By Penny Theodorakopoulou,
At the much-awaited D23 Expo 2024, Disney unveiled a plethora of fascinating projects across its numerous studios and franchises. It was truly amazing. For those who adore Disney, this year’s event featured a veritable gold mine of fresh experiences set in well-known worlds with eagerly anticipated sequels to iconic classics. The main announcements from the event are summarized below, with special attention to the future films and television shows that are sure to captivate viewers everywhere, as well as some special honors.
Upcoming releases:
1. Moana 2
• Release date: TBA
• Live-action remake release date: 2026
Disney made a spectacular debut at the event by revealing the official Moana 2 video. The sequel, which takes place three years after the first, follows Moana as she reunites with the deity Maui to take on a fresh threat to Oceania. Disney is also promoting Moana as its flagship princess, and a live-action version of the film is in development, with a 2026 release date anticipated. Disney’s commitment to extending Moana’s world through both live-action and animation is demonstrated by these two projects.
2. Snow White
• Release date: TBA
Disney’s live-action Snow White remake is finally approaching after years of production setbacks and controversy. Fans got to see Rachel Zegler in the role of Snow White and Gal Gadot in the role of the Evil Queen for the first time in the teaser trailer. The film is a long-awaited remake of Disney’s 1937 classic, and the visually gorgeous teaser at D23 points to a setting that is both loyal to the original and incorporates contemporary themes.
3. Lilo & Stitch
• Release date: Summer 2025
Disney recently unveiled the live-action Lilo & Stitch version to the public. Some may argue that there’s no need to remake the 2002 cult favorite, but the short teaser showed a visually accurate version with Stitch looking impish as ever. The movie will be released in the summer of 2025, joining the growing roster of live-action Disney productions.
4. Incredibles 3
• Release date: TBA
The news that Incredibles 3 is now officially in production delighted fans of Pixar’s adored superhero family. The news that Brad Bird, who directed the first two movies, would be directing this one was widely welcomed, even though plot elements are yet unknown. The Parr family is eager to return, especially in light of Incredibles 2’s popularity.
5. Toy Story 5
• Release date: Summer 2026
The fifth instalment of the Toy Story franchise will focus on the relationship between toys and technology. A teaser from director Andrew Stanton revealed that the toys’ next mission is to keep their new baby from growing up too reliant on screens. In the summer of 2026, fans may anticipate seeing this new chapter in theaters.
6. Frozen 3
• Release date: 2027
• Frozen 4 in development
A trailer for Frozen 3 featuring the sisters riding gorgeous creatures was unveiled at D23. Elsa and Anna are returning in the film. The movie, which is slated for release in 2027, will carry on the tale of Arendelle’s royal siblings. Plans for Frozen 4 were also announced, in addition to a preview of the Broadway production of Frozen that will premiere on Disney+ in 2025.
7. Zootopia 2
• Release date: November 26, 2025
Fans of Zootopia might anticipate a sequel in which Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will make a comeback. Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan will provide the voice of Gary, a snake, who will be a new character for the dynamic team. The popular 2016 film’s plot will be continued in this Thanksgiving 2025 release.
8. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
• Release date: December 3, 2024
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew takes place in the New Republic era in a galaxy far, far away and centers on four children who are adrift in space and are trying to find their way back home. The teaser for the series features Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood, a Force user. Classic Steven Spielberg films are clearly influenced by this character. Disney+ will debut the series on December 3, 2024.
9. Agatha All Along
• Release date: September 18, 2024
Agatha All Along, the WandaVision offshoot, got an update featuring a new trailer and a live rendition of one of the show’s original songs. Returning to the role of Agatha Harkness, Kathryn Hahn will go through several magical ordeals in her quest to restore her abilities. On September 18, 2024, the first two episodes of the series will be available on Disney+.
10. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Release date: July 25, 2025
With an exclusive preview featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach portraying the legendary superhero team, Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps has fans giddy. The movie, which also stars Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner, is slated for release in July 2025, making Marvel’s First Family’s MCU debut.
11. Daredevil: Born Again
• Release date: March 1, 2025
Marvel also released the trailer for the second season of the adored Netflix series Daredevil: Born Again. Along with returning characters like Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, Charlie Cox plays Daredevil. With a release date of March 1, 2025, on Disney+, the series promises to introduce new characters and bring back beloved ones.
12. Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Release date: December 19, 2025
The third entry in the Avatar series, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is the continuation of James Cameron’s epic tale. The concept art for the movie will shed light on the Ash People’s distinct culture and aesthetics as it explores their world. The movie, which is slated for release in December 2025, promises to go further into the Na’vi people’s history and battles.
References
- Everything Just Announced About D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. d23.com. Available here
- D23 (Disney). Wikipedia. Available here
- Here’s Everything We Learned At D23 2024: New Film Announcements And More. Deadline.com. Available here
- D23 2024: Complete recap, everything we saw at Ultimate Disney Fan Event. mouseinfo. Available here
- D23 2024: Every movie and series announced and shown at this year’s fan event, so far. mashable. Available here
