By Chad Shreeves
It’s here again- the D23 Expo! This is Disney’s bi-annual convention that has historically been a powerhouse for announcements about upcoming Disney projects. And coming off the heels of a giant Disney+ Day, fans around the world are sure to be in for a treat.
While the Mouse House generally keeps things under wraps until the D23 panels, there are some rumors that can give us a glimpse as to what is going to happen.
Below are just a few of the potential things that could be announced regarding all the major players in the D23 catalog. Please note this is purely speculation!
Disney Animation Studios
While Disney Animation’s streaming presence has been mostly relegated to small shorts, it does feel like we’re approaching something major. There is a dedicated panel for the Zootopia spinoff series Saturday at 6:00 PM PT.
Frozen III is almost a guarantee, but that seems fated to debut exclusively in theaters.
It’s highly likely Disney Animation will drop some major Disney+ news, whether it’s a full series or a direct-to-streaming movie is anyone’s guess.
Disney Live Action Division
Even though many of Disney’s live action titles on Disney+ have been a misfire, there is still a lot of potential. New looks at this fall’s Hocus Pocus 2 and Disenchanted are sure to occur. And it does feel like at least one more major live-action remake is bound to be announced for the streaming service.
On the theatrical side, potential announcements regarding The Little Mermaid, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Cruella 2 are in the running. Also, quite possible that a fourth (and potentially final) season of one of their biggest hits, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, gets announced.
Pixar
Pixar Animation has had a much better time on Disney+, with huge successes like Turning Red and Luca. Given their latest outing, Lightyear, was a massive loss for the studio in theaters it seems Pixar will become one of the big staples for the streaming service as Disney Animation will take over the theatrical slate.
Much of their slate is not known, only Elemental releasing June 23, 2023 so they should have much to announce.
20th Century Studios
While the newest acquisition on Disney's table, 20th Century Studios has already proven itself with some great, award-winning content.
Hulu's Prey ended up one of the biggest direct-to-streaming releases in history, so it's very possible a sequel gets announced with star Amber Midthunder and director Dan Tractenberg returning. On that same note, a first official look at FX's Alien series could be coming as well.
Other possibilities are new seasons of American Horror Stories, other high profile FX releases, and a new look at the massively anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water.
Lucasfilm
While most of the attention at D23's panel Saturday morning will be on the Marvel portion, Lucasfilm could have the most interesting first looks. The ups and downs of the Star Wars saga have been well-documented, but The Mandalorian Season 3 is sure to get a first (public) look ahead of its February premiere.
Other possibilities include one final look at Andor, new information regarding next year's highly anticipated Ahsoka, and others. With Squid Game‘s Lee Jung-Jae landing a major role in the Acolyte, more casting announcements are potentially coming.
While Indiana Jones 5 is coming to the big screen next year, could a spinoff Disney+ series follow? While seemingly not likely, it's still a possibility.
And lastly could be some more potential information regarding director Taika Waititi's mystery Star Wars film, Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron, and possibly the heavily rumored Heir to the Empire adaptation may occur.
Marvel Studios
The biggest thing in the entertainment industry right now, Marvel Studios made a giant splash at this past year's San Diego Comic-Con with a slew of announcements for the next three years of content. And they promised eight new projects will be announced at D23.
What's likely is the cast of Fantastic Four finally being announced, as well as the all-but-confirmed Deadpool 3. Many other possibilities include a potential Young Avengers series led by Hawkeye‘s Hailee Steinfeld, updates on the Armor Wars series, as well as casting/release dates for their already announced shows.
Whatever they have to announce, both expecations and anticipation is already sky high.
This weekend will be a huge moment for the streaming giant, and this barely covers the most essential. Stay tuned for all the major announcements and trailer reactions this weekend.
The Two Big Panel Times to Watch For:
- Disney/ Pixar: Friday, 9/9 3:30 PM PT
- Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios: Saturday 9/10 10:00 AM PT
*These panels will not livestream, but expect heavy traffic and breaking news over Twitter and other social media platforms over this time period.
