Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission from links you click on this page at no extra cost to you.
The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, D23, has everyone buzzing about Disney’s upcoming film and television projects. Disney’s biennial event, has revealed an impressive lineup of new movies, sequels, and adaptations across its various studios. From animated classics to live-action remakes, the D23 announcements have unveiled a slate that promises to keep audiences entertained for many moons.
Pixar is gearing up with fresh ideas and sequels to beloved franchises, while Walt Disney Animation Studios has big plans for fan-favorite characters. The live-action department is bringing new life to classic tales, and Marvel continues to expand its cinematic universe. Star Wars enthusiasts have reason to celebrate with new additions to the galaxy far, far away, and Walt Disney Studios is set to deliver its own share of theatrical magic with sequels and new projects in development.
Pixar’s D23 Announcements
Pixar Animation Studios has unveiled an impressive lineup of upcoming projects at D23, showcasing a mix of original concepts and sequels.
Pixar’s New Animal-Focused Film, Hoppers
Pixar’s Pete Docter, announced the new movie, Hoppers, set for release in Spring 2026. Written and directed by Daniel Chong, the creator of We Bare Bears, this film is described as being a “crazy, funny, and action-packed” addition to the Pixar lineup.
Hoppers follows the story of a young girl, Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), who can transfer her mind into a robot beaver with the goal of going undercover in the animal kingdom. She winds up befriending a regal beaver, King George (by Bobby Moynihan), and uniting the animals to fight off the plans of a real estate developer. The film’s antagonist, Mayor Jerry, will be voiced by Jon Hamm, bringing some serious challenges for Mabel and her newfound friends.
Release Date: March 6, 2026
Inside Out Spin-Off: Dream Productions
Building on the success of Inside Out 2, which became the highest-grossing animated film of all time—and one of the many fun facts about the Inside Out sequel—Pixar is expanding the franchise with a new television series called Dream Productions. Set to debut in 2025, this series will bridge the gap between the first and second Inside Out films.
Dream Productions takes place in a studio where Riley’s dreams are crafted nightly, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the dream-making process. The show will explore how some memories need extra processing and are sent to Dream Productions for further development.
Pete Docter, speaking at D23, emphasized the uniqueness of this project, stating, “This is our first original series, and we wanted to do something unique and bold, unlike anything we’ve done before.” There’s no word on whether Inside Out characters or Riley’s new emotions from the sequel will make appearances.
Release Date: 2025
The Return of The Incredibles
Fans of the Parr family will be thrilled to learn that Incredibles 3 is currently in development at Pixar. The surprise D23 announcement was part of the sign-off to Pixar’s D23 session and contained little detailed info, other than to note Brad Bird’s involvement in the project.
Release Date: TBA
Pixar’s First Original Disney+ Series, Win or Lose
Pixar is venturing into new territory with its first full-length animated Disney+ series, Win or Lose. The trailer was screened during Pixar’s D23 announcements of new movies and shows.
The series follows softball team preparing for a championship game through the viewpoint of eight different characters—the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, and even a lovesick umpire. Will Forte has been cast as Coach Dan, adding a household name to this Pixar first.
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Elio Trailer Reveal
Set to release in 2025, D23 attendees got an exclusive look at the trailer for the upcoming Elio.
Elio, directed by Coco writer and co-director Adrian Molina, centers around 11-year-old Elio, voiced by Yonas Ascunsion Kibreab, as he gets caught up in a top-secret military operation investigating a deep space transmission. Elio is transported across the galaxy and mistaken for Earth’s intergalactic ambassador, setting the stage for an out-of-this-world adventure.
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Teaser Image for Toy Story 5
A glimpse into what the future holds for Woody and Buzz was seen via one image at D23. Directed by Andrew Stanton, Toy Story 5 will explore the challenges toys face in a world increasingly dominated by electronics.
Stanton, marking his fifth Pixar directorial project, will be joined by co-director McKenna Jean Harris, known for her work on the Disney+ short Ciao Alberto.
Release Date: June 19, 2026
Walt Disney Animation D23 Announcements
“Sequels” are the name of the game when it comes to D23 announcements involving Disney’s animated feature films.
Moana 2 Trailer Release
D23 attendees were treated to the official trailer for Moana 2. In it, we see Moana reunite with the demigod trickster Maui as they face a new threat.
