The First Day of D23 2024: A Comprehensive Overview of Disney Entertainment’s Announcements
The 2024 D23 Expo at the Honda Center opened with a bang, and Disney Entertainment pulled out all the stops with a star-studded spectacle. From surprise celebrity cameos to jaw-dropping new movie announcements, the first night had it all. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
Dwayne Johnson Revving Up for ‘Monster Jam’
Who else but The Rock to kick off the night? Dwayne Johnson rolled in to announce Monster Jam, a film based on the wildly popular monster truck rallies. Disney Entertainment confirmed that the movie will feature plenty of high-octane action and explosive sequences to keep fans on the edge of their seats .
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Is Back, Baby!
James Cameron is diving back into the world of Pandora, and he’s bringing the original gang with him. Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington joined Cameron to unveil Avatar: Fire and Ash, slated for a December 19, 2025 release. Disney Entertainment emphasized that this installment will go even deeper into the family dynamics of the Na’vi, adding more emotional stakes and environmental themes .
Disney Entertainment Has Pixar Takes the Field with ‘Win or Lose’
Pixar’s first-ever series, Win or Lose, is hitting Disney+ on December 6, 2024. The series dives into the life of a middle school softball team, each episode showing a different player’s perspective leading up to the big championship game. Disney Entertainment promises the series will be a fresh, heartwarming take on sports dramas .
‘Dream Productions’ Explores Your Wildest Dreams
Imagine peeking inside your mind as dreams are being created! Dream Productions, a new four-episode series set in the Inside Out universe, is coming to Disney+ in 2025. Disney Entertainment revealed that the show will explore the whimsical side of the subconscious mind, offering a creative look at how our dreams come to life .
Zoe Saldana Joins Cast of ‘Elio’
Zoe Saldana is not just in Pandora! She’s joining Pixar’s upcoming flick Elio, a story about a boy who gets mistaken for Earth’s leader by an alien council. With a release date of June 13, 2025, Saldana described it as “a hilarious and heartfelt family adventure.” According to Disney Entertainment, Elio will be a visually stunning journey through space with a powerful message about identity .
Meet Your New Favorite Robot Beaver in ‘Hoppers’
The weirdest announcement of the night? Hoppers. This 2026 Pixar film centers on Mabel, a girl who can transfer her consciousness into a robot beaver to protect animal habitats. And, oh yeah, Jon Hamm voices a villainous mayor trying to shut her down. Disney Entertainment teased that the film will mix sci-fi elements with a heartfelt environmental message .
‘Toy Story 5’ Takes on Tech
The toys are back… but they’ve got some stiff competition from our modern obsession: technology. Toy Story 5 will tackle how Woody, Buzz, and the gang fight for kids’ attention in an era dominated by smartphones and tablets. It’s hitting theaters on June 19, 2026. Let’s see if these classic toys can hold their own against today’s tech, Disney Entertainment teased .
‘Incredibles 3’ Is Official
And yes, it’s happening! Brad Bird is back at the helm for Incredibles 3. The announcement was brief, but the excitement in the room was palpable. With no release date yet, Disney Entertainment fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the Parr family back in action .
‘Zootopia 2’ Brings Back the Dynamic Duo
Ginnifer Goodwin came out swinging with news that Zootopia 2 will take Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde deep into the city’s underbelly. Expect new characters and fresh plotlines, with the pair tackling reptile-related crime in a whole new district of the city. Hits theaters in November 2025 .
‘Frozen 3’ and ‘Frozen 4’: One Story, Two Parts
Elsa and Anna are back — and this time, they’ve got more than one story to tell. Jennifer Lee revealed that Frozen 3 and Frozen 4 will be a two-part epic, delving into a new adventure for the sisters. The first part drops in 2027, with the second part expected to follow shortly after. It’s double the Frozen, and double the drama, according to Disney Entertainment.
Disney Entertainment’s Star Wars Updates: ‘Skeleton Crew’ and Beyond
Jude Law took the stage to promote Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, premiering December 3, 2024. The coming-of-age series follows four kids navigating the galaxy after they make a strange discovery. Meanwhile, Diego Luna teased season 2 of Andor, set for 2025, and Jon Favreau unveiled the new Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, debuting May 22, 2026 .
Marvel Madness: ‘Captain America’, ‘Agatha’, and More
Anthony Mackie flew in to hype up Captain America: Brave New World, which sees Sam Wilson facing off against a new global threat. Feige then dropped the trailer for Agatha All Along, featuring a live performance from the cast. And if that’s not enough, Daredevil: Born Again was confirmed to hit Disney+ in March 2025.
Here’s the video of the live performance from the cast of Agatha All Along:
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan Return for ‘Freakier Friday’
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan had everyone talking when they announced Freakier Friday. The sequel promises even more body-swapping mayhem, with Curtis hinting that this time, there might be a third character in the mix. The movie is slated for release in 2025.
Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler Show Off ‘Snow White’
Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler shared a sneak peek of Snow White, dropping on March 21, 2025. Zegler plays the titular princess, while Gadot takes on the role of the Evil Queen. Gadot teased, “It’s not your average fairytale.”
‘Lilo & Stitch’ Goes Live-Action
Stitch took over the presentation (literally!) to show off his new look for the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Set to premiere in Summer 2025, the film promises all the chaos and heart of the original animated classic. Disney Entertainment promised that Stitch’s design will stay true to his mischievous roots .
With these announcements, Disney Entertainment proved once again that it knows how to keep fans on the edge of their seats — and wallets open. Stay tuned for more updates!
