.com/article/house-of-the-dragon-iron-throne-theory-viserys-wounds-omen/

Aegon the Conqueror forged the Iron Throne from the swords of his defeated enemies in Westeros. However, his family’s seat of power was no mere symbol of victory. Nor just a warning. Aegon designed the chair to be physically uncomfortable, because “a king should never sit easy.” His descendant, House of the Dragon‘s Viserys I, knows firsthand the perils that come with his royal seat. Literally. He’s already lost two fingers to the chair and his back is covered in open sores incurred by the sharp remnants of vanquished foes. But to some in the Seven Kingdoms those wounds represent something even more dangerous. For there are those who believe the Iron Throne rejects anyone unworthy of sitting on it.

A healer tends to an open sore on Viserys' back on House of the Dragon
HBO

Maegor the Cruel was Aegon the Conqueror’s second son who usurped his nephew’s rightful place as king. He’s also House Targaryen’s most infamous and detested ruler. His memory is why men like Ser Otto Hightower feared Daemon becoming king. They worried he’d be “a second Maegor.” But for all the death and mayhem Maegor brought to Westeros, his reign of terror came to a quiet end. Servants found him on the Iron Throne with his wrists slashed. He also had a large spike from the chair sticking through his neck.

Who killed him? Some say his wife, others his Kingsguard, and a few think he ended things himself. With secret passages throughout the Red Keep, it could have been any of his countless enemies. Many sought revenge against him, and all wanted freedom of his tyranny. But there are some who don’t think any person killed Maegor. They believe the Iron Throne itself brought a bloody end to his heinous rule.

Queen Alicent in bed nexxt to her husband King Viserys on House of the Dragon
HBO

The idea of the Iron Throne having a type of sentience capable of not only judging those who sit upon it but actually harming them remained until the end of House Targaryen’s dynasty. The chair enacted such a toll on the Mad King, Aerys II, that some called him King Scab. His injuries were a sign to some the Iron Throne had deemed Aerys unfit to rule.

In a world of omens, prophecies, dragons, and magic, that’s not as wild a notion as it might seem. And if the Iron Throne really can adjudicate a ruler’s worthiness, Viserys’ many wounds are potentially an ill-omen for both his reign and his family. Is the Iron Throne trying to tell Westeros it chose the wrong person to rule? Viserys only became king thanks to the Great Council of 101. Does the Iron Throne know the lords of the Realm chose the wrong person? Was Princess Rhaenys the rightful heir?

King Viserys in a robe holds upo his hand missing two fingers on House of the Dragon
HBO

Or is the Iron Throne trying to convey disdain with Viserys’ decisions now? He disinherited his brother Daemon and named Rhaenyra, a woman, as his rightful heir. And he’s sticking with his decision even though Queen Alicent has given him a son. As Otto Hightowe said, by all the “laws of gods and men” little Aegon should be next in line. Is that why the Iron Throne is exacting such a toll on Viserys’ body? Because it is displeased with his plans for succession? Or how Viserys is handling the coming discord?

But whether House Targaryen’s seat of power truly killed Maegor, turned Aerys II into a pin cushion, or is punishing Viserys doesn’t matter. As Viserys told Rhaenyra, perception is what matters. And the fact some believe that chair—made of swords and designed to imperil those who sit on it—can pass judgement on its occupant is a bad sign for whomever claims it as their own.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Twitter at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post Why Viserys’ Iron Throne Wounds Are an Ill-Omen on HOUSE OF THE DRAGON appeared first on Nerdist.


September 12, 2022

NFL Week 1 Picks!