The sequel cast includes Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui. Moana 2‘s new characters make their introductions in the trailer, namely Moana’s adorable little sister, Simea, voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, and the mysterious Matangi, voiced by Awhimai Fraser.
Fans can also look forward to the return of familiar characters, like Moana’s pig Pua and the mischievous Kakamora.
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Zootopia 2 Explores New Worlds and Characters
Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices Zootopia‘s Judy Hopps, introduced an exclusive clip for Zootopia 2 at D23. In the clip, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are seen exploring rural settings and meeting new Zootopia characters.
One of the most exciting announcements for the sequel is the news that Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan will voice a new character named Gary. His character is described as a “creepy, slithery, highly venomous viper.” Quan is known for his roles in Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Loki on Disney+.
Release Date: November 26, 2025
New for Frozen 3 and Beyond
Jennifer Lee, the Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, shared concept art for Frozen 3 with D23 attendees.
The art, by Brittney Lee, is reminiscent of Eyvind Earle’s concept art for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The image shows Elsa and Anna on horseback looking toward a white castle in the sky. Olaf, who is riding with Anna, spots an ominous, horned figure at their backs, which the audiences only sees via his shadow.
And in a surprising D23 announcement, Lee hinted at plans for a fourth Frozen film with her statement, “Coming out of Frozen 2, we still have some questions. A lot of questions actually. Now, you see why we need two films to tell this story.” This comment reinforces a tease from Bob Iger’s 2023 interview on Good Morning America.
Release Date: November 25, 2026
Disney Live-Action Adaptation Announcements
Disney continues to expand its live-action adaptation repertoire, with updates on three of their upcoming releases.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Teaser Release
Disney’s journey into live-action adaptations began with Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book in 1994 and gained momentum with films like Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Maleficent.
The live-action Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been in development since 2016, and Disney fans finally got a peak at the film when the teaser was released at D23. The Snow White teaser highlights show Rachel Zegler as Snow White singing “Whistle While You Work” and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Live-Action Stitch Revealed for Lilo & Stitch
The Disney live-action D23 announcements also treated attendees to a first look at the CGI version of Stitch, the mischievous blue alien from Lilo & Stitch. The unexpected reveal put Disney’s cards on the table when it came to the computer rendering of the otherworldly character, which was met with praise from fans.
Chris Sanders, the creator and voice of Stitch in the original 2002 animated film, will reprise his role in the new adaptation.
Release Date: Summer 2025
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer Release
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, explores Mufasa’s rise to kingship. The official trailer was released to the audience at D23. During the Disney Entertainment Showcase, Lebo M performed “Nants’ Ingonyama” and Lin-Manuel Miranda introduced a sneak peek that featured the new song, “I Always Wanted a Brother.”
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Marvel Cinematic Universe D23 Announcements
Trailer Reveal Round Two for The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps that was first shown at Sand Diego Comic Con earlier this summer was played for D23 attendees, giving the audience a taste of the film’s “retro-future ’60s” aesthetic.
The cast includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/Thing.
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Daredevil: Born Again Trailer Screening
The revival of “Daredevil: Born Again” made its mark at D23 with the premiere of its first trailer. Set for release in March 2025, the upcoming Disney+ series intends to have some crossover with the canceled Netflix series while still carving out its own path.
The trailer captured the gritty atmosphere fans loved from the first three seasons of the Netflix show. It also confirms the return of fan-favorite characters like Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher. Charlie Cox reprises his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil), with Vincent D’Onofrio returning as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin.
Release Date: March 2025
Captain America: Brave New World Unveils Red Hulk
Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters in early 2025. The film marks Anthony Mackie’s debut as Captain America for the silver screen, following his journey in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Disney+.
One of the most exciting reveals at D23 was the first look at Harrison Ford as Red Hulk. In the trailer, Ford’s character, President Thaddeus Ross, turns into the Gamma monster from behind a presidential lectern in front of the White House.
The film’s plot focuses on Sam Wilson’s efforts to stop those behind an nefarious global plot that will have the entire world seeing red.
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Ironheart Gets a Trailer Preview
Marvel Studios is bringing Riri Williams’ story to television in the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart, and attendees at D23 got a first look at the trailer.
Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and his team at Proximity Media are producing the series alongside Marvel Television. Dominique Thorne, who made her debut as the teenage genius in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will reprise her role as the genius inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man.
Release Date: September 3, 2025
Agatha All Along Live Performance and Trailer Release
At D23, the Agatha All Along cast surprised attendees with a live performance of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” the hypnotic song with a chant-like rhythm prominently featured in the trailer, which was also released at the event.
The WandaVision spin-off tells the story of Agatha forming a new coven of witches to join her on the trials of the legendary Witches’ Road. The cast includes Kathryn Hahn, reprising her role as the scene-stealing witch Agatha Harkness, alongside Patti LuPone and Aubrey Plaza.
Release Date: September 18, 2024
Star Wars D23 Announcements
The Star Wars D23 announcements offered updates and first looks at stories from media both new and known.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Trailer Release
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the newest Star Wars show to make its way to Disney+, and is aiming to reach young fans with stories of adventure through nostalgic storytelling. Jude Law, who plays the Jedi Jod Na Nawood, describes the show as “a timeless adventure story in the spirit of Goonies and E.T.“
The trailer was released during D23, showing four young protagonists—Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel—on a perilous journey to find their way home. Despite its kid-friendly premise, co-creator Christopher Ford assures that the show will have significant stakes. “All the stakes are as real as possible: the kids think they’re in Andor,” Ford stated in an interview with Empire magazine.
Release Date: December 3, 2024
First Look at Andor Season 2
The critically acclaimed Andor is gearing up for its second season. Diego Luna, who plays Cassian Andor, was at D23 to introduce a first look to give attendees what he called “just a taste” of what’s in store.
Season 2 will follow Cassian over a four-year period as he evolves into the rebel hero audiences know from Rogue One. Plus, fans got a peek at some of the shows characters like K-2SO, Orson Krennic, Ruescott Melshi, and Davits Draven.
Release Date: 2025
Mandalorian and Grogu Sizzle Reel
Jon Favreau and Dave Filon were on hand to share with the D23 audience news about Mandalorian and Grogu, the Disney+ series’ feature film accompaniment.
Favreau confirmed that production is underway, having just started weeks prior. Attendees viewed an exclusive sizzle reel for the film, which showed Din Djarin going up against snowtroopers and even more screen time for Grogu and some Anzellans.
Release Date: May 22, 2026
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy
The official release of the LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy trailer was announced at D23, its story offering unexpected twists like Darth Jar Jar, white-armored Vader, bounty hunter C-3PO, and Ackbar Clone Troopers.
The four-part miniseries follows Sig Greebling, who finds a Jedi Temple and removes a mysterious Cornerstone, causing chaos in the galaxy. Mark Hamill returns in the bizarro Star Wars universe as a less-than-heroic, more chill Luke Skywalker. Bobby Moynihan lends his voice to the LEGO minifigure with a cult following, Jedi Bob.
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Walt Disney Studios D23 Announcements
Walt Disney Studios offers up sneak peaks into the highly successful Avatar franchise and reveals new projects in development.
Tron: Ares Sneak Peak and Score Announcement
The cast of Tron: Ares was on stage at D23 to share with updates with fans and a first look at the upcoming film. The story follows Ares, an A.I. being, who is sent on a dangerous mission from the digital world into the human world, a first for humankind.
It was also announced at D23 that the movie score for these worlds colliding will be created by Nine Inch Nails.
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash Name Reveal and Concept Art
The Avatar D23 announcements didn’t include previews of the film. However, the film’s official title was revealed and director James Cameron shared a look at concept art, which gave fans a first look at the Ash People of the Na’vi.
Avatar: Fire and Ash will dive deeper into the events following Avatar: The Way of Water, as Jake and Neytiri cross paths with the Ash People. These two movies tell of events originally planned as one film, but were eventually split into two films due to the abundance of material.
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Monster Jam
Dwayne Johnson, already in attendance for his role in Moana 2, took to the stage to tease a new project in development: Monster Jam. Johnson touted his love for trucks, including his own pick up truck, while hyping up the project.
There were no other key details revealed at D23.
Release Date: TBA
Freakier Friday
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan took to the D23 stage to share news about Freaky Friday‘s sequel, Freakier Friday. Namely, the title. What was originally known as Freaky Friday 2 now has its official name.
The sequel will be a follow up to the first film where Tess and Anna unexpectedly swap bodies, sending them on a mission to switch back.
Release Date: 2025
