Fans will come together to learn about new Disney experiences around the globe, discover limited-edition merchandise only available to event attendees and celebrate all things Disney
BURBANK, California (July 28, 2022) – D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa will return for a spectacular in-person event in Anaheim with special surprises for fans of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. With exciting pavilions, captivating panel presentations and special retail experiences, fans can explore and be the first to learn about never-before-seen details of new themed lands, attractions, shows and more.
The Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion invites attendees to step into the new stories, attractions and adventures Disney Imagineers are bringing to life around the globe. Fans will discover behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, the transformation of EPCOT, new Frozen-themed experiences, Disney Cruise Line, live entertainment and more.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will take to the Hall D23 stage Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m. for A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products to share a look at new details of highly anticipated projects in development around the world. The fan-favorite presentation is sure to feature see-it-here-first moments and surprises.
D23 Expo is the place for fans to shop for new and limited-edition merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, plus items celebrating Disney100 and D23 Expo. Attendees can visit the D23 Expo Marketplace for a new, immersive retail experience with products from shopDisney.com and Disney Parks. The Walt Disney Imagineering Mickey’s of Glendale shop is returning to D23 Expo this year, this time with three unique retail spaces tailored to different categories and experiences: Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store and D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale.
Guests at D23 Expo will get first access to DisneyMe, an all-new digital avatar in the Play Disney Parks app. This experience empowers guests to express their Disney style by creating their own unique DisneyMe. To celebrate the launch of DisneyMe as part of Disney Uncharted Adventure on the Disney Wish, guests at D23 Expo will be invited on a quest that can only be completed at the Expo. Attendees will uncover specially designed Disney Wish and D23 Expo digital clothing and accessories for their DisneyMe around the show floor.
Starting in September, D23 Expo guests will need to download the latest Play Disney Parks app to be ready to create their DisneyMe and join the DisneyMe D23 Expo Quest during the convention.
Throughout the weekend, fans can dive deeper into the world of Disney through several special panel presentations:
Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers
Friday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m., Backlot Stage
An inside look at the continuing development of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers — what it means in the Disney parks and how these stories continue to grow. Disney Imagineers are joined by Julie Kagawa to talk about her first two books in a series of novels that tie into the lore of S.E.A.
A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Learn about the legacy of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab, including the work created by Yale Gracey for the Haunted Mansion and other early projects, plus a behind-the-curtain look at the present-day magical process that is so unique to Imagineering.
Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection
Saturday, September 10, 12 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Bob Weis and Leah and Leslie Sklar, the wife and daughter of the late Disney Legend and Imagineer Marty Sklar, as they discuss some of the treasures they’ve discovered while going through Marty’s collection from his more than 50 years with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Dreaming, Designing and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish
Saturday, September 10, 4 p.m., Backlot Stage
Disney Imagineers fresh off the launch of the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet — the Disney Wish — talk about their experiences bringing this ship to life. From the wondrously themed spaces and imaginative kids clubs to the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, the ship brings to life fantastical stories you know and love like never before.
Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible
Sunday, September 11, 1 p.m., Premiere Stage
For seven decades, the magic-makers at Walt Disney Imagineering have blended limitless imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences that bring together families and friends to create lifelong memories. Join Imagineers past and present as they discuss the core elements of storytelling and innovation that bring dreams to life for guests from all around the world.
Disney Parks Through the Decades: A Disney Ambassador Perspective
Sunday, September 11, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join us for a conversation with Disney Ambassadors spanning the decades, including 1966 Disney Ambassador, Connie Lane, and 1971 Walt Disney World Ambassador, Debby Dane Browne. From representing Walt Disney at Disneyland in the 1960s, to opening Walt Disney World: experience the history of Disney Parks like never before.
The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed
Sunday, September 11, 4:15 p.m., Hyperion Stage
Disney Imagineers discuss the origin and continuing popularity of Duffy & Friends, including the newest friend who has become a global phenomenon — LinaBell!
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage not available everywhere. Guests under 18 need their parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.
The post Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Announces Plans for D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, September 9 Through 11, 2022 appeared first on The Nerd Element.
Warner Bros. Discovery is about to make big changes to their big screen DC Universe. At least, that’s what they are telling us. During their investor call on August 4, just one day after canceling the already completed Batgirl film, as well as Wonder Twins, CEO David Zaslav revealed the following:
“We have done a reset. We’ve restructured the business where we’re going to focus, where there will be a team with a ten-year plan focusing just on DC. It’s very similar to the structure that Alan Horn and Bob Iger put together very effectively with Kevin Feige at Disney.”
