D3 Announcements: Everything we know about the Disney Entertainment Showcase
Published on August 10, 2024
We got to know a lot of new information about highly-anticipated shows and films at The Disney Entertainment Showcase. Fans were treated to exclusive looks from Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Animation. We have gathered all the major release dates and trailers, from Frozen 3 and Moana 2 to Marvel's Ironheart and Agatha: All Along. So, here's everything we know about what took place at D23 2024.
Avatar 3 Title Announcement
James Cameron, the mastermind behind Avatar and Titanic, announced the official title of his third Avatar movie: Fire and Ash. A premiere date is also set for Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
Cameron said, "I can’t wait to show you what we’ve been doing for Avatar 3. Every day when I review new shots, it’s like Christmas morning, they are so amazing. The characters are so alive. It feels so real." He added, "We are going into challenging territories. There are new characters, and one you’ll love to hate. New cultures and settings and biomes and more of Pandora."
No footage was shown at the event, but we know that filming is currently ongoing in New Zealand.
Frozen 3 sets Release date
Disney is currently working on Frozen 3, and although it won't be released until 2027, we recently got a glimpse of some initial concept artwork. Director Jennifer Lee talked about why the team decided to pursue a third and potentially a fourth movie in the franchise during the D23 event.
Lee said, "Coming out of Frozen 2, we still have some questions. A lot of questions actually. Now, you see why we need two films to tell this story."
Toy Story 5 First Look
Disney and Pixar have announced the return of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the beloved crew for another thrilling adventure. Andrew Stanton, renowned for Finding Nemo and WALL-E, will direct the next installment of the franchise. Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Pixar Previews First Original Animated Series
Pixar unveiled the trailer for Win or Lose, and it will premiere on Disney+ on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The show, which follows a middle school softball game, is created by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, who previously worked on Toy Story 4.
Moana 2 Trailer Revealed
In the new trailer, we see Moana seeking to join forces with Maui again when a new stormy threat endangers the life she has built with her family. Auli’i Cravalho said, "Moana is leader of land and sea. More exciting, she is a big sister. Her sister is her whole world. When she is not with her sister, she is looking for evidence that there are more people beyond where she has sailed."
We're Getting a Monster Jam Movie
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed that he will be partnering with Disney to star in a movie about monster trucks.
"I love motorsports, I love monster trucks," Johnson said. "I came to Alan and Disney to create something here that is immersive and fun and live-action from the POV of these incredible monster trucks. Eccentric and crazy drivers. Monster Jam is going to be a fun ride."
The movie didn't show any footage or reveal a release date, but it did get a logo and some initial art.
Incredibles 3 in works at Pixar with Brad Bird
Disney and Pixar officially announced Incredibles 3 at the D23 fan event. However, Pixar has not yet set a release date, and it may be some time before one is confirmed. Pixar's Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter revealed that Brad Bird, who wrote and directed the first two films, is returning for Incredibles 3.
Daredevil: Born Again Update
The initial footage for Daredevil: Born Again, featuring Charlie Cox, was unveiled at D23 by Marvel. A second season has already been confirmed even before the release of the first season. Although the first season is scheduled to premiere in March 2025, a release date for the second part has not yet been finalized.
Pixar Announces Hoppers with Jon Hamm
A new animated movie, Hoppers, was announced at the event. It will feature Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda and be in theaters in spring 2026.
Marvel's Ironheart First Look
Marvel Studios gave a first look at the new Disney+ show Ironheart at the D23 Expo. The series follows the story of Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, who appeared in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The new footage from the show features Riri attending MIT and worrying about a new superpowered villain played by actor Anthony Ramos. Ironheart will premiere in 2025.
Zoe Saldana Joins Pixar's Elio
Elio is getting ready for a 2025 debut, and there are more details now that Zoe Saldana has joined the cast. The animated movie is set to be released on June 13, 2025. It will take viewers to new and exciting worlds. Saldana is joining the cast as Elio's aunt. At the D23 event, attendees were given an exclusive look at the trailer.
Zootopia 2 Casts Ke Huy Quan
At D23, new footage from Zootopia 2 was shown to attendees. It revealed a character named Gary, a viper played by Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All At Once), and a place called Marsh Market. The sequel will be released in theaters on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2025, and will follow Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on their next adventure.
Several Stage Adaptations Incoming
Three new plays were announced: Frozen: The Broadway Musical (coming to Disney+ in 2025) with Samantha Barks as Elsa, Hercules (summer 2025), and The Greatest Showman (in production), starring Hugh Jackman.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew gets Official Trailer
The D3 event finally featured the first trailer for the show. The trailer revealed a group of young people who find themselves lost in a distant galaxy. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew will release on Disney Plus on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.
Star Wars: Andor Season 2 Details Revealed
A second season of the popular series was announced at D23. It will arrive on Disney Plus in 2025. The series will bring back the fan-favorite characters from Star Wars projects, such as the Tie Fighters, Stormtroopers, and Rebels.
Diego Luna said, "This second part of the story will follow Cassian over a four-year period as he grows into the rebel hero we know in Rogue one. In this season, the stakes are greater, enemies more organized, and clock is ticking. Empire threat grows, Andor has a high purpose, freedom and a better tomorrow."
Agatha All Along Trailer Drops
The spinoff show's cast made an appearance at D23 and unveiled a fresh trailer showcasing additional footage of Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza as they confront the aftermath of the Scarlet Witch. It will be available for streaming on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.
The Mandalorian & Grogu First Footage
Very little information is available about the plans for bringing The Mandalorian & Grogu to the big screen. However, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni chose to share some surprises with the D23 audience. Recently started filming, the movie's footage shows Grogu wearing a complete set of Mandalorian Beskar armor, AT-ATs, and a planet that bears a striking resemblance to Hoth. The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to be released in theaters on May 22, 2026.
Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Remake First Glimpse
Disney offered a glimpse of the upcoming live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch at D23. Maia Kealoha will portray Lilo Pelekai in the film. The live-action movie is scheduled for a summer 2025 theatrical release only.
Percy Jackson Season 2 Production Tease
Disney has announced that season two, based on the second book in the series, Sea of Monsters, will continue the adaptation with a new storyline. The cast has shared a brief teaser for the upcoming episodes, but a release date is still pending.
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer is here
A teaser for the film showcases the initial stages of Mufasa's friendship with Scar, who at that time went by the name Taka. While Rafiki narrates the upcoming ruler's early years, we are introduced to fresh music crafted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton. The Lion King: Mufasa will present a fresh viewpoint on a timeless Disney tale in theaters on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
Freaky Friday 2 gets Official Title
The sequel to Freaky Friday has been titled Freakier Friday and will bring back Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan's rock band Pink Slip. The film is set to feature numerous cameos. Curtis said, "It feels like no time has passed."
Snow White Remake Trailer Shows Off 2025 Movie
Rachel Zegler will star as Snow White in an upcoming live-action Disney remake. The film's first trailer gives us a glimpse of her interacting with animals and features familiar tunes and seven familiar faces. Gal Gadot's portrayal of the evil queen is also revealed. The film is set to be released on March 21, 2025.
Tron: Ares First Look
At D23, Jeff Bridges, Jared Leto, and others discussed how the upcoming movie Tron: Ares expands on one of Disney's oldest live-action film series. They revealed a new look at a villain who uses technology to try to take over the real world. Tron: Ares, set to release in 2025, will feature a soundtrack by the well-known industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails.