Convention - D23 2024 : Day Two, A Day Packed with Unveils and Surprises

By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention center, 10 august 2024

Day two of D23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, held at the Anaheim Convention Center, proved to be a thrilling experience for Disney enthusiasts from around the world. The event, which is the pinnacle of Disney fan gatherings, delivered a day filled with extraordinary announcements, star-studded panels, and exclusive previews that left fans buzzing with excitement. Across five stages, Disney shared a wealth of news that touched on everything from animated series to new exhibitions, and from Marvel’s future to the latest developments in the Percy Jackson universe. As Disney continues to expand its reach in both the physical and digital worlds, D23 2024 showcased the company’s commitment to innovation and storytelling, ensuring that the magic of Disney continues to enchant fans for years to come.

The day kicked off with an exciting announcement from Disney Experiences about the upcoming original exhibition, Directing at Disney, set to open on October 17 at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Curated by Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, and Don Peri, a renowned author, the exhibition will bring to life the legacy of the legendary directors who were instrumental in creating Walt Disney’s classic animated films. This exhibition is expected to be a treasure trove for Disney history buffs, featuring a rich collection of archival photographs, rare film artifacts, and behind-the-scenes insights from The Walt Disney Studios. The exhibition will offer a deep dive into the creative processes of the directors who brought some of Disney’s most beloved stories to the big screen, providing fans with a unique look at the artistry and innovation that has defined Disney for nearly a century.

Next on the agenda was a thrilling panel dedicated to The Simpsons, where the creators and cast revealed that the 35th season of the iconic animated series will premiere on October 2 on Disney+. The upcoming season promises 18 new episodes filled with the signature humor and heart that have made The Simpsons a cultural phenomenon. But the surprises didn’t stop there. The panel, featuring Matt Groening, Matt Selman, Al Jean, and other key figures, announced that four exclusive episodes of The Simpsons would be available only to Disney+ subscribers. Among these special episodes is a double-length Christmas-themed episode titled O C'mon All Ye Faithful, set to debut on December 17. Fans were also treated to a sneak peek at a new Halloween-themed short that will be released in October, adding to the long-standing tradition of The Simpsons Halloween specials.

Marvel fans were not left out, as the Marvel Animation Sneak Peek panel provided a comprehensive look at what’s coming next from Marvel’s animated series. Brad Winderbaum, Head of Marvel Streaming, Television, and Animation, took the stage to reveal the exciting developments planned for the next two years. Highlights included a preview of the final season of What If…?, which has captivated audiences with its imaginative alternate realities, and the second season of X-Men ’97, a series that continues to build on the beloved 1990s animated series. New projects like Eyes of Wakanda and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man were also unveiled, with Winderbaum joined on stage by voice talents and filmmakers who shared insights into the creative processes behind these shows. Fans were especially thrilled by a surprise look at the upcoming Marvel Zombies series, which promises to bring a darker, more intense vision of the Marvel Universe to the small screen.

One of the most anticipated panels of the day was the one dedicated to the Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This star-studded panel was moderated by Juju Green, also known as Straw Hat Goofy, and featured the show’s lead actors Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri, alongside new series regulars Charlie Bushnell and Dior Goodjohn. The panel marked the first public appearance of all six series regulars for season two, giving fans a chance to hear directly from the cast and creators about what to expect in the upcoming episodes. Executive producers Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz, and Craig Silverstein provided further insights into the adaptation of The Sea of Monsters, the second book in Rick Riordan’s bestselling Percy Jackson series, which will form the basis for season two. The panel also featured surprise appearances by Toby Stephens, Jason Mantzoukas, and Daniel Diemer, who play key roles in the series, including the return of Mantzoukas as the ever-entertaining Mr. D, the camp director at Camp Half-Blood.

In an exciting casting announcement, it was revealed that Sandra Bernhard, Margaret Cho, and Kristen Schaal will join the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as the Gray Sisters in season two. Each of these talented actresses will bring to life one of the three mythological sisters who are central to the story’s plot. Bernhard will portray Anger, the sister responsible for collecting cab fare from heroes who dare to summon their taxi. Cho will play Wasp, the high-speed, blind driver of the Gray Sisters Taxi, who takes heroes on a wild ride to Camp Half-Blood. Schaal, as Tempest, will wield the one eye shared among the sisters to peer into the heroes’ futures, providing a mix of foreboding and humor to the journey. This addition to the cast promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the series, further enhancing its appeal to fans of all ages.

As the day’s panels and showcases drew to a close, the excitement continued to build in anticipation of the evening’s events. Last night, the Disney Entertainment Showcase delivered a series of exclusive announcements that highlighted the powerhouse creative teams behind Disney’s upcoming projects. Fans were treated to previews of new shows, movies, and experiences that are set to expand Disney’s entertainment empire even further. These announcements underscored Disney’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and innovation, ensuring that the magic of Disney continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

As the weekend progresses, D23 promises even more immersive and expansive experiences, with opportunities for fans to engage with the storytellers, creators, and talent who bring Disney’s magic to life. The event will culminate with the Disney Legends Award Ceremony, a star-studded affair held at the Honda Center, where the contributions of Disney’s most iconic figures will be honored. This ceremony will serve as a fitting conclusion to a weekend that has celebrated the rich history and bright future of The Walt Disney Company.

D23 2024 has been reimagined to be more expansive and immersive than ever before, offering three days of showcases, performances, and interactive experiences that celebrate the very best of Disney’s creative storytelling and innovation. Fans attending the event have been treated to sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and thrilling performances that highlight Disney’s commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment. For those unable to attend in person, Disney has ensured that fans can stay connected by following the D23 conversation online through various social media platforms, using the hashtag #D23.

The D23 event, named in honor of the year 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood, remains the ultimate gathering for Disney fans. D23 is more than just an event; it’s a community that brings fans closer to the magic of Disney throughout the year. Through special experiences, member-exclusive offers, and the latest news and stories, D23 continues to connect fans to the world of Disney in ways that are both meaningful and magical.

As Disney continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the future looks brighter than ever for fans and families eager to experience the joy and wonder that only Disney can deliver. From the new exhibitions and series to the groundbreaking work in animation and the immersive worlds being created in the parks, Disney’s vision for the future is one that embraces creativity, innovation, and above all, the enduring magic of storytelling. As the dust settles on D23 2024, one thing is clear: the magic of Disney is stronger than ever, and the best is yet to come.

Photos : Copyright Disney

(Source : press release)