The D23 Expo kicked off with a dazzling display of Disney magic, blending star power, exclusive previews, and musical performances, thrilling every Disney aficionado gathered at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown, night one of D23 showcased Disney Entertainment’s unparalleled storytelling prowess, from enchanting new releases to beloved franchises ready to return to the big screen.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, opened the evening with a heartfelt thank you to fans, emphasizing Disney’s unmatched creative studios and the innovative ways they bring stories to life. With surprise appearances, including Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson for “Moana 2” and Ginnifer Goodwin for “Zootopia 2,” the night was packed with memorable moments. James Cameron also made a splash with the reveal of the next “Avatar” chapter titled “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

Pixar Animation stirred excitement with reveals of original series and upcoming films. Pete Docter announced the launch date for Pixar’s first series, “Win or Lose,” and introduced “Dream Productions,” a series from the world of “Inside Out.” Sneak peeks of feature films like “Elio” and “Hoppers” were shared, each promising unique adventures. To top it off, “Toy Story 5” and “Incredibles 3” are officially on the horizon.

Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm didn’t lag behind, unveiling thrilling details. Kevin Feige teased the new series “Agatha All Along” and provided updates on “Captain America: Brave New World.” Lucasfilm, meanwhile, presented Jude Law to fans with a teaser for “Skeleton Crew,” a new Star Wars series, further enriching the galaxy far, far away.

The show concluded with news from Disney Live Action. Highlights included a vibrant performance by Lebo M. for “Mufasa: The Lion King” and first glimpses of “Snow White,” starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Major announcements like a “Freaky Friday” sequel titled “Freakier Friday” had fans eagerly looking forward to what’s next.

It was an unforgettable evening that truly demonstrated the power of Disney’s storytelling magic. Share your excitement in the comments below and let us know which upcoming Disney release you’re most looking forward to!

Source: PRNewswire