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2022/09/10/nfl-week-1-picks/

Good evening everyone! Today I am going to make my first NFL week 1 picks of the season as to who I think will win and lose. So, let’s get started, shall we?! So, my first game I will predict is the Packers @Vikings game, the divisional rivalries. Both of these teams are looking to make the playoffs this season. The Vikings won in a close game last season when these two teams played 34-31. I think that this game will be quite different from last time and I will pick the Packers to win their first game over the Vikings in a close game 30-24. I just feel like the Packers will be a better team than the Vikings. The next game I will predict is the Steelers @Bengals game, the divisional rivalries. The Bengals swept the Steelers last season. I know that a lot of people might pick the Bengals to win, but I actually think that the Steelers will win their first game over the Bengals in a close game 24-21 because I just think that you should never underestimate the Steelers. You never know that the Steelers are going to win or lose and they might surprise some people. The next game I will predict is the Colts @Texans game, the divisional rivalries. The Colts swept the Texans last season and they are looking to making the playoffs this time. I think the Colts will get off to a good start by winning their first game over the Texans 27-13 because I think that they really want to make sure that they are in the playoffs. They cannot afford to lose to big games. They will lose some games because of good teams, but you have to give yourselves a chance. You cannot rely on anyone helping you get there. Do it yourselves because getting help from teams are not always going to work. The next game I will predict is the Patriots @Dolphins game, the divisional rivalries. Both of these teams are looking to making the playoffs. The Dolphins were just short of making the playoffs last season. They have a chance to go deep into the playoffs because they have a dangerous offense such as Tyreek Hill who has been traded by the Kansas City Chiefs. I think this is going to be a great game to watch. I think the Patriots will just barely be able to beat the Dolphins 32-29.

The next game I will predict is the Chiefs @Cardinals game. The Chiefs came up short in the AFC Championship game by losing to the Bengals and the Cardinals just absolutely collapsed towards the end of the season. These teams are looking to make the playoffs again. The Cardinals are pretty banged up in the secondary and the Chiefs are as well so this could be a shootout. The Cardinals need to try and keep the Chiefs offense off the field as much as they can by scoring touchdowns and yes you will probably kick some field goals because not every team is perfect all the time. The Cardinals defense cannot allow too many rushing yards and passing yards and it might be hard because the Chiefs offense is dangerous. The Cardinals also cannot keep getting penalties too much and they need to run the ball to help with the passing game. Don’t keep passing it. Don’t get too cute in the red zone and that means Kliff Kingsbury. But can they actually beat the Chiefs in Arizona? Well last time, the Cardinals have beaten the Chiefs in 2014, 17-14. I want to give the Cardinals their first win of the season, but I’m afraid to say that I think the Chiefs will win the game over the Cardinals in a close game 30-27. I just feel like the Chiefs might be a little too much for the Cardinals to handle and I’m not sure that if the Cardinals will do just enough to beat the Chiefs. I could be wrong, but I just don’t think that they have a chance.

The next game I will predict is the 49ers @Bears game. I think the 49ers will beat the Bears 31-17. The next game I will predict is the Buccaneers @Cowboys game on Sunday Night. It will be the quarterbacks Tom Brady and Dak Prescott. Tom Brady will have his new weapon Julio Jones to replace Antonio Brown who threw his jersey in the stands against the Jets in New York last season. I think the Buccaneers will beat the Cowboys in a close game 38-31. The Bucs offense will be a little too much for the Cowboys to handle and the defense may be able to stop the Cowboys offense just enough. The last game I will predict is the Broncos @Seahawks game on Monday Night Football. Russell Wilson will be coming back to Seattle and get the standing ovation even though they will not be happy about him being traded. I think that the Broncos will beat the Seahawks 34-24. Russell Wilson is also a dangerous threat to the defense and he will do just enough to beat his former team.

So, what do you guys think about the NFL week 1 picks?! I would love to hear your opinions, thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns down below!

Stay tuned for NFL updates.

The post NFL Week 1 Picks! appeared first on The Nerd Element.


September 12, 2022

‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5: A Victory of Vision and Virulence

https://blacknerdproblems.com/cobra-kai-season-5-a-victory-of-vision-and-virulence/

The third and fourth season of the formerly YouTube Red, currently Netflix exclusive series Cobra Kai dropped on New Year’s of their respective years. I got to start 2021 convincing everyone I knew, and some people I don’t, to watch the 30+ sequel series of a beloved 1980’s karate franchise once it became available for wider public consumption. Then, I got to celebrate 2022 with the new converts with the fourth season. I was fully expecting another end of year drop, but the powers that be decided that New Year’s was in September this year. Honestly, who am I to argue? Every season, I end up devouring it in about a day and then immediately start rewatching the season to revisit what I remember being potentially iconic moments. Only, I find out that were just actually iconic already and the newness of it all was making me second guess things.

Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai. (L to R) Oona O’Brien as Devon, Peyton List as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022

And while there still plenty of decisions that I do end up second guessing, I can confidently say this is my favorite season of Cobra Kai thus far, and the direction the series has taken has me wanting this franchise to outlive me.

The Valley was Just the Beginning

Season four ended in what can also be described as a total victory for Cobra Kai, now fully under Terry Silver’s iron fist. After paying off the ref as an insurance to guarantee Tory’s match against Miyagi-do/Eagle Fang Bonsai Badass, Samantha LaRusso, Terry started the next phase of his maniacal plan to bring Cobra Kai to the entire valley. We’re talking dojo expansions, aggressive marketing, and further indoctrination of the kids under his tutelage. And on top of this, all of the younger protagonists were going through their own set of personal tribulations. Miguel had fled to Mexico to try and find out more about his father. Robby had finally realized the dark influences of Cobra Kai after seeing Kenny become an even more vicious bully. Samantha was distraught over her loss to her personal rival, and pretty much Hawk was the only teen character whose confidence wasn’t in shambles, finally having found balance.

Of course, the very last scene of season four informed us that Daniel LaRusso had brought none other than Chozen Toguchi stateside to help bring Cobra Kai down, and thus sets the stage for the latest romp of inter-generational karate soap opera drama.

Welcome to The Yuji Okumoto Show

One of the smartest creative decisions in the show is the marked effort to expand the story beyond the karate conflict in the valley. While Cobra Kai’s overbearing and dominating presence in the valley is still the driving impetus, the opening episodes take the time to show an expanded scope. Miguel’s journey to discover himself while Johnny and Robby follow a few steps behind does a fantastic job of introducing a new set of thematics to the show, the buzz words of this season include “legacy,” “letting go of hate,” and “parent/child relationships.” And while these are not new to the Karate Kid extended universe, these are the foundations of the next leg of the series.

After four seasons of back and forth between the dichotomous ideologies of Daniel and Johnny, the series finally feels content with the point. The two former rivals feel like they have actually made amends and have come to some sort of mutual understanding. Of course, they are still poised against the corrupting dogma of Silver (and to a different extent, Kreese), the fact that it no longer seems that the two are likely to regress is a much needed step into new directions.

Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai. (L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, Yuji Okumoto as Chozen in Cobra Kai. Cr. Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix © 2022

This newer direction is further fortified by the heavy inclusion of Chozen (Yuji Okumoto). After being the highlight in season 3, it was truly fantastic seeing him return in a major role. The redeemed karate assassin is such a wonderful addition to the main cast, providing a stellar mix of comedic and dramatic moments, while also showing off some of the best technically choreographed fights in the series to date. He’s a crucial addition to the task, helping deepen the mythology, and in many ways signifying that evolution is not just possible, it is a requirement to survive.

Lex Luthor Wishes He Had Terry Silver’s Charm

However, the character that perhaps offers the most new life to the show is Terry Silver. Now in complete control, Terry Silver feels like the megalomaniac, evil super genius that Karate Kid 3 tried to paint him as all those years ago. Silver-haired Terry Silver is almost egregiously, comically good at social engineering and manipulating people. With seemingly limitless financial planning, friends in high places, friends in low places, it veers into comic book-ish territory with how outlandish some of the machinations in play are. That said, Cobra Kai exists in the realm of fiction, and his grand vision of expanding Cobra Kai to the edge of the goal feels both consistent with his introduction and provides a nice contrast to the myopic Kreese, whose singularly honed goals kept him contained in seasons prior. It certainly helps that previous throwaway lines from the third movie are now crucial plot points that help anchor the gravity and longevity of the series as whole, as he enlists the help of the equally virulent and brutal sensei and new-comer to the series, Kim Da-Eun (Alicia Hannah-Kim), the daughter of his former master.

Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai. (L to R) Thomas Ian Griffith as Terry Silver, Peyton List as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai. Cr. Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix © 2022

And to Thomas Ian Griffith’s credit, he plays the darkly, charismatic figure incredibly. As ridiculous as some of the dialog is and the seven moves ahead type of reasoning that occurs, Silver is composed, calculated, and vividly vicious. The back and forth between the smooth-talking businessman and the virulent, abusive coach is stellar to watch and anchors several key parts of the season. Silver makes good on his threat to make Daniel’s life even more of a living hell than in Karate Kid, and Ralph Macchio rises to the occasion of playing Daniel at his absolute lowest.

Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai. Alicia Hannah-Kim as Kim Da-Eun in Cobra Kai. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022

An Enormous Ensemble

At the end of the day, Cobra Kai is an ensemble series, and the main cast at this point has roughly 14 major characters and an aggressively large support cast with several guest stars that cycle in and out. While every character does get at least one banner moment this season, due to the number of different pieces on the board, that one banner moment is singular in nature.

There are stellar performances, if not a little one note all around. Xolo Maridueña continues to steal the show when he’s on screen and the focus on his character in the few episodes was a welcome breath of fresh air. Furthermore, I have to give special props to Peyton List managing to efficiently cultivate Tory’s redemption at the blistering pace required, and Dallas Dupree Young’s fully embodying Kenny’s Cobra Kai induced transformations

Some of the main cast have stopped going through character development (which after four seasons isn’t the worst thing in the world), while others have explosive character developement that follows logically from a narrative stand point, but still feels quick in the moment. In particular, Hawk (Jacob Bertrand) and Robby (Tanner Buchanan) shine on screen and in fights, but they only have a couple quiet moments of revelation this time around.

Cobra Kai. (L to R) Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz, Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene in Cobra Kai. Cr. Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix © 2022

It still works, as the writers were able to focus the spotlight on characters when they needed to, but you may notice that some of your favorite characters aren’t getting as much screentime with all of the things going on, particularly the students. There’s a lot of focus on the adult cast this time around with Johnny and Carmen dealing with some unexpected news, and Daniel having to deal with his nightmare scenario. And funny enough, during the bulk of the seasons, most of the kids are supervised by an adult, although there are still plenty of times where they get into their own adventures.

Ultimately, It’s About Style

One of the pivotal moments of last season was Daniel instructing Samantha to use whatever style she needed to in order to win. This understanding that there is no singular path to progress or victory was a particular resonant idea, and one that carries over into this season.

The fifth season of Cobra Kai centers so much on the concept of legacy, of what we pass on and why we want to pass it on. It presents the idea of continuation and perpetuation as concepts that can be selfish and selfless. A nobility in wanting to preserve tradition, and a perverseness when it comes to the extreme means that can be implemented to do so. The parent/child, student/teacher relationship that have always been underpinning the show are at their best (and worst) this season, as the show begins tackling much more nuanced philosophies now that the high school rivalries have been laid to rest. The conflicts of the past are now fables, stories meant to inform the future actions, not dictate them.

Cobra Kai. (L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, Yuji Okumoto as Chozen Toguchi, Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso, William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022

It makes for compelling drama, that is inter-cut with several incredibly timed comedic moments. And the action is still top notch with stunning direction, cinematography, and musical curation. It was never in doubt that the show was going to maintain its high quality of fight, but this season proved that they are willing to keep innovating and elevating.

It’s the Belief in the Story That Matters

This marks a new chapter in the Karate Kid extended universe. The scope of the story feels larger than ever and the passion that the producers have for this franchise has never felt more paramount. While there are still minor missteps, punch for punch, kick for kick, Cobra Kai strikes an incredible balance between leveraging the nostalgia of a nearly 40 year old franchise and the promise of new stories.

It is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and martial arts that has managed to remain one of the few series I constantly rewatch over the last years just because of how endearing it is. Cleverly constructed and written, wonderfully acted, and truly a spectacular vision of what can be done when you use old IP as the foundation to build something new instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

So, I’m going to need everyone to fall in line and catch up on Cobra Kai as soon as you’re able to. There is so much I want to write about that I can’t because spoiling the spectacle of the season would bring great shame to my name. So, I’m trusting you to tune in this weekend.

Cobra Kai, Season 5 released today, September 9th. For more information, check out netflix.com/cobrakai.

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The post ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5: A Victory of Vision and Virulence appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.


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