For fans of Star Wars, it’s hard to imagine a better or bigger day of news than the torrent of announcements made at the Disney convention D23 in Anaheim today. Not too bad for fans of Avatar, Marvel, Pirates of the Caribbean and Toy Story either.
Let’s get right to it in short bursts (more photos below):
Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — the biggest lands at either park ever. Each 14-acre land (groundbreaking in 2017) will feature a never-before-seen planet with two signature attractions, including a customized secret mission on the Millennium Falcon and another that puts guests in a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.- “Star Wars Episode IX” director announced, Colin Trevorrow of “Jurassic World,” for release in 2019 – production to begin in a few years.
- Reminders and introductions relating to two new stand-alone Star Wars movies:
— “Rogue One” cast announced and introduced for the first of the standalone Star Wars stories set for release December 16, 2016, about resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star (prior to the events in “Star Wars: A New Hope”). Principal photography has commenced under director Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, and Riz Ahmed.— “Untitled Han Solo” Star Wars story for release on May 25, 2018, to be directed by Christopher Miller & Phil Lord, with Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon Kasdan writing the screenplay.
- “Star Wars Episode VIII” under director Rian Johnson to be released May 26, 2017.
Introduction of much of the cast of “Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens,” opening Dec. 18 in 3D and IMAX 3D, including Harrison Ford.- Tweaks and temporary promotional additions at Disney theme parks later this year:
— Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, brings locations and characters from “The Force Awakens” to the 1987 attraction.
— Star Wars Launch Bay – interactive and behind-the-scenes experiences to promote “The Force Awakens” at Tomorrowland in Disneyland and Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
— Jedi Training Academy — Re-imagining of the popular Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels,” with new characters.— Season of the Force – seasonal event beginning early 2016 featuring themed games and food booths at Tomorrowland in Disneyland and fireworks set to Star Wars theme at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
And oh yes, there are other major productions coming from Disney’s huge family of brands and franchises:
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the fifth episode will be released on July 7, 2017 – Johnny Depp was introduced for the second day in a row at D23, this time in full Captain Jack Sparrow attire (Friday he was inducted into the Disney Legends hall of fame). Javier Bardem joins the cast as Sparrow’s old nemesis.
The Finest Hours,” on January 29, 2016, in 3D and IMAX 3D, the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard stars Chris Pine and Casey Affleck.- “The Jungle Book” live-action version in 3D and IMAX 3D on April 15, 2016, features the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito and Christopher Walken.
- “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” set for release in 3D and IMAX 3D on May 27, 2016, also features the return of Depp, along with Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Sacha Baron Cohen.
Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” coming October 26, 2016, stars Benedict Cumberbatch.- Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,” opens May 6, 2016, and stars Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie who were introduced by producer Kevin Feige. Picking up where “Age of Ultron” left off, also returning are Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson.
And there will be several additional new theme park attractions:
Avatar: Flight of Passage was announced as the name of the new “E-ticket” attraction being built as part of the biggest-ever Disney World expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom called Pandora: The World of Avatar by director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau. Pandora will feature floating mountains, a bio-luminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees. The centerpiece Flight of Passage attraction allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. Other new after-dark attractions coming to Animal Kingdom:
— Rivers of Light – to open next spring combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery on Discovery River.— Kilimanjaro Safaris – extended for nighttime next spring, with tours of the African savanna with first-ever African wild dogs and hyenas.
Toy Story Land at re-imagined Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, an 11-acre land will shrink guests to toy-size and take them into Andy’s backyard with two new attractions and one expanded favorite:
— Family-friendly roller coaster on the back of Slinky Dog
— Alien saucers attraction where the popular little green aliens take guests for a spin in flying saucers while “The Claw” looms over.
— Toy Story Mania! expansion adds a third track to the ride where guests wear 3D glasses and shoot at objects.
- Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland will be the first Marvel attraction at any Disney park, with guests boarding the Iron Wing to take flight and battle Hydra alongside fan-favorite Avenger, Iron Man.
- Soarin’ Around the World next year at Disney California Adventure and Epcot in Florida will fly riders above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders.
— By Scott Hettrick