Everything you need to know from the D23 Expo 2022!

2023, 2024 and beyond are shaping up to be some incredible years for The Walt Disney Company and with it being 100 years of Disney next year, did we expect anything less?! 

Last weekend saw thousands of Disney fans attend the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Los Angeles. The annual gathering was held across three days and was made up of live events, exhibits, and extremely exciting panels! 

From exciting new trailers, debuted exclusive sneak peaks, and incredible guests with live performances, the D23 Expo previewed what’s to come for The Walt Disney Company over the next few years. Safe to say it was a little overwhelming to keep up with it all!

What's not to love about the D23 expo?! It’s just announcement after announcement! We all love having something to look forward to and D23 has given us everything last weekend.

If you couldn’t keep up with all of the news Disney dropped at the D23 Expo last weekend, we don’t blame you as there was a LOT.

What is D23 Expo?

D23 Expo is the Ultimate Disney Fan Event. It is a yearly fan event where the company’s high-level studio executives, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek, and Disney stars attend, tease and preview Disney’s latest slate of upcoming Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and Disney movies, television shows and new additions/changes to the Disney theme parks.  

D23 Expo 2022 took place last weekend on Friday 9th September and ended on Sunday 11th September in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Expo featured 50+ shows, presentations, and panels. There was also the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honoured the talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, as well as an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives highlighting the 100th anniversary of Disney. 

The D23 Expo is an “Inside the magic” experience that you cannot find anywhere else.

As stated on the D23 Expo website: 

“All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment comes together under one roof.”

While we weren’t able to watch D23 Expo’s biggest panels, of course we still managed to keep up to date with what was going on through social media - thank the lord!

To keep you up to date, here’s a handy guide to everything you need to know from the D23 Expo 2022: 

Marvel

The Marvels - All three of the main cast took to the stage to introduce some fun footage of the upcoming movie. All three characters will be switching places as they try to figure out why their powers keep triggering the body swap shenanigans. From what we saw, it’s looking like this movie brings more of a light-hearted tone and looks like a lot of fun! The Marvels hits cinema screens on July 28th 2023. 

Echo - Footage was shown of the upcoming Disney+ series that will see the return of Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin. The footage showed Kingpin wearing an eyepatch from their previous encounter but not much was revealed about the plot. Echo comes to Disney + next summer.

Thunderbolts - Something that we were looking forward to the most was the reveal of the Thunderbolts cast! Kevin Feige revealed the roster for the team on stage at the Expo. Yelena Belova will lead the team consisting of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis- Dreyfus), Red Guardian (Black Widow), Ghost (Ant-Man And The Wasp), John Walker (Falcon And The Winter Soldier), Taskmaster (Black Widow) and Bucky (Captain America: The Winter Soldier).  With a line up like that, we are definitely getting a great movie! 

Loki - Season 2 - Yes, fans got to see some footage from the upcoming season of Loki. It was also announced that Ke Huy Quan will join the cast in a mysterious role too…

Werewolf By Night - And just as expected, Disney fans were told more about Werewolf By Night - just in time for Halloween! Presented by Marvel, the special looks like someone in a group of supernatural hunters is actually a werewolf! Everyone begins to be picked off as the werewolf makes its way through the whole group. The special lands on Disney + on October 7th.

Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania - Yay! The Ant family is back! Fans got to see footage of the new Marvel movie and it’s looking like they get sucked into the Quantum Realm, this time. Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania hits the big screen on February 17th 2023.

And finally… Nick Fury finally gets his moment! 

Secret Invasion is a new Disney + series where we see that Skrulls have invaded the world. With nobody to trust, Nick Fury will have to turn to his closest allies to find out who is behind the invasion and how to stop it. The big question is has someone been a Skrull the whole time the MCU has been around? I guess we’ll find out when it lands on Disney + next year! 

Star Wars/Lucasfilm

With Star Wars Celebration 2022 only happening back in late May, we were kind of expecting not to see too many announcements at the Expo. However we did get…..

Andor - a new trailer dropped for the upcoming series. The series shows the beginning of the revolution against the empire. Now we already know how Andor’s story ends, we don’t actually know much about how it began. The new series debuts on Disney + on September 21st.

Skeleton Crew - Set for release in 2023, this new series follows a group of young kids who get lost in the crazy Star Wars universe. Yes, we know very little about this series BUT the first pic of the series was shown, which starred Jude Law!

Tales Of The Jedi - Now we were kind of expecting to find out more about season 2 of The Bad Batch, but not much was said. However, fans did get a trailer for the upcoming series of shows for Tales Of The Jedi. All six episodes will debut on October 26th.

The Mandalorian - Season 3 - One of our favourite series is back for another season! We were holding out hope for a trailer of The Mandalorian Season 3 and Disney sure did deliver! The new series will hit Disney + in 2023.

