Convention - D23 2024 : Lucasfilm Takes Fans on a Journey Through the Galaxy with New Star Wars Announcements

By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention center, 09 august 2024

The D23 Expo, Disney’s premier fan event, returned this year with an electrifying lineup of presentations, giving fans a first look at the future of Lucasfilm’s cinematic and streaming projects. With a history of delivering unforgettable adventures set in distant galaxies, Lucasfilm’s latest announcements continue this tradition, promising a host of new stories that will captivate audiences for years to come.

Skeleton Crew: A New Star Wars Series Launching on Disney+

The centerpiece of Lucasfilm's presentation was the highly anticipated new Star Wars series, Skeleton Crew, which is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 3, 2024. Jude Law, the series' lead actor, made a surprise appearance on stage, providing an exciting preview of what fans can expect from this groundbreaking show. Skeleton Crew is a coming-of-age tale that follows four young protagonists who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet. This discovery propels them into a strange and perilous galaxy, far beyond anything they could have imagined.

Law’s character, Jod Na Nawood, is a key figure in this new adventure, and his involvement adds a layer of intrigue to the series. Speaking about his role, Law emphasized the show’s focus on the journey of these young characters as they navigate an unpredictable and dangerous universe. The cast is rounded out by talented young actors Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, along with seasoned performers like Tunde Adebimpe, Kerry Condon, and Nick Frost.

The series boasts an impressive roster of directors, including Watts, David Lowery, the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Lee Isaac Chung. With such a diverse group of filmmakers at the helm, Skeleton Crew is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to the Star Wars universe. Executive producers Christopher Ford, Jon Watts, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, and Colin Wilson have all played pivotal roles in shaping this new addition to the Star Wars saga. Fans at the event were treated to the first-ever teaser trailer, which has since been released online, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the adventure that awaits.

Andor Season 2: The Return of a Rebel Hero

Another highlight of the Lucasfilm presentation was the announcement of the second season of Andor. Diego Luna, who stars as Cassian Andor, joined the event to share his excitement for the upcoming season. Andor has been a critical success, with its first season receiving multiple Emmy® nominations, and anticipation for the continuation of Cassian Andor’s story is at an all-time high.

Set to debut on Disney+ in 2025, Season 2 of Andor will delve deeper into the evolution of Cassian Andor as he transitions from a reluctant participant in the rebellion to a key figure in the fight against the Empire. The new season will span four years, charting Cassian’s journey as he becomes the rebel hero audiences came to know in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Luna expressed his enthusiasm for reprising his role and teased that the upcoming season will explore even more complex and morally ambiguous aspects of his character’s path.

Andor has been praised for its mature storytelling and its ability to explore the darker, grittier side of the Star Wars universe. The series has resonated with fans for its nuanced portrayal of the early days of the Rebellion, and Season 2 is expected to build on that foundation, offering deeper insights into the characters and events that shaped the Star Wars galaxy.

A New Chapter for The Mandalorian and Grogu on the Big Screen

Perhaps the most significant reveal of the evening was the announcement of an upcoming Star Wars feature film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. Director Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni shared an exclusive sneak peek of this highly anticipated film, which will continue the beloved journey of Din Djarin, also known as The Mandalorian, and his loyal companion, Grogu.

Starring Pedro Pascal in the title role, this new film marks a major milestone for the Star Wars franchise as it brings the story of The Mandalorian and Grogu to the big screen. Favreau, who has been instrumental in the creation and success of The Mandalorian series, is once again at the helm as director, ensuring that the transition from television to film retains the essence of what has made the series a global phenomenon.

The film is currently in production and promises to deliver an epic adventure that will resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences. Kathleen Kennedy, Favreau, Filoni, and Ian Bryce are producing the film, bringing together a team of creative minds who have been integral to the success of the Star Wars universe in recent years. While details of the plot remain under wraps, the sneak peek offered at D23 has only heightened anticipation, with fans eager to see where the next chapter in the Mandalorian and Grogu’s journey will take them.

This year’s D23 Expo, presented by Visa, has been reimagined to offer a more expansive and immersive experience than ever before. Spanning three days, the event showcases the very best in creative storytelling and innovation from across the Disney universe. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with stars and storytellers, get exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes insights, and enjoy a variety of thrilling performances, shopping experiences, and surprises.

D23 2024 is a testament to Disney’s commitment to its fans, providing a platform for them to connect with the magic of Disney in new and exciting ways. For those unable to attend in person, Disney has made it easy to stay updated on all the latest news and announcements from the event. Fans are encouraged to visit ultimatefanevent.d23.com for the latest information and to join the conversation online by following DisneyD23 on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and using the hashtag #D23.

The Legacy of D23: Celebrating Over 100 Years of Disney Magic
The name D23 is a nod to Disney's rich history, dating back to 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. As Disney’s first official fan club, D23 has become a vital part of the Disney community, offering members exclusive access to special experiences, offers, and discounts throughout the year. In addition to its annual event, D23 members receive a quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three, and access to the latest news and stories on D23.com, ensuring they are always connected to the world of Disney.

D23 continues to honor the legacy of Walt Disney while also celebrating the ever-evolving future of Disney storytelling. As the company looks ahead to the next century, D23 remains at the forefront, bringing fans closer to the magic and ensuring that the spirit of Disney continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

For those following the event from afar, make sure to stay tuned to DisneyD23 on social media and keep the hashtag #D23 handy for all the latest updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments from this unforgettable weekend.

(Source: Press Release)