The D23 Expo is an event that happens every 2 years, excluding during the recent global pandemic. This event is celebrated to announce new projects for theaters, streaming, theme parks and more. Branded as “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” set to kick-off “Disney100,” the D23 Expo 2022 is supposed to be EPIC! This event will include panels focusing on films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm & 20th Century Studios, entertainment panels focusing on Disney Branded Television & ABC, and panels focused on Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products.
This year, after being delayed by the global pandemic, I expect fans not to be disappointed! Each day, I will be recapping all of the announcements from this extended weekend so make sure to tune in!
Let’s get into it!
Streaming Services
Disney+
- Hocus Pocus 2 – At Friday’s panel, fans were given a brand-new exclusive look at the upcoming Disney+ Original film with the official trailer! Hocus Pocus 2 is coming to Disney+ on September 30.
- Disenchanted – Also at Friday’s Disney & Pixar panel, revealed a new look into the sequel to Enchanted, with an official trailer showcased and an official release date announced. Disenchanted is coming to Disney+ on November 24.
- Peter Pan & Wendy – Originally announced to release in 2022, at Friday’s panel, Disney executive shared a new poster for the Disney+ Original film along with a new release window. Peter Pan & Wendy is now coming to Disney+ in 2023.
- Iwájú – At Friday’s panel, a first look at Disney & Kugali’s upcoming Disney+ Original series, Iwájú was revealed to fans attending the event. Iwájú is coming to Disney+ in 2023.
- National Treasure: Edge of History – On Saturday, it was revealed that the brand new series inspired by the franchise will release this year, and this was announced along with a first trailer. National Treasure: Edge of History is coming to Disney+ on December 14 with a 2-episode premiere.
- Madu – On Saturday, a brand-new Disney Original Documentary titled “Madu” was announced following the successful premiere of “If These Walls Could Sing.” Madu will premiere at several film festivals and will receive a limited theatrical release prior to coming to Disney+.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society – On Saturday morning, the cast of The Mysterious Benedict Society teased season 2 of The Mysterious Benedict Society. At the D23 Expo Live, fans were given a look at the previously released trailer for the second season. The Mysterious Benedict Society season 2 is coming to Disney+ on October 26 with a 2-episode premiere.
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch – On Saturday morning, the second season of The Bad Batch was teased with some new footage shown to guests attending the panel. The Bad Batch season 2 is coming to Disney+ on January 4, 2023 with a 2-episode premiere!
- Willow – On Saturday, a new trailer for the upcoming tv adaptation of Willow was released for fans attending the D23 Expo. Willow is coming to Disney+ on November 30, 2022 with a 2-episode premiere!
- Tales of the Jedi – Previously announced at SWC 2022, Tales of the Jedi will consist of 6 original shorts centered around the Jedi. Tales of the Jedi is coming to Disney+ on October 26.
- The Mandalorian – On Saturday morning, fans attending the event were shown a trailer for the upcoming season of The Mandalorian. The Mandalorian season 3 is coming to Disney+ in 2023 – no release date was announced.
- Ironheart – On Saturday morning, the first teaser for Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ Original series was revealed to guests attending the event. Ironheart is coming to Disney+ in Late 2023.
- Werewolf By Night – On Saturday morning, fans attending the event got a look into the upcoming Marvel Studios’ special presentation, a Disney+ Original, “Werewolf By Night.” Werewolf By Night is coming to Disney+ on October 7, 2022!
- Secret Invasion – On Saturday morning, the official trailer for Marvel’s upcoming Disney+ Original series, Secret Invasion was released. Secret Invasion is coming to Disney+ in Early 2023!
- Armor Wars – On Saturday morning, a new logo and cast were revealed for the upcoming Disney+ Original series, “Armor Wars.” Armor Wars is coming soon to Disney+.
- Loki Season 2 – On Saturday morning, fans were saw some exclusive footage from Loki season 2, an upcoming Disney+ Original series. Loki Season 2 is coming to Disney+ in Mid-2023.