Ahsoka - It was announced that Eman Esfani has been cast as Ezra Bridger in the upcoming series. We also get to see the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker! Ahsoka will premiere on Disney + in 2023.

Willow - The new series will hit on November 30th. The new trailer for the fantasy adventure series showed us returning cast members from the original film while highlighting what the younger cast will bring. It was also announced that Christian Slater has joined the cast. 

Indiana Jones 5 - Fans had the treat of being in the same room as Harrison Ford and co-star Phoebe Waller Bridge over the D23 weekend as they took to the stage to introduce a sneak peek at some exclusive footage from the upcoming movie. Harrison Ford also got emotional as he stated that this was his last time putting on the hat and the whip! The movie is set for release on June 30th 2023.

Disney

It seems to be that Disney’s current trend is remaking some of their classic animated movies into live-action films and we are so here for it! 

Disenchanted - Can you actually believe that we are getting a sequel to Enchanted?! No we can’t believe it either! The entire cast showed up at D23 Expo to present the trailer and had a lot to say about the new movie.  Disenchanted debuts on Friday 24th November, exclusively on Disney +. 

Mufasa: The Lion King - Now you’re probably thinking, didn't Mufasa die in The Lion King? Well yes he did, but Disney are now offering us another live-action movie but this time it’s a prequel to their recently remade Lion King. The new movie will explore how Mufasa became King of the pride lands after being orphaned at a young age. A teaser trailer was shown at the event but hasn’t the clip hasn’t been made public just yet. At the moment there isn’t much information to go off but what we do know is that it is expected to hit in 2024.

Peter Pan & Wendy - It’s looking like a trip back to Neverland will be happening! Disney offered a sneak peak of a trailer where we got a glimpse of Neverland before we found Wendy and the Lost Boys. In the trailer a quick shot of Peter Pan is shown, and ends with a look at Jude Law’s Captain Hook. The line-up for this movie is set up to be a good one. Newcomers Alex Molony and Ever Anderson will play Peter Pan and Wendy. Jude Law is Captain Hook, while Jim Gaffigan is set to be his trusty mate Smee. Peter Pan & Wendy hits Disney + in 2023.

The Little Mermaid - The trailer we have all been waiting for! For fans at D23, the full "Part Of Your World" sequence was shown alongside the teaser trailer that left fans in tears. The new live-action movie see Halle Bailey stepping (or swimming) into the role of Ariel with new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda who has teamed up with the legendary Alan Menken. 

Snow White - Yes, Snow White is getting her own live-action movie! A teaser was shown announcing Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Both actresses presented the trailer to the crowd and Gal Gadot even gave a preview of the evil laugh she is using in the movie. Snow White is set for release in 2024.

The Haunted Mansion - A new Haunted Mansion movie is coming! Only a quick glimpse was shown BUT the cast is to die for. The new movie will star Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Jared Leto, Jamie Lee Curtis, Winona Ryder, Dan Levy, and Rosario Dawson and will be released in August of 2023. Jamie Lee Curtis who is playing Madame Leota in the movie, even made an unforgettable entrance at the event and entered aboard a Haunted Mansion doom buggy. 

Hocus Pocus 2 - We don’t have much longer to wait for the return of the Sanderson sisters! With only 2 weeks left to wait, a new trailer debuted at D23 and this one showed a bit more this time around with Billy lumbering around saying he’s a good zombie. This movie has been highly anticipated (it has been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle) and we’re so excited to see the Sanderson sisters return! Hocus Pocus 2 drops on Disney + on September 30th.

The Santa Clauses - Christmas came early at the D23 Expo with the announcement of Tim Allen returning to the role of Santa Claus!! If you’re a fan of The Santa Claus Christmas movie franchise, then you have a lot to be excited about! Based on the blockbuster feature films, this  Disney+ original series finds Scott Calvin (aka Disney Legend Tim Allen) releasing he can’t be Santa forever and decides it might be time for him to retire. He seeks out his replacement and interviews some famous faces for the role. Santa’s arrival will be earlier than expected and The Santa Clauses Series arrives on Disney+ on November 16th.

Wish - In celebration of 100 years of Disney in 2023, Wish is the new animated film to be released in 2023. It will be a tale of the famous wishing star set in the Kingdom Of Wishes starring Ariana DeBose as Asha and featuring new songs by Julia Michaels. Wish is set to premiere in November of 2023.

Iwaju - Disney is teaming up with comic book entertainment company Kugali to bring Iwaju to life on Disney+ in 2023. Now this will be the first time Disney has collaborated with an outside studio and it looks and sounds like this will be a lot of fun!

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse Documentary was previewed at D23 Expo. The documentary traces the history and impact of Mickey, both culturally and personally for fans, alongside introducing a new short called Mickey in a Minute. A new teaser for the Disney Original Documentary was shown and debuts on Disney + on Friday 18th November. 

