Disney fans, rejoice! The recent D23 Expo offered a wealth of enthralling updates, especially for those eager to see more representation of Black culture and talent within Disney’s vast universe of stories. From beloved faces returning to the spotlight to new adventures on the horizon, here’s a roundup of the most exciting Black-centric announcements from the Expo.
First up, let’s give a standing ovation to Angela Bassett, who was honored as a Disney Legend. Bassett, celebrated for her powerful roles and incredible talent, was praised by her “Black Panther” director, Ryan Coogler. Addressing the fans, Bassett had heartfelt words, “To the fans, you are the magic. I stand here today because you have the tickets, you have watched the television shows, you have cheered me on my best days and lifted me up on the more difficult ones.”
Exciting news for Marvel enthusiasts: “Ironheart” is soon on the way. Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams, the brilliant MIT student-turned-hero we first met in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The upcoming Disney+ series promises to dive deeper into Riri’s journey, showcasing her genius and the moral dilemmas she faces. Although the series has faced multiple delays, including the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, it’s now set to premiere in 2025. Fingers crossed!
For those craving more Wakandan lore, “Eyes of Wakanda” is set to enrich our understanding of this fictional African superpower. Ryan Coogler teased the series during the Animation Showcase, highlighting its unique visual style and storytelling approach. This four-episode series promises to explore untold stories from Wakanda’s past and present, offering fans a fresh look into the vibrant world of Black Panther.
And then there’s Colman Domingo joining the Marvel universe as the voice of Norman Osborn in “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.” Set during Peter Parker’s early days as the web-slinger, this animated series is sure to thrill Spider-Man fans and introduce a much-anticipated character to the MCU.
Lastly, Disneyland guests can mark their calendars for November 15th, when “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” officially opens. After a successful run at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, this “The Princess and the Frog”-themed water ride will bring the magic of Mardi Gras and Tiana’s inspiring story to life at Disneyland’s newly renamed Bayou Country.
Which of these announcements are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this story with fellow Disney fans!
Source: Stephanie Holland