There’s a lot to unpack in that brief statement. First off, Marvel Studios’ big plan that led to the MCU worked because they had Kevin Feige. They had someone who understood the intricacies of making movies and that is also a fan of the source material. DC’s strategy in the past nine years has been incredibly scattershot, because there was no one in charge who was both of those things. If you find that person, make sure they have a real vision for what this new DC shared universe is, and how it fits together. Simply put, that’s not what we had before. Otherwise, it’s just cool logos together up on a screen with release dates.
Secondly, focus on getting it right immediately out the gate. The MCU worked because the first Iron Man was amazing, and knocked it out of the park. People wanted to see more, because the first one was almost universally beloved. If your starting point is divisive, it’s hard to build a universe on that. Yes, it’s good to have a plan, but make sure you focus on one movie at a time. Otherwise, you are constructing a house on a faulty foundation. But if DC Films are indeed committed to a “master plan” over ten years, then we believe it should look something like this. And in this release order. No exceptions!
The DC comics universe began with Superman as its first hero, and so did the DCEU. It always starts with the Last Son of Krypton. And for whatever this new shared DC cinematic universe is, it should also start with Supes. While we don’t need yet another origin story again, maybe they should take the Spider-Man: Homecoming route with Kal-El as a young but already established hero in Metropolis, having adventures alongside Lois Lane.
The most important thing is to make a Superman film bright, fun, and most of all, inspiring. We need a Superman that is a beacon of hope in a hopeless world again. Also, one with big sci-fi ideas and concepts. And while we all love Henry Cavill and felt he got done dirty, if you’re going to start fresh, it’s time for a new Man of Steel. And as for what you call this movie? Sometimes you just need to keep things simple. You just call it Superman.
Batman already has his own film series with Matt Reeves, one that definitely does not exist in a world with superpowered heroes in it. And it should stay that way. The Dark Knight doesn’t need the DC heroes to work. But any shared DC universe does need a Batman. And sorry, Michael Keaton is too old to anchor a new continuing universe (Keep him as “Old Man Bruce for an eventual Batman Beyond film though).
Instead, introduce our new DC shared universe Bruce Wayne much as Superman: The Animated Series did. Yes, the two heroes will come into some conflict, but please, no plot about Batman trying to kill Superman. No “vs.” here. They need to find out each other’s secret identities in a fun tit-for-tat way as the animated shows did. And then they need to put aside their difference for the greater good and work together, as the World’s Finest team. And for the love of Krypton, don’t mention Martha. Oh, and Superman’s name comes first.
The 2017 Wonder Woman film is one of the best superhero origin story films ever, and Gal Gadot is the perfect Diana of Themyscira. But if we’re going to make a clean break, that probably means a new Wonder Woman too. Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins probably deserve at least one more solo film before this reset sets in. But after that, let’s see a new version of the Amazing Amazon for a new era. Of course, seeing as Gal is popular, maybe DC films do what Marvel Studios is rumored to be doing for Daredevil; keeping the actor but rebooting the universe they are in.
We’ve seen Diana enter the outside world during World War I, but we’ve never seen her as a true contemporary of the other members of the Trinity, Superman and Batman. These three should be roughly the same age at the same time, and come up together. In fact, they should have the same dynamic as the original Star Wars trilogy heroes. The idealistic farmboy, the sarcastic scoundrel with the cool ride, and the powerful princess. Hopefully this time, we also get a tad more Greek mythology too. Not just badass Amazons (though we need those) but also Medusas and minotaurs. The fully Olympian treatment.
With Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe still going, you don’t need another solo Batman movie in any new DC shared universe. But one thing the Reeves movies (and the Nolan films before them) didn’t do was explore Batman’s partners. So let the DC shared universe Batman’s movie be a team movie, which showcases Batman and his family of heroes. We haven’t had a big screen Robin since the ‘90s, and certainly not a very faithful one.