Pixar

We always look forward to hearing what Pixar has to announce and it’s looking like we’re going to get a lot from them in the upcoming years! We’d even go as far as saying that may be the most Pixar content we’ve ever gotten all at once.

Inside Out 2 - Probably one of our favourite announcements to come from the D23 Expo! Inside Out 2 is happening and is on its way! Amy Pohler stopped by to let everyone know the news and the excitement is real! The emotions we got to know in the first film will be returning. The movie is in production and won’t be out until 2024.

Elio - A fun sci-fi story from a child’s perspective. Elio is about a young boy who is mistakenly transported across the universe. He is thought to be the ambassador of Earth and has to get other worlds to understand what it’s like being human. Elio is set to be released in 2024.

Win Or Lose - A new Pixar series is coming to Disney +. Win Or Lose is a baseball themed show that will follow the team of The Pickles as they are on their way to the championship game. Each episode will follow a different character on the team. Win or Lose premieres on Disney + in 2023.

Elemental - A Pixar movie that we are so excited for! Elemental follows Ember, a fire character, as they meet Wade, a water character. Through the movie, the two characters realise that even though they have a lot of differences, they also have a lot of similarities. Elemental is set for release in June of 2023.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Just when you think that’s it, there’s even more news to digest! Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a look into the future for Disney theme parks and beyond. 

Highlights included the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disneyland California Adventure, a first look at the next ship joining the Disney Cruise Line feet; Disney Treasure, a closer look at the Frozen themed lands coming to three different park destinations AND a behind the scenes look at the brainstorming of Walt Disney Imagineers.

Love The Mandalorian and Grogu? Well if you’re planning a trip to California then you can now have your very own encounter with the Mandalorian and Grogu starting in mid-November at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. 

Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure is going to be expanding!  The multiverse will have a new never-before-seen third attraction, alongside the debut of the Incredible Hulk who will appear at the Avengers Campus in California. The new attraction will allow guests to join in battle with the Avengers. Sounds epic right?!

Just around the corner from Avengers Campus, Pacific Wharf will be reimagined as San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6, complete with a place to meet Baymax! Alongside new spots to eat and shop. Be right back, just planning our next trip to Disneyland California.

If you’ve been to Walt Disney World recently, then you will be familiar with the attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Now it’s California’s turn to have the inclusive experience. The attraction is set to open in Toon Town at Disneyland Park in early 2023.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure- Now we already know that Splash Mountain is being rethemed but at the Expo last weekend, new story details for the attraction were revealed alongside new concept art of the attraction at night. It was also revealed that several members of the original movie cast will lend their voices to the attraction. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World in late 2024.

Tron Lightcycle Run officially has a release date! Well kind of… The new high-speed coaster is set for a spring 2023 opening in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort AND that's not all in Magic Kingdom…“Happily Ever After” will play once again over Cinderella Castle in 2023.

Over in Epcot, Inspired by Moana, Journey of Water will open in late 2023, inviting guests to follow the story of water on the planet. Also, fan favourite Figment will also appear live to park guests by the end of 2023.

Now onto the seas… The sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure will set sail in 2024 AND for the first time, Disney Cruise Line will bring the magic of a Disney vacation to fans and families in Australia and New Zealand beginning in late October 2023. 

Mickey’s favourite teddy bear, Duffy is a fan favourite in all three Disney resorts in Asia and now Duffy and Friends will star in their very own stop-motion animated series on Disney + next year.

Let’s head back to Arendelle! 

World of Frozen will open in the second half of 2023 at Hong Kong Disneyland being the first of three Frozen-themed areas coming to international Disney parks. 

Tokyo Disney Resort will also be bringing the story of Frozen to life as part of the Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo DisneySea.

At Disneyland Paris, the Frozen-themed land will be the next major addition to the ongoing transformation of Walt Disney Studios park. A new Tangled-themed attraction will also join the new gardens leading into the land. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and as part of the grand finale of the celebrations, a new stage show “Pixar: We Belong Together” will debut in Walt Disney Studios park in 2023.

100 Years of Wonder

Josh D’Amaro concluded the presentation with a first look at how Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will mark Disney 100 Years of Wonder.

From new decor, food and beverages, character experiences and new night-time spectaculars, the celebrations for Disney100 are set to be huge and will take place in all the parks around the world, with the heart of the celebration rooted at Disneyland Resort in California. 

Fans in Hall D23 were among the first to see a brand-new logo introduction of the iconic Disney castle in honour of Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder celebration.

If you’ve managed to stick it to the end of this blog post, we applaud you. We told you there was a lot of information to digest!

What has been your favourite thing to come out of the D23 Expo 2022? What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!