Disney shares thrilling information about Snow White, Toy Story 5 and extra – reside
It’s a fun time to be a Disney fan.
The studio is currently holding D23, a convention sharing announcements and first looks at a raft of forthcoming projects, including the Snow White live-action remake, Pixar sequels and Star Wars spin-offs.
Taking place in Anaheim, California, the three-day event has seen the cast and creatives behind the House of Mouse’s biggest films and TV shows drop tantalising details about what to expect in the coming years.
These announcements have included the title of James Cameron’s third Avatar film, a trailer for a new Snow White remake and casting details aboutthe delayed Andor season two.
The news follows the studio’s Marvel panel at Comic-Con, which revealed that Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr would be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – but as a villain.
Follow along with all the updates from D23 below
‘Avatar 3’ title revealed
James Cameron, alongside the film’s stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, has revealed the next film will be called Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Cameron told the audience: “I came 7,000 miles from New Zealand for this,” but said there were no clips ready to show.
He then teased what fans can expect from the film.
“High emotional stakes. New cultures and settings. You’ll see more of Pandora the planet than you ever saw before. The new film isn’t what you expect, but it’s definitely what you want.”
‘Rogue One’ stars cast in ‘Andor’ season 2
Earlier this year, fans were frustrated to learn that Andor season two had been pushed back to 2025.
But the excitement levels were raised at D23 with the announcement that Rogue One characters Krennic and Saw Gerrera – played by Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker – would be showing up in new episodes.
The show’s star, Diego Luna, told fans: “Thank you for caring so much about season one. In many ways, Rogue One changed my life. It’s amazing to be Cassian Andor.
“And as we move towards the final piece of this puzzle, being able to complete the story that starts with season one and deliver it to the events of Rogue One is an incredible and full circle for me.”
Nince Inch Nails will score ‘Tron: Ares’
Fourteen years after Tron: Legacy dazzled cinemagoeres, fit with Daft Punk soundtrack, a first look at Tron: Ares has arrived alognside the revelation that Nine Inch Nails will provide the score.
The film will star Jeff Bridgers alongside Jared Leto, Greta Lee and Evan Peters, and will tackle AI.
Bridges told the crowd: “It’s really unbelievable to think we made the original in 1982. We never thought it would have this legacy that’s continued on all these years, but here we are.
“What a beautiful time to bring this back. What a perfect time to revisit this amazing world. More appropriately, to say this amazing world visit us.”
Leto said that he plays the titular Ares, “ the master of the Grid – a program who’s looking for a way to make the world his own, permanently”.
Daredevil: Born Again
The first look at Daredevil: Born Again was unveiled at D23, showcasing an altogether grittier reboot for the former Netflix series. It has also been announced a season two is in the works despite the series not being released until 1 March 2025.
Those in attendance noted how the new series will place an emphasis on the rivalry between Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk AKA Kingpin, who’ll be played once again by Vincent D’Onofrio.
“If you step out of line, I’m going to be there,” Murdock tells Kingpin at one stage.
Also starring in the trailer is Jon Bernthal, who reprises his role as The Punisher.
Lilo & Stitch
Those gathered at D23 glimpsed the first look at the CGI version of Stitch in the new live-action version of Lilo & Stitch.
The film, which will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell With Shoes On ), stars Maia Kealohaas as Lilo, with Chris Sanders voicing Stitch once again.
Zach Galifianakis, Sydney Agudong, Billy Magnussen and Courtney B Vance, will also appear, as will original cast members Tia Carrere and Amy Hill – but in different roles.
Snow White
The first trailer for the forthcoming Snow White live-action remake was released at D23.
In the footage, West Side Story breakout Rachel Zegler sings “Whistle While You Work” while Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot can be seen as the Evil Queen. The seven dwarfs are also glimpsed, albeit in silhouette form.
Zegler described playing the princess as “the honour of a lifetime”, telling the crowd: “Any young person, any little girl, you get to put on a Disney princess dress and be her for a day, let alone six months in London on these incredible sets in a Sandy Powell-designed dress – it’s just been the most amazing experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.”
Meanwhile, Gadot said playing the Evil Queen “was a lot of fun” as it was “completely different than anything I’ve ever done before”.
Snow White will be released on 21 March 2025.
Follow along here for all the D23 updates – whether it be project announcements, trailers or casting news.