Convention - D23 2024 : Pixar Animation Studios Delivers a Spectacular Showcase of New Films, Series, and Beloved Franchises

By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention center, 09 august 2024

In a dazzling display of creativity and storytelling, Pixar Animation Studios captivated fans at the D23 Expo with a series of thrilling announcements and exclusive previews of their upcoming projects. The event, led by Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, was a celebration of the studio's legacy of innovation in animation, with fans treated to a sneak peek of new films, series, and the return of beloved characters. The energy in the room was palpable as Docter shared the exciting future of Pixar, packed with heartfelt moments, laughter, and surprises.

Celebrating Inside Out 2: Pixar’s Record-Breaking Achievement
Kicking off the presentation, Pete Docter took a moment to acknowledge the incredible success of Inside Out 2, which recently shattered records to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The sequel to the beloved original film has not only resonated with audiences worldwide but also reaffirmed Pixar's reputation for crafting emotionally powerful and visually stunning stories. Docter expressed his gratitude to fans for their support, attributing the film’s success to the deep connection audiences feel with the characters and themes that Pixar so expertly brings to life.

Win or Lose: Pixar’s First Original Series Premieres on Disney+ This December

One of the most anticipated announcements of the evening was the official launch date for Pixar’s first-ever original series, Win or Lose, which will debut exclusively on Disney+ on December 6, 2024. Directed and written by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, who also serve as executive producers, Win or Lose takes a unique narrative approach by telling the story of a championship softball game from the perspectives of various characters involved, including the players, their parents, and even the umpire. The series offers a fresh take on the sports genre by diving into the personal stories and emotions of each character, making it a rich, character-driven narrative. The voice cast, led by Will Forte as the coach, brings to life the diverse and relatable cast of characters. During the presentation, fans were given a first look at the teaser poster and a sneak peek of the series. Additionally, those attending the D23 Expo were invited to catch the first two episodes at the D23 Backlot Stage the following day, making them among the first to experience this innovative new series.

Dream Productions: A Magical New Series from the World of Inside Out
Expanding on the universe of one of Pixar’s most beloved films, Docter announced Dream Productions, a brand-new series set in the world of Inside Out. Scheduled to launch on Disney+ in 2025, this four-episode series offers a whimsical look inside the dream-making studio located in Riley’s mind, where dreams are crafted with creativity and care. The series introduces fans to Paula Persimmon, the acclaimed dream director, voiced by Paula Pell, who oversees the creation of Riley’s dreams. With a stellar voice cast that includes Richard Ayoade, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Alli Maki, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, and Phyllis Smith, Dream Productions is set to deliver the same mix of humor and heart that made Inside Out a cultural phenomenon. Written and directed by Mike Jones and produced by Jaclyn Simon, the series promises to explore the imaginative process behind dreams while maintaining the emotional depth and inventiveness that Pixar is known for. The audience at D23 was treated to a glimpse of the series’ logo and concept art, offering a tantalizing preview of the colorful and vibrant world that awaits.

Elio: A Cosmic Adventure Set to Dazzle Audiences in 2025
The presentation took a cosmic turn with the introduction of Elio, Pixar’s upcoming feature film set to release in theaters on June 13, 2025. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, Elio tells the story of a young boy with an active imagination and a passion for space, who unexpectedly finds himself beamed up to the Communiverse, a vast intergalactic organization that mistakenly identifies him as Earth’s leader. This charming and adventurous film explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of imagination. The D23 audience was thrilled to meet the voice talent behind the characters, including Yonas Kibreab as Elio and Zoe Saldaña as his Aunt Olga. The film, produced by Mary Alice Drumm, also features the voices of Brad Garrett and Jameela Jamil, adding to the star-studded cast. New concept art showcased during the presentation revealed the visually stunning and imaginative world of the Communiverse, hinting at the epic scope of the adventure that awaits. Elio is poised to become another Pixar classic, blending humor, heart, and dazzling animation to create a film that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

Hoppers: Pixar’s Next Big Adventure Hops into Theaters in 2026
Continuing the string of exciting new projects, Docter unveiled Hoppers, an all-new film from Pixar slated for release in 2026. Directed by Daniel Chong and produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, Hoppers tells the story of Mabel, an animal lover who discovers a groundbreaking technology that allows her to hop her consciousness into a lifelike robotic animal—specifically, an adorable beaver. The film’s innovative concept promises to explore themes of technology, identity, and the bond between humans and animals. The voice cast, featuring Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm, brings these characters to life with humor and heart. During the D23 presentation, fans were treated to the film’s logo and concept art, offering a first look at the vibrant and imaginative world that Pixar is creating. Hoppers is set to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging adventure that continues Pixar’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling.

Toy Story 5: A New Technological Threat for Woody, Buzz, and Friends
The excitement in the room reached a fever pitch with the announcement of Toy Story 5, a new chapter in the beloved Toy Story franchise. Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, who has been involved in every Toy Story film, is returning to direct this highly anticipated sequel. Joining him are co-director McKenna Harris and producer Jessica Choi. Toy Story 5 promises to bring back Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they face an all-new threat to playtime: advanced technology. The film is set to explore the intersection of toys and tech, offering a fresh and modern take on the challenges that the toys face in their ongoing adventures. Set to open in theaters on June 19, 2026, the film will blend the nostalgic charm of the original films with innovative storytelling that appeals to both new and longtime fans. During the presentation, fans were treated to the film’s logo and concept art, building anticipation for the return of these iconic characters. Toy Story 5 is set to continue the legacy of one of Pixar’s most successful and beloved franchises, promising to deliver the same blend of humor, heart, and adventure that has made Toy Story a cultural phenomenon.

Incredibles 3: The Return of the Super Family

In a grand finale, Pete Docter announced that the Parr family would be making their much-anticipated return in Incredibles 3. The film, currently in development at Pixar Animation Studios, will once again be directed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker Brad Bird, who brought the first two Incredibles films to life. The announcement was met with overwhelming excitement from the D23 audience, who have eagerly awaited the return of Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their super-powered children. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the reveal of the Incredibles 3 badge at the event only heightened the anticipation for what promises to be another action-packed and heartfelt adventure with the Parr family.

The D23 Expo, presented by Visa, has been reimagined to provide an even more expansive and immersive experience for Disney fans. Over the course of three days, attendees have been treated to a series of showcases featuring stars, storytellers, and exclusive sneak peeks into the creative processes behind Disney’s most beloved franchises. This year’s D23 Expo has been a celebration of Disney’s rich legacy and its commitment to innovation in storytelling. From the latest developments at Pixar to the exciting new projects from across the Disney universe, the event has offered fans a unique opportunity to connect with the magic of Disney like never before.

For those unable to attend in person, Disney has made it easy to stay updated on all the latest news and 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, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most influential entertainment companies in the world. As Disney celebrates over 100 years of storytelling, D23 continues to serve as a vital connection between the company’s storied past and its bright future.

As Disney’s first official fan club, D23 offers members exclusive access to events, experiences, and the latest news from the Disney universe. Through the D23 Expo and other year-round events, Disney ensures that its fans are always at the heart of the magic, with opportunities to engage with the stories and characters that have shaped their lives. For real-time updates and to follow along with all the exciting 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)