In addition, Batgirl needs big screen representation, especially after what just happened. If there’s a shred of decency in the world, they’ll offer the part to Leslie Grace. Let the Gotham Knights fight the kind of sci-fi villains that Reeves would likely never touch, like Man-Bat and Clayface. And while we’re at it, let Batman wear his navy blue and gray. Something to really differentiate him from the grim and gritty world of Battinson. The Multiverse is big enough for both. And yes, we know there is a CW show with the name Gotham Knights coming soon. We don’t expect that to be an issue by the time this comes out.
No iconic DC hero has gotten a raw deal on screen as much as Green Lantern. His 2011 movie was so disliked, even its star Ryan Reynolds regularly mocks it. And we know an HBO Max series was announced, but we have a feeling that is going to fall by the wayside now. But it’s been a decade, and it’s time to start over with GL. Because GL is one of the cornerstones of the DC universe, and a key to any future Justice League.
But instead of a solo movie, it’s a more prudent move to make a total intergalactic adventure with several Lanterns. Instead of one GL, use all the most popular ones as a team. Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, Jessica Cruz, and Simon Baz. (This would also make for a diverse cast). One or more of them could eventually be the Lantern stationed on Earth, once we get to Justice League. But for a return to the big screen, give us a grouping of the best and brightest together in a big space opera.
Yes, the Flash is about to get his first solo movie, and the character is also ending a 9-year run on TV. But a new DC shared universe needs the Scarlet Speedster. And one thing the new Flash movie isn’t going to be is a proper origin story for Barry Allen, but a retelling of Flashpoint. Give us a proper Flash movie, one without Batman and tons of other DC characters, that just focuses on how lightning struck a young police scientist, and connected him to the Speed Force. The Flash TV show captured that lightning in a bottle (no pun intended) in the first season, but let’s see what a big-budget version of that would look like. And maybe it goes without saying at this point, but definitely recast the lead.
Now that all your major iconic heroes have been reintroduced on the big screen, then you bring them together as the Justice League. But not before. You could also add a few heroes who didn’t get their own solo films, much the same way Black Widow and Hawkeye were original Avengers. Who the villain is, or what exactly brings them together, is all secondary to making sure that we love each of these iconic heroes already, so once they get together, it’s an event. A Justice League movie deserves to be a true, earned event, not something rushed. Because we tried that once, and the results were what they were. Time to do it right. Let it take as long as it takes to get there.
Aside from the Justice League, DC’s other most iconic team is the Teen Titans. If you were a Gen X kid who grew up in the 80s, you knew them from being DC’s biggest comic series. If you were a Millennial, you probably loved the 2000’s Cartoon Network show. They are that big, and deserve the big screen treatment. The Titans series on HBO Max is too dark, and Teen Titans Go! is way too silly. But a Teen Titans movie could deliver something in the tone of the comics with the grand scale it deserves. They could also use this film to transition Robin into Nightwing. That’s something everyone has been hoping to see on screen for years.
The blueprint for a shared DC Universe on screen already exists, and it’s not just the MCU. In the ’90s, Warner Animation created the DC animated universe, ultimately resulting in Justice League Unlimited. The Arrowverse connected six shows over 35 seasons of TV in just a decade. It can be done. It has been done. You just need the right people who really care about this mythology beyond their “brand value” to put it together.
The post What DC Films 10 Year Plan Should Look Like appeared first on Nerdist.
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Time to rock and droll, people! it's time for Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review show, airing every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern, courtesy of BTalk 100. com. Listen to your genetically-modified AFROnerdist hosts discuss the following issues: the uniquely cast, Batgirl movie from Warner Media starring Afro-Latina, Leslie Grace, has been canceled due to budgetary concerns; and the even more expensive Warner IP, The Flash, along with its lead actor (Ezra Miller) foibles, might be next; is Ben Affleck "the Batman" or not? Especially while this alleged corporate turnover is occurring at Warner-media.; another dimension; our thoughts about yet another Disney+ Star Wars prequel series, Andor, in the wake of a full trailer release:
So now amoral and unscrupulous business people are promoting "Slave Cabin" Airbnbs now? Let's discuss; something we failed to cover-legendary action star/director, Slyvester Stallone is actually starring in a superhero project via Amazon entitled Samaritan:
The CW Flash TV series will purportedly end with a shortened set of episodes for its 9th season; the iconic, problematic, and hotly debated Death of Superman comic and storyline turns 30; who will become the new Black Panther and conversely, who will become the King of Wakanda for the upcoming sequel?; And lastly, is it true that recent test screenings for the MCU's Marvels film went poorly? Again, let's deliberate/
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