We are just hours away from the biggest Disney fan event in the world, the D23 Expo. The three day event, which takes place August 9-11, will be the place to be for announcements, news, never-before-seen footage, and first looks from all aspects of The Walt Disney Company.
So far, we have narrowed down several projects we expect to see showcased at the expo; however, there are several projects the company has been quiet about and that we would like to get updates on too. At D23 the possibilities are endless, and so we are reaching “to infinity and beyond” with our list of projects we want Disney to acknowledge over the weekend.
Here are 10 things we hope to get updates about:
1. Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action)
Now, we know we are not the only ones curious about this project. Seemingly overnight we went from having regular updates on this live-action adaptation to radio silence. At one point, it was believed that the film would actually release this year. As of June, The Hollywood Reporter was still reporting that.
But the bottom line is that we haven’t gotten a proper update about the project in months. And the best place to provide such an update is at D23.
Just like the animated original, the remake tells the story of “the bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who is engineered to be a force of destruction. Pursuing aliens, social workers, and the idea of the bond of family figure into the proceedings.”
Newcomer Maia Kealoha plays Lilo Pelekai, while Zach Galifianakis voices Dr. Jumba Jookiba, and Billy Magnussen voices Agent Pleakley. Sydney Agudong portrays Nani Pelekai, Kaipo Dudoit appears as David Kawena, Tia Carrere plays Mrs. Kekoa, Courtney B. Vance is Cobra Bubbles, Amy Hill is Tūtū, Jason Scott Lee plays a luau manager, and Chris Sanders returns as the voice of Stitch.
2 & 3. Blade/Ironheart
It’s been 5 years since Kevin Feige brought out Maheshala Ali on stage at San Diego Comic-Con to announce Blade.
It’s been nearly 4 years since the Ironheart series was announced and Dominique Thorne was named as the MCU’s RiRi Williams.
While it’s no secret that Blade has had some trouble getting off the ground, recent reports allege that the film is in some sort of development hell. The smartest thing for Kevin Feige and company to do at D23 would be to quell any fear that fans have and bring Mahershala Ali back onstage with some other cast members and a confident production schedule. Well, that’s what we hope for anyway.
RE: Ironheart, at one point it was expected to hit Disney+ in the same year as Echo. This was when both shows were in production at the same time. The last we heard, the series was supposed to debut on Disney+ last fall. That would have been the perfect time considering that the character had already made her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The show has already completed filming. We’ve all seen the leaks of Anthony Ramos as The Hood. Star Dominique Thorne even spoke to The DisInsider (!) about the project last year, and it seemed like everything was right on track. So what is taking Marvel so long? Hopefully we get an answer – and a potential release – at D23.
4. Hercules (Live-Action)
Arguably one of the most highly anticipated Disney live-action remakes, Hercules is another film that the studio has been radio silent about.
Even though the last update we got about the project was this year, it was only that the Russo Bros. were still waiting on a script. Given they are going to be pretty busy with the next two Avengers films, it’s unclear if they’ll still have time to devote to this film.
As badly as we hope Disney mentions this film, we need some clarity. We also need to finally know who is playing Hercules so all the rumors can finally be put to rest.
5. The Aristocats (Live-Action)
This is the last live-action Disney project on this list, but only because it appears to be the last live-action Disney project with a pulse.
Academy Award-winner Sarah Polley exited the only other live-action project (Bambi) back in March, and it doesn’t seem like the studio is in any hurry to replace her.
Last year, Questlove was announced as the director of this adaptation, but, again, there have been zero updates since. So not only are we hoping on updates on this particular live-action film, but the future of live-action Disney adaptation in general. Are they still a priority for the studio, or are they pumping the brakes altogether?
6. Wonder Man
Late last year it was reported that the Wonder Man series was scrapped, another casualty as Marvel Studios began restructuring its small screen plans. At around the same time Daredevil was literally “Born Again,” so it didn’t come as a major surprise, despite being somewhat disappointing news.
However, earlier this year, it was revealed that the series was ramping up to continue production after pausing during the Hollywood Strikes.Then, sadly, a crew member died on set right before filming resumed. Since the incident, Marvel Studios has been particularly hush about the project, but we hope that changes and we finally get at least a release date this weekend.
7. Lion King Land
This one is for our Senior Correspondents (and “News from the Castle” co-hosts) Amber and Jordan.
For over a year, there have been rumors swirling about a Lion King-themed park being unveiled at Disneyland Paris.
If true, then this would be the firstLion King-themed land in the world AND a fantastic addition to the Disneyland Paris resort which has been in desperate need of a revamp in years. It would also be their first wholly new attraction in a minute.
Unlike the Animal Kingdom park here in the States, this park would be entirely set around the animals and lore of the iconic animated film, as well as the recent live-action ones.
With Mufasa: The Lion King slated to come out later this year, this feels like “The Year of the Lion,” so what better way to build even more hype around the film than to introduce a brand new park inspired by it? Similar to Pandora in Animal Kingdom, it would effectively solidify the franchise’s importance to The Walt Disney Company’s brand.
8. Original Disney Animation Projects
With Moana 2 coming out this year, Zootopia 2 coming out next year and Frozen 3 coming out in 2026, I think we can all agree that there’s a dire need for some original animated projects at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Prior to the last D23 Expo, we reported on two potential animated projects that we heard were in the works at the studio, Bluebeard and Penelope. Neither were ever announced, so it’s unclear if Disney has plans for them.
The former would be based on the classic French fairy tale of the same name about a wealthy man with a blue beard who has married several times, but kills all his wives so that he can inherit their fortune. When he begins to court two young sisters, everything changes.
The latter was supposed to be based on the classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” For those unfamiliar with it, it’s another literary classic written by Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen was the mind behindThe Little MermaidandThe Snow Queen, which were both adapted by Disney (the later being renamedFrozen). The story follows a young woman whose royal ancestry is established by a test of her sensitivity.
Could this be the year we finally get some new originals announced? Let’s hope so.
9. Star Wars: Episode X
We’ve known for quite some time that Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel) would be directing the next Star Wars film from a script by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders).
It wasn’t until June, however, that a potential title finally began making the rounds: Star Wars: Episode X – A New Beginning.
Back in January,The Cosmic Circusoriginally reported on the title but was told the title was false. However, after we asked around ourselves,we discovered that A New Beginningis the current title being used at this time.
Now, that does not mean it’s official, but if there’s a time and place to make it officials it’s D23. Also, maybe we get some additional casting news? I think there are more people excited for this film than The Mandalorian and Grogu…
While plot details are being kept under wraps, the new film is expected to be about Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order after the events ofThe Rise of Skywalker.
10. Pirates of the Caribbean 6
If I had a doubloon for every Pirates of the Caribbean update we’ve gotten over the last few years, I’d probably have enough to get me to Tortuga…
The last official update we got about the franchise was back in May when Jerry Bruckheimer revealed (again) that not one, but two films were in the works. Prior to that, the famous producer went on the record saying that the next film in the franchise would likely be a reboot.
At this point, it’s not even clear if Johnny Depp is officially out as Jack Sparrow. All that being said, Disney needs to provide us with a proper update on the status on this franchise – even if it’s a small one. Like many of you, we’re hoping it comes up at Friday’s main showcase.
The last we heard, Disney was eyeing Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri for a role in the next film. The film would reportedly revolve around a Black female character named Anne (whichcould be a codename), and a group of much younger pirates searching for a new treasure.
What do you hope to see at D23? Sound off below!
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Dempsey Pillot
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