By Peter Martin
The Disney fan event known as the D23 Expo unveiled a slew of fantastic fantasies today, including the first footage from A Wrinkle in Time (first poster above) and a behind the scenes video from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Here are some of the highlights.
Dumbo
Production has begun on a new live-action version under the direction of Tim Burton. Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito and Eva Green star. Don’t worry, Dumbo will fly again, this time thanks to state of the art visual effects. The movie is set for release on March 29, 2019.
#Dumbo: Disney shares first look photo of Tim Burton on the set of live-action remake https://t.co/oYw9L5zWDy#D23Expopic.twitter.com/2v9eb1f2tJ
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 15, 2017
Pixar’s Coco
A new poster for Pixar’s next animated adventure was released. Coco will liven up theaters on November 22.
Disney’s new @pixarcoco sugar skull poster is pretty awesome. pic.twitter.com/ayS04gCHWg
— Fandango (@Fandango) July 15, 2017
A Wrinkle in Time
Originally published in 1963, Madeleine L’Engle’s novel A Wrinkle in Time was an instant success, winning a slew of awards and inspiring countless children to expand their imaginations. The book follows Meg Murray, a young teenage girl who searches across time and space for her missing scientist father. Along the way, she learns that the universe is under attack by an evil being.
Screenwriter Jennifer Lee (Frozen) came on board Disney’s big-screen adaptation in August 2014, followed by director Ava DuVernay (Selma) in February 2016. Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling soon joined the cast, along with Chris Pine, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Storm Reid in the lead role of Meg Murray.
The first teaser was announced to thunderous reaction. Watch it below.
[embedded content]
A Wrinkle in Time will open in theaters on March 9, 2018.
Mary Poppins Returns
Our anticipation is high for the music-infused sequel, which will land on December 25, 2018. Emily Blunt stars in the role that Julie Andrews made famous. A new motion poster was released.
Emily Blunt is Mary Poppins in the upcoming sequel, #MaryPoppinsReturns. The brand new film opens in theatres December 2018. #D23Expopic.twitter.com/egxozrpRbr
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) July 15, 2017
Aladdin
We already knew that Guy Ritchie will direct the live-action version and now the stars have been announced. Mena Massoud (the upcoming TV version of Jack Ryan) will take the lead as Aladdin, Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) will play Jasmine and Will Smith will portray Genie, the role made famous in the animated version by Robin Williams’ voice.
Your live action Aladdin cast:
Aladdin- Mena Massoud
Jasmine- Naomi Scott
Genie- WILL SMITH #D23Expopic.twitter.com/LHkUMKhPQC— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) July 15, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Directed by Rian Johnson, the eighth installment in the Star Wars series has generated considerable anticipation, which will only be heightened by the behind the scenes video that was screened. Watch it below.
[embedded content]
Really, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley best describe how we feel after watching that video.
We know. ?? #TheLastJedipic.twitter.com/Sidh7bQPfn
— Star Wars (@starwars) July 15, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will open on December 15.
Avengers: Infinity War
After Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige brought out more stars on stage than could be counted, the first trailer was screened for the fans in attendance. Our own Erik Davis sums up the reaction.
My heart’s still beating crazy fast – guys that #InfinityWar trailer brought the house down like nothing I’ve seen before. Chills#D23EXPOpic.twitter.com/mqH4e8vy36
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) July 15, 2017
Avengers: Infinity War will be released on May 4, 2018.