- Echo – At Marvel Studios’ panel, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige unveiled some new footage for the upcoming Disney+ Original series. Echo is coming to Disney+ in Mid-2023.
- Daredevil: Born Again – At the Marvel Studios panel, a new logo and details were revealed for the upcoming Disney+ Original series, Daredevil: Born Again. It begins filming in 2023 and is coming to Disney+ in Early 2024.
- Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – At D23 Expo Live, cast of the National Geographic series confirmed that filming has wrapped on the second season of the Disney+ Original series! Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom season 2 is coming soon to Disney+.
- The Muppets Mayhem – At the D23 Expo, cast and crew of the upcoming Disney+ Original series, inspired by the Muppets titled “The Muppets Mayhem,” was briefly teased with a new logo and musical performance. The Muppets Mayhem is coming to Disney+ in 2023.
- High School Musical: The Musical: The Series – On Saturday, it was revealed that in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 4, the cast will put on a production of “High School Musical: Senior Year” at East High.
- American Born Chinese – On Saturday, the first teaser trailer was released for fans attending the D23 Expo! American Born Chinese is coming soon to Disney+.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians – On Saturday, a first look sneak peek of Percy Jackson and the Olympians was released for fans attending the event. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is coming to Disney+ in 2024.
- Best In Snow – On Saturday, a new holiday reality competition special was announced for Disney+! Best In Snow is coming to Disney+ this holiday season.
- Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays – On Saturday, a brand-new docu-reality special about the cappella group “Pentatonix” was announced for Disney+. Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays is coming to Disney+ this holiday season.
- The Santa Clauses – On Saturday, fans attending the Disney Branded Television panel were given a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ Original series along with a release date. The Santa Clauses is coming to Disney+ on November 16, 2022 with a 2-episode premiere!
- The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder – Fans attending the event were given a sneak peek into the upcoming second season of the show. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder season 2 is coming to Disney+ in February 2023.
- The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Fans attending the event were given a first look at the upcoming Disney+ Original special titled “The Hip Hop Nutcracker.” The Hip Hop Nutcracker is coming to Disney+ this holiday season.
- Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium Concert – On Saturday, fans around the world got the news that the final Elton John concert will be livestreamed on Disney+ later this year! The Elton John concert is coming to Disney+ on November 20!
- Choir – Fans attending the D23 Expo, got a first look into the upcoming Disney+ Original series about the Detroit Youth Choir. Choir is coming soon to Disney+.
- Big Shot – Fans attending the event got news that Big Shot season 2 is coming to Disney+ on October 12, 2022!
- Descendants: The Pocketwatch – On Saturday, some new cast and details about the film were announced for fans attending the D23 Expo. Descendants: The Pocketwatch is coming to Disney+ in 2023.
- Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. – On Saturday, the cast of the series teased the second season, coming soon to Disney+.
- Prom Pact – On Saturday, the cast of the new Disney+ Original teased some scenes from the upcoming film. Prom Pact is coming soon to Disney+.
- Mickey: The Story of a Mouse – On Sunday, at the panel it was announced that the Disney Original Documentary titled “Mickey: The Story of a Mouse” is coming soon to Disney+. Mickey: The Story of a Mouse is coming to Disney+ on November 18, 2022!
- Duffy and Friends – On Sunday, it was announced that a stop-motion animated series based on Duffy and Friends will be streaming soon on Disney+. All 6 episodes of Duffy and Friends are coming to Disney+ in 2023.
Disney+ Hotstar
- Mahabharata – On Friday, executives announced a brand-new Indian epic series titled “Mahabharata.” Mahabharata is coming soon to Disney+ Hotstar.
- Koffee With Karan – On Friday, it was also announced that Koffee With Karan was picked up for an eighth season, coming soon to Disney+ Hotstar.
- Showtime – On Friday, lastly, it was announced that a brand-new Bollywood-set drama series titled “Showtime,” is coming soon to Disney+ Hotstar.
