EnglishConvention - D23 2024 : Marvel Studios Unveils an Epic Lineup at Disney's Ultimate Fan Event
By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention center, 09 august 2024
The D23 Expo, the ultimate celebration of Disney magic, turned its spotlight on Marvel Studios, delivering a spectacular presentation filled with thrilling announcements, exclusive footage, and star-studded appearances. Led by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, the event offered fans an in-depth look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), introducing new projects and revisiting beloved characters that have become a cornerstone of pop culture.
A Celebration of Success: Deadpool & Wolverine
The event began with Kevin Feige expressing his heartfelt gratitude to fans for the extraordinary success of Marvel Studios' latest blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine. The film, which marks a unique crossover of two of Marvel's most iconic characters, has not only dominated the box office but has also redefined what audiences can expect from a superhero film. Feige's appreciation for the fans set the tone for an evening that was all about celebrating the connection between Marvel Studios and its passionate audience.
Agatha All Along: A New Era for Marvel Television
One of the most anticipated announcements of the night was the upcoming Disney+ series Agatha All Along, which is set to premiere on September 18, 2024. The series continues the story of Agatha Harkness, the powerful witch who captivated audiences in WandaVision. However, this time, Agatha finds herself stripped of her powers and trapped by a mysterious spell, leaving her vulnerable and in a fight to regain her strength.
The audience was treated to an exclusive first look at the series with a dark and mysterious trailer that perfectly captured the show’s eerie atmosphere. To add to the excitement, series star Kathryn Hahn, joined by co-stars Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp, took the stage to perform a brand-new song titled The Ballad of the Witches Road. The song, written by Oscar®-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who were also present, is a haunting melody that promises to be a central theme in the series.
Agatha All Along is directed by an impressive lineup of filmmakers, including Jac Schaeffer, Rachel Goldberg, and Gandja Montiero. The series is produced by a team of seasoned Marvel veterans, with Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Mary Livanos, and Schaeffer, who also serves as head writer, ensuring that the show remains true to its roots while exploring new and darker territories.
Captain America: Brave New World – A New Chapter for the Star-Spangled Avenger
The excitement continued as Feige introduced Captain America: Brave New World, the next chapter in the saga of Captain America, set for release on February 14, 2025. This film marks Anthony Mackie’s debut on the big screen as the new Captain America, a role he inherited from Steve Rogers in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Mackie’s appearance was met with overwhelming applause as he discussed the significance of taking up the mantle of Captain America. The film, directed by Julius Onah, follows Sam Wilson as he navigates the complexities of his new role amidst an international incident sparked by a meeting with the newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford.
The film promises to be a gripping political thriller, with a cast that includes Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and of course, Ford. With Feige and Nate Moore producing, and Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serving as executive producers, Captain America: Brave New World is poised to be a defining moment in the MCU, exploring the challenges and responsibilities that come with being the symbol of freedom and justice.
Daredevil: Born Again – The Return of the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen
Marvel Television continued to shine at D23 with the introduction of Daredevil: Born Again, a highly anticipated Disney+ series set to debut in March 2025. This series marks the return of Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil, and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk, the ruthless Kingpin of Crime. The return of these beloved characters was met with roaring approval from the audience.
Feige, alongside the cast that included Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Jon Bernthal, shared insights into the series, which picks up with Matt Murdock balancing his life as a blind lawyer and his vigilante alter ego, Daredevil. The series will delve deeper into the complex relationship between Murdock and Fisk, as the latter pursues new political ambitions in New York City.
Head writer and showrunner Dario Scardapane, along with directors Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Michael Cuesta, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, and David Boyd, are crafting a series that stays true to the gritty, intense tone of the original Daredevil series while exploring new narratives that push the characters into uncharted territories. Fans were given a sneak peek at some intense footage that promises to deliver the high-stakes drama and action that have made Daredevil a fan favorite.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps – A Fresh Take on Marvel’s First Family
The presentation took a nostalgic turn as Marvel Studios introduced the new cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a film that reintroduces Marvel’s First Family to the MCU. This project has been one of the most eagerly anticipated, and the reveal did not disappoint. Pedro Pascal was announced as Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, while Vanessa Kirby steps into the role of Sue Storm, The Invisible Woman. Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach complete the family as Johnny Storm, The Human Torch, and Ben Grimm, The Thing, respectively.
The film, directed by Matt Shakman, embraces a retro-futuristic aesthetic, promising a unique visual style that harks back to the classic comic book origins of the characters while integrating them into the modern MCU. Production has just begun in the UK, and the film is set to explore the origins of the Fantastic Four, along with their first encounters with iconic villains Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, and the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner.
With Kevin Feige producing and an original score by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. This film is expected to be a cornerstone of Marvel’s future, setting the stage for the Fantastic Four to become integral players in the broader MCU narrative.
Ironheart – Bridging Technology and Magic
The presentation concluded with a look at the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart, which is set after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Directed by Ryan Coogler and his team at Proximity, the series introduces audiences to Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor who creates her own suit of armor, taking up the mantle of Ironheart.
Stars Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Regan Aliyah, and Alden Ehrenreich joined Feige on stage to discuss the series, which explores the tension between technology and magic as Riri returns to her hometown of Chicago. There, she finds herself entangled with Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood, a mysterious and charismatic figure who challenges Riri in unexpected ways.
The series, set to launch in 2025, promises to explore themes of ambition, identity, and the intersection of science and mysticism in the Marvel Universe. With Chinaka Hodge as head writer and executive producer, and episodes directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes, Ironheart is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the MCU, bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the ongoing saga.
D23 2024, presented by Visa, has been reimagined to offer fans an even more expansive and immersive experience. Over three days, attendees have the opportunity to engage with Disney’s rich history and its innovative future. The event showcases the very best in creative storytelling, with exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and thrilling performances that bring the magic of Disney to life.
For those unable to attend in person, Disney has made it easy to stay updated with the latest announcements from D23. Fans are encouraged to visit ultimatefanevent.d23.com and join the conversation online by following DisneyD23 on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and using the hashtag #D23.
The name D23 honors the year 1923, when Walt Disney founded his first studio in Hollywood. Over the past century, Disney has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse, and D23 serves as a bridge between Disney’s storied past and its bright future. As the first official fan club in Disney’s history, D23 offers its members exclusive access to special experiences, offers, and the latest Disney news.
As Disney celebrates over 100 years of bringing joy and wonder to audiences around the world, D23 continues to connect fans with the magic of Disney. Through events like the D23 Expo, Disney ensures that its fans are always at the heart of the magic, with opportunities to experience the wonder of Disney in new and exciting ways.
For real-time updates and to follow along with all the announcements from D23 2024, fans are invited to follow DisneyD23 on social media and keep the hashtag #D23 handy for all the latest news and exclusive content.
(Source : press release)