Walt Disney Animation Presents Upcoming Lineup At The D23 Expo
Walt Disney Animation presented new goodies at the D23 Expo last night, September 9. From Zootopia+ to its brand new movie, Wish, fans were treated with a number of fun exclusives during the presentation.
“ZOOTOPIA+ is set to launch on Disney+ on November 9. Fans saw a trailer for the new short-form series, which heads back to the fast-paced mammal metropolis, diving deeper into the lives of some of feature film’s most intriguing residents.
Coming to Disney+ in 2023 is IWÁJÚ, an all-new original long-form series created in collaboration with Pan-African comic book entertainment company Kugali. A love letter to Lagos, Nigeria, the world of “Iwájú” is as a futuristic depiction—a world bursting with color, unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos, which is physically divided into an island and a mainland separated by both water and socio-economic status. The coming-of-age story introduces Tola, a young heiress from the wealthy island, and her best friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert and loving son from the mainland.
Strange World was up next and director Don Hall and co-director/ screenwriter Qui Nguyen revealed their personal connections to the film that’s about an incredible family who must get past their differences to save a strange world full of danger and surprises. The audience was treated to an all-new trailer from Disney Animation’s 61st feature film before voice cast members Jake Gyllenhaal (Searcher Clade), Dennis Quaid (Jaeger Clade), Jaboukie Young-White (Ethan Clade) and Lucy Liu (Callisto Mal) joined the festivities. Strange World also features the voice of Gabrielle Union (Meridian). The film opens in theaters November 23, 2022.
The last release announced was Disney’s new movie Wish, which is set to release in the Fall of 2023. The epic animated musical is inspired by the legacy of films from the studio and asks the question: “How did the wishing star, upon which so many characters wished, come to be?” Set in Rosas, the kingdom of wishes where wishes can literally come true. Attendees were introduced to 17-year-old Asha—an optimist with a sharp wit who cares endlessly about her community. In a moment of desperation, Asha makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Disney Animation good-luck-charm Alan Tudyk joined filmmakers on stage to share an animation test for his newest character, a goat named Valentino. Buck, Veerasunthorn and Lee then introduced the voice of Asha, actress Ariana DeBose, who brought down the house singing an all-new original song written by Julia Michaels, who’s writing all of the songs for Wish. DeBose’s captivating performance of “More for Us” closed the showcase in signature Disney style.
Some many good things coming our way over the next two years! I can’t wait to check it out.
Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