Film Studios
Disney/Pixar
- The Little Mermaid – At Friday’s event, Disney fans were given an opportunity to see some first look footage of Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. The film will release in theaters on May 26, 2023.
- Mufasa: The Lion King – At Friday’s event, a new title and first trailer were revealed for the upcoming The Lion King (2019)’s prequel film centered around Mufasa. The film will release in theaters in 2024.
- Snow White – At Friday’s event, a new logo and teaser were shown to fans attending the event. The film will release in theaters in 2024.
- Haunted Mansion – At Friday’s event, a new logo and first look trailer were shown to fans attending the event. The film will release in theaters on March 10, 2023.
- Wish – At Friday’s Disney/Pixar panel, a new Disney animated film titled “Wish” was announced. This film will release in theaters on November 22, 2023.
- Elio – At Friday’s Disney/Pixar panel, a new Disney & Pixar animated film titled “Elio” was announced. This film will release in theaters in Spring 2024 (likely March 1, 2024).
- Inside Out 2 – It has long been rumored that a sequel to Inside Out was in the works at Pixar. However, today it was officially announced that Inside Out 2 will release in theaters in Summer 2024 (likely June 14, 2024).
- Elemental – Fans at Friday’s theatrical panel were given an exclusive first look at Disney & Pixar’s upcoming animated film titled “Elemental.” In addition, the first trailer and official cast were revealed. The film will release in theaters on June 16, 2023!
Marvel Studios
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – At Saturday’s panel, the panel officially kicked off with fans getting a special look into the upcoming Black Panther film with new trailer! Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will release in theaters on November 11, 2022.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – At Saturday’s panel, Marvel Studios debuted new details and a brand-new trailer for the upcoming third installment in the Ant-Man franchise. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will be released in theaters on February 17, 2023.
- Fantastic Four – At Saturday’s panel, Marvel Studios announced the brand-new director for Marvel’s upcoming film “Fantastic Four.” Matt Shakman will now be the new director, replacing Jon Watts. Fantastic Four will release in theaters on November 8, 2024!
- Thunderbolts – At Saturday’s panel, the cast and crew Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts were finally announced! Thunderbolts will release in theaters on July 26, 2024.
- Captain America: New World Order – At Marvel’s panel, the cast was announced for the upcoming fourth installment in the Captain America franchise. Captain America: New World Order will release in theaters on May 3, 2024.
Lucasfilm
- Indiana Jones 5 – At Lucasfilm’s panel, Kathleen Kennedy showed fans a new trailer for the upcoming fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. Indiana Jones 5 will release in theaters on June 30, 2022.
20th Century Studios
- Avatar: The Way of Water – At 20th Century Studios’ panel, James Cameron revealed some new concept art teasing the upcoming second installment in the Avatar franchise. Avatar: The Way of Water will release in theaters on December 16, 2022.
Disney Branded Television
Disney Channel
- Marvel’s Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur – Fans attending the panel about the show on Saturday previewed the first episode of the upcoming Disney Channel animated series! Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is coming to Disney Channel and Disney+ in 2023!
- Raven’s Home – Fans attending the event were shared news that Raven’s Home was renewed for a sixth season, set to premiere next year on Disney Channel!
FOX
- The Simpsons – At the panel on Friday morning, it was announced that the 33rd season of the iconic adult animated series will be available to stream soon! The Simpsons season 33 is coming to Disney+ on October 5, 2022!
Games & Consumer Products
Disney
- Disney Speedstorm – At yesterday’s showcase a new look of the upcoming video game, Disney Speedstorm was revealed alongside some new characters. It was revealed that new Mike Wazowski, Sulley, Randall and Celia Mae from Monsters, Inc. will be joining the racing roster and that a new track inspired by the franchise will also be included.
- Disney Illusion Island – On Friday, it was announced that a brand-new 2D Disney-inspired video game will launch globally in 2023, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. The game is set to feature iconic characters such as, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and more!
- Tron: Identity – On Friday, it was announced that a new video game titled “Tron: Identity” will release globally in 2023. Not much was revealed, but the game will be available to play on PC and consoles upon launch.
- Disney Munchlings – On Saturday morning, some creatives have announced the new merchandise line based on Disney Parks snacks called “Munchlings” are now available on ShopDisney and US Disney Parks soon. There are 3 collections – baked treats, sweet treats and frozen treats!
Marvel
- Marvel Snap – At the games showcase, it was revealed that Marvel’s upcoming free-to-play digital card collecting game will launch globally on October 18, 2022. This game will be available to play on all mobile and PC devices upon launch.
- Marvel World of Heroes – On September 9, it was revealed that Marvel Entertainment has partnered with Pokemon Go developer Niantic to create a new AR game titled “Marvel World of Heroes.” The game is set to launch globally in 2023.
- Marvel’s Midnight Sons – On Friday, it was revealed that the new Marvel video game will finally be released globally on December 2, 2022. The game will be available to play on new-gen consoles and PC. No release date has been announced for Nintendo Switch.
- Untitled Black Panther & Captain America Game – On Friday, Skydance New Media revealed their upcoming narrative-driven ensemble adventure game with Marvel Entertainment. The new game will feature characters Steve Rogers, T’Challa, Gabriel Jones and Nanali, set within WWII. Players will get to travel to Paris, Wakanda and more! No release date has been announced.
Lucasfilm
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – A brand-new galactic edition of the video game is set to arrive soon along with some new characters! The new update will add 13 new character packs, including 6 packs that contain fan-favorite Cassian Andor, Captain Rex, Reva and more!
Disney Parks & Experiences
Disney 100: The Exhibition
- On Saturday, it was announced that the “Disney 100: The Exhibition” will open at The Franklin Institute on February 18, 2023. It will then be available soon in Chicago and Kansas City during the domestic tour. “Disney 100: The Exhibition” will also have an international tour, starting at Olympic Park in Munich, Germany.
Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Treasure – On Sunday, it was announced that the new cruise ship titled “Disney Treasure” will debut on the seas soon, themed to adventure.
- Disney Wonder – On Sunday, it was announced that the Disney Wonder cruise ship will travel to Australia and New Zealand.
Walt Disney World
- Happily Ever After – On Sunday, it was announced that the evening fireworks show titled “Happily Ever After” will return in 2023.
- New Epcot Fireworks – On Sunday, it was announced that new evening fireworks will debut in 2023 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – On Sunday, it was announced that Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will finally open in Late 2023.
- EPCOT Transformation – On Sunday, it was announced that the final stages of the historic EPCOT transformation will finish soon and will open by Late 2023.
- Figment Meet & Greet – On Sunday, it was announced Figment will be returning to EPCOT to greet guests in the park. Figment will return in Late 2023.
- Hatbox Ghost at Haunted Mansion – On Sunday, it was announced that the new Hatbox Ghost character from the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland will soon also materialize at the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion in 2023.
- Tron: Lightcycle Run – On Sunday, it was announced that Tron: Lightcycle Run will open soon at the Magic Kingdom Park in Spring 2023.
- Dinoland Replacement – On Sunday, it was announced that Disney will be retheming the Dino Land themed area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This new land in the works had some concept art revealed, but no true replacement was announced yet.
- Coco Land – On Sunday, it was announced that a brand new Coco-themed based on Disney & Pixar’s Coco will be coming to Magic Kingdom soon. This concept will be housed behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- Encanto Land – On Sunday, a new land and attraction based on Disney’s animated film Encanto is currently in the works and was teased. This land will also be placed behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- Villains Land – On Sunday, a brand new land based on Disney’s iconic villains was also teased to be coming to the area behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Disneyland
- Avengers Campus New Attraction – Announced on September 9, Disney CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus will be expanding soon with a third attraction.
