Disney unveils star-studded surprises and new releases at D23 Fan Event

Disney's storytelling prowess was on full display during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, presented by Visa. Held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the sold-out event captivated a global audience with exclusive first looks at highly anticipated releases, major casting and title announcements, and star-studded performances.

The event, hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown, featured appearances from Disney’s top creative leaders, including Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee, and Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige. The evening opened with remarks from Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, who celebrated the company’s enduring bond with fans and its unparalleled legacy of storytelling and innovation.

Key announcements and highlights:

• Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed new feature films, including Moana 2, with a live performance by Auli‘i Cravalho. Zootopia 2 and Frozen 3 were also announced, with concept art and trailers debuted to an ecstatic audience.
• James Cameron unveiled Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the blockbuster franchise, with stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña joining him on stage.
• Pixar Animation Studios introduced Elio and Hoppers, and shared details about Toy Story 5 and Incredibles 3, much to the delight of the crowd.
• Lucasfilm provided a sneak peek at The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to release in May 2026, with insights from Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni.
• Marvel Studios surprised fans with new information on Captain America: Brave New World and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, alongside appearances by stars Anthony Mackie and Pedro Pascal.
• Disney Live Action showcased upcoming films, including Mufasa: The Lion King, with a musical performance by Lebo M. and Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as Snow White, Lilo & Stitch, TRON: Ares, and Freakier Friday.

The night concluded with a thrilling finale, underscoring Disney’s continued innovation and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages through powerful storytelling.

For event b-roll, trailers, and sneak peeks, visit EPK.tv. Images, logos, posters, concept art, and project profiles can be found at WDS-D23 and D23Press.com.