Convention - D23 2024 : Disney Live-Action Unveils an Exciting Lineup of Blockbuster Films

By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention center, 09 august 2024

The D23 2024 event has once again brought Disney fans together for an unforgettable showcase of upcoming live-action films. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, this year’s Disney live-action presentation was filled with exciting reveals, sneak peeks, and star-studded appearances that left the audience buzzing with anticipation for what’s to come on the big screen.

Mufasa: The Lion King Roars to Life with Exclusive Footage and Performances

Closing out the Disney live-action showcase was the highly anticipated Mufasa: The Lion King, which is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2024. The presentation kicked off with a powerful performance by Lebo M., who, accompanied by a full choir, delivered a stirring rendition of the iconic Nants’ Ingonyama, setting the stage for what was to come.

Director Barry Jenkins then took the stage, joined by acclaimed songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is contributing original music to the film. In his first-ever D23 appearance, Miranda and Jenkins shared an exclusive look at a sequence from the film featuring a new song titled I Always Wanted a Brother. The sequence captivated the audience, providing a glimpse into the all-new story that reimagines Mufasa’s journey from an orphaned cub to the wise and powerful king we all know.

The cast of Mufasa: The Lion King, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Theo Somolu, Braelyn Rankins, and Anika Noni Rose, was also introduced, adding to the excitement. Jenkins revealed more details about the plot, which follows a young Mufasa as he navigates life’s challenges, eventually meeting a sympathetic lion named Taka. The presentation ended on a high note with a show-stopping performance by Lebo M. and the choir, who returned to the stage to perform a new song, Ngomso. The event concluded with the unveiling of the first trailer and poster, both of which are now available to the public.

Disney’s Snow White Brings a Classic Tale to Life in 2025

Fans were also treated to a magical glimpse of Disney’s Snow White, a live-action reimagining of the beloved classic, set to premiere on March 21, 2025. Stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who play Snow White and the Evil Queen respectively, took to the stage to present a brand-new teaser trailer and poster, much to the audience’s delight.

Directed by Mike Webb and produced by Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, the film promises to retain the charm of the original while introducing modern elements and new original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy will once again grace the big screen, bringing nostalgia and fresh storytelling to a new generation of Disney fans.

First Look at Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Reimagining
The crowd at D23 2024 also got a sneak peek at the upcoming live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch, with the reveal of the new logo and a taste of Stitch’s signature chaos. As Stitch wreaked havoc throughout the presentation, it was clear that this film is set to capture the same mischievous spirit as the original animated classic.

Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, the film stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, with Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, and Chris Sanders also featuring in the cast. Courtney B. Vance and Zach Galifianakis round out the ensemble. The film, which tells the touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the alien fugitive who helps heal her broken family, is slated for a Summer 2025 release. A first look at Stitch has been shared on social media, building anticipation for the film’s debut.

TRON: Ares Introduces a New Chapter in the TRON Universe
Excitement reached a fever pitch when Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jared Leto took the stage to present the latest installment in the TRON franchise, TRON: Ares. Jared Leto, who stars as the titular character Ares, made a dramatic entrance on an iconic Lightcycle, instantly thrilling fans.

The cast shared insights into their characters and offered an exclusive in-room preview of the film, which included a sonic assault accompanied by lasers burning into the screens, revealing the announcement of music by NINE INCH NAILS. Directed by Joachim Rønning and produced by Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger, TRON: Ares will explore the collision between the digital and real worlds as Ares, a sophisticated Program, is sent on a dangerous mission into the real world. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 10, 2025, marking the next chapter in the groundbreaking TRON series.

Freakier Friday: A Sequel to the Classic Comedy
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the iconic duo from the 2003 hit Freaky Friday, reunited on stage to announce the official title of their upcoming sequel, Freakier Friday, set to release in 2025. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and produced by Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn, and Curtis, the new film picks up years after the original, with Anna (Lohan) now navigating life as a mother to her own daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter.

The sequel promises to bring the same humor and heart as the original, with the added complexity of blending two families. Fans were thrilled to learn that Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rosalind Chao will also return, bringing familiar faces back to the big screen. The logo for Freakier Friday was revealed, adding to the excitement for this highly anticipated follow-up.

Dwayne Johnson Teases New Monster Truck Movie
In a surprise reveal, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Bergman announced that a new Disney movie centered around monster trucks is in the works. The film will tap into the growing popularity of monster jam truck rallies and is expected to celebrate the excitement of this motorsport phenomenon. Johnson will produce the film through his Seven Bucks Productions, further expanding his role in the Disney cinematic universe.

D23 2024, presented by Visa, was more expansive and immersive than ever before, offering Disney fans an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Disney storytelling. Over three days, the event showcased the best in creative innovation from across the worlds of Disney, featuring exclusive showcases with stars and storytellers, sneak peeks of upcoming films, behind-the-scenes moments, thrilling performances, shopping opportunities, and plenty of surprises.

The event, reimagined to provide a more interactive and personalized experience, allowed fans to connect with their favorite Disney franchises in new and exciting ways. For those who couldn’t attend in person, Disney ensured that the excitement of D23 2024 was accessible through live updates on social media. Fans were encouraged to follow DisneyD23 on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and to join the conversation using the hashtag #D23.

(Source : press release)