- Mandalorian at Galaxy’s Edge – Announced on Sunday, The Mandalorin and Grogu will be available to meet guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge starting in mid-November 2022!
- Hulk at Avengers Campus – Announced on Sunday, Hulk will be available to meet guests at Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus for a limited time beginning next week.
- Avengers Multiverse Attraction – Announced on Sunday, the Multiverse-themed attraction will be coming soon to DCA’s Avengers Campus soon, replacing the Avengers Quinject attraction idea announced years ago.
- San FranSokyo – Announced on Sunday, Pacific Wharf will be rethemed to San FranSokyo inspired by Disney’s animated film Big Hero 6. Coming soon to Disney’s California Adventure.
- Pixar Place Hotel – Previously announced, on Sunday, executives announced the official title “Pixar Place Hotel” for the upcoming hotel experience coming soon to the Disneyland Resort.
- Porto’s Bakery & Cafe – Announced on Sunday, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe will be coming soon to the Downtown Disney shopping district at Disneyland Resort.
- RunDisney Race 2024 – Announced on Sunday, RunDisney races will be returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2024. More details to be announced soon!
- Disney’s Toontown Expansion – Announced on Sunday, Disney’s brand-new Toontown expansion will finally be open to the public in Early 2023. Fans attending the event got to preview some new concept art for the upgraded transformation.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – On Sunday, new concept art and details were announced about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Splash Mountain retheme) will open at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.
- Magic Happens RETURNS! – On Sunday, it was announced that the long-awaited return of the Magic Happens parade is finally here! Magic Happens will return to Disneyland Resort in 2023!
- World of Color – One – On Sunday, a brand new nighttime show for Disney’s 100th Anniversary celebration was announced for Disney’s California Adventure. World of Color will premiere next year.
- Wonderous Journeys – On Sunday, a brand new nighttime spectacular for Disney’s 100th Anniversary celebration was announced for Disneyland Resort. Set to celebrate all 60 Disney animated films to date, and will premiere next year.
Disneyland Paris
- 30th Anniversary Celebration – Disneyland Paris’s 30th Anniversary celebrations will continue until September 30, 2023.
- Pixar: We Belong Together – On Sunday, it was announced that a brand-new stage show titled “Pixar: We Belong Together” will debut at Walt Disney Studios Park in 2023, wrapping up the 30th Anniversary.
- World of Frozen – On Sunday, a first look of the upcoming Frozen-themed land was previewed for fans attending the event along with previews for Shanghai and Hong Kong’s versions.
- Tangled Attraction – On Sunday, it was announced that a brand-new Tangled inspired attraction will be coming soon to Walt Disney Studios Park.
Shanghai Disneyland
- Zootopia Land – On Sunday, a first look and some concept art was shared for the upcoming Zootopia Land at Shanghai Disneyland. This land is coming soon, no opening date was announced yet.
- World of Frozen – On Sunday, a first look of the upcoming Frozen-themed land was previewed for fans attending the event along with previews for Hong Kong and Paris’s versions.
Hong Kong Disneyland
- New Walt Disney Statue – On Sunday, a brand-new Walt Disney statue was announced for Hong Kong Disneyland. This statue will feature both Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, and the statue will be placed in front of the castle.
- World of Frozen – On Sunday, a first look was previewed for fans attending the D23 Expo event, and it was announced that this Frozen-themed land will open in Late 2023.
Tokyo Disneyland
- Reimagined Space Mountain – On Sunday, a first look at the reimagined Space Mountain was given along with some new concept art. The reimagined Space Mountain attraction will open by 2027.
Photo Courtesy: D23 (D23 Expo logo).
Within four days of the D23 Expo, plenty of announcements were announced by Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and more! I am sure that many fans were not disappointed with the return of this fun-filled event! If you enjoyed today’s coverage, please follow me on Instagram @mattsworldofentertainment and Twitter @mattsworldofet for more entertainment news! As always, thanks for reading and I hope to see you all real soon!
