This week on Disney+ - February 28 2020 - New originals and news

It's Friday again, and that means new content has just been added to Disney+! Here are all the new originals added to the service this week.

NEW ORIGINALS

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Season 7, Episode 2
"A Distant Echo"
"Anakin Skywalker, Rex, and the Bad Batch make a shocking discovery on Skako Minor."

Diary of a Future President - Episode 7
"Foreign Relations"
"Elena wants to go to the dance with her crush, but learns he's interested in taking an older girl."

Shop Class - Episode 1 (Series Premiere)
"Justin's Biggest Fan"
"Teams are challenged with designing and putting their own unique take on Little Free Libraries."

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings - Season 2, Episode 3
"A Flashy Proposal"
"An epic flash mob proposal and an Italian wedding at Epcot."

Marvel's Hero Project - Episode 17
"Superior Salvador"
"Salvador distributes solar-powered lamps to families in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria."

One Day at Disney Shorts - Episode 13
"Lupe de Santiago - Seamstress"
"A seamstress at Disneyland Resort, Lupe de Santiago views her work as a passion rather than a job."

Disney Family Sundays - Episode 17
"Lion King - Paint Pour Artwork"
"The Green family just can't wait to be part of this Lion King-inspired craft.

Also available this week is the second season of Star Wars: Resistance, as well as the animated series 101 Dalmatian Street, which is releasing in the US exclusively on Disney+.

NEWS THIS WEEK

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, a continuation of the original series, is coming to Disney+. The entire original voice cast is confirmed to be returning.

Steven Spielberg no longer directing Indiana Jones 5, "Logan", "Ford v. Ferrari" director James Mangold reportedly in talks

For the first time in franchise history, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg will not be at the helm of the next Indiana Jones film. He has stepped down from directing the currently untitled fifth film by his own accord and was not involved in any creative differences, according to Variety. Instead, he reportedly wished for a younger generation of filmmakers to tell their version of an Indiana Jones story.

Sources say that James Mangold, best known for the smash hit finale to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine character Logan and the recent awards season favourite Ford v. Ferrari is in talks to direct the next installment. Spielberg will remain on the project as a "hands-on producer", while there has been no word if the other half of the original Indy braintrust, George Lucas, will come out of retirement to be involved with the fifth installment. Harrison Ford is also set to don Jones' iconic hat and whip once more, and mentioned that filming would begin in a few months, while also mentioning that the creative team wanted to make sure they got it right before they began.

Indiana Jones 5 is currently set to release on July 9, 2021.

Bob Iger resigns as Disney CEO, Bob Chapek to replace him

Shocking news this evening; Bob Iger, the longtime CEO of the Walt Disney Company officially announced his resignation today, well ahead of schedule. Iger originally announced his intention to retire when his contract with the company ran out on December 31, 2021, so him leaving early came as quite a surprise to Disney fans around the globe. Iger is set to stay onboard as Executive Chairman to oversee upcoming creative projects until his contract expires.

Iger's statement:

"With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to to transition to a new CEO. I have the utmost confidence in Bob and look forward to working closely with him over the next 22 months as he assumes this new role and delves deeper into Disney’s multifaceted global business and operations, while I continue to focus on the Company’s creative endeavors."

"Bob will be the seventh CEO in Disney’s nearly 100-year history, and he has proven himself exceptionally qualified to lead the Company into its next century. Throughout his career, Bob has led with integrity and conviction, always respecting Disney’s rich legacy while at the same time taking smart, innovative risks for the future. His success over the past 27 years reflects his visionary leadership and the strong business growth and stellar results he has consistently achieved in his roles at Parks, Consumer Products and the Studio. Under Bob’s leadership as CEO, our portfolio of great businesses and our amazing and talented people will continue to serve the Company and its shareholders well for years to come."

Chapek's statement:

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to assume the role of CEO of what I truly believe is the greatest company in the world, and to lead our exceptionally talented and dedicated cast members and employees."

"Bob Iger has built Disney into the most admired and successful media and entertainment company, and I have been lucky to enjoy a front-row seat as a member of his leadership team. I share his commitment to creative excellence, technological innovation and international expansion, and I will continue to embrace these same strategic pillars going forward. Everything we have achieved thus far serves as a solid foundation for further creative storytelling, bold innovation and thoughtful risk-taking."

Disney shares dropped by 5% today, and some Disney fans are concerned with the decision, as Chapek proved to be a controversial figure as head of the Parks and Resorts division of the company.

Spaceship Earth refurbishment date set, updates detailed

As a part of the lengthy rehaul of Epcot, Spaceship Earth, the icon of the park, will officially close for refurbishment on May 26. No re-opening date has been set.

According to a post on the Disney Parks Blog, the next iteration of Spaceship Earth will continue to focus on the story of humanity, with many classic moments updated in new and exciting ways. Concept art was featured for an updated Egypt scene, featuring new lighting effects.

A new narration was also confirmed, although the identity of the narrator remains unknown. Fans of Dame Judy Dench will need to get one final ride in to hear her before the ride closes.

Stay tuned to DisNewsGo for more on the Epcot rehaul and Spaceship Earth.

Project Luminous officially announced as Star Wars: The High Republic

After teasing the mysterious Project Luminous for some time, last night Lucasfilm fully revealed the campaign as Star Wars: The High Republic.

Set 200 years before the events of the Skywalker Saga, The High Republic promises new characters, worlds and stories that fans are sure to love. The era is currently set to be featured in numerous upcoming books and Marvel comic books, with the first book, titled Light of the Jedi and written by Charles Soule, releasing in August.

The High Republic will feature stories for all ages, including adults, teens and kids, and promises that there will be a story that will appeal to every Star Wars fan. The stories will also be interconnected, spanning across multiple books and comics and extending for multiple years, featuring a core group of heroes and villains.

A video was made available detailing The High Republic.

According to the writers team, the High Republic era is one of peace and calm, with the Jedi acting like rangers, exploring and protecting the galaxy similar to the Knights of the Round table. Also promised were new smugglers, scoundrels and bounty hunters, as well as a new group of villains known as the Nihil, who were compared to space vikings. According to the writers team, the Nihil were designed with the intention of making them as different from the Empire or the First Order as possible. The era will begin with an event the writers referred to as "The Great Disaster", though they didn't elaborate much on what that will be.

Currently The High Republic is only set for books and comics, though rumours have been floating around that the next movie trilogy, set to begin in 2022, will also be set in the High Republic era and feature a younger version of Yoda.

Be sure to stay tuned to DisNewsGo for more on The High Republic and all your Star Wars news.

This week on Disney+ - February 21 2020 - New originals and news

It's Friday again, and that means new content has just been added to Disney+! Here are all the new originals added to the service this week.

NEW ORIGINALS

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Season 7, Episode 1 (Season Premiere)
"The Bad Batch"
"Captain Rex and the Bad Batch must infiltrate an enemy base on Anaxes."

Diary of a Future President - Episode 6
"Habeas Corpus"
"Elena gets detention and discovers the 'Six O'Clockers' are more than what people say about them."

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings - Season 2, Episode 2
"Alaska to Marry Me"
"A proposal on a glacier and a wedding dance to remember."

Marvel's Hero Project - Episode 16
"Genesis the Amazing Animal Ally"
"Genesis is a fierce advocate for the care and safekeeping of all kinds of animals."

One Day at Disney Shorts - Episode 12
"Vince Caro - Pixar Recording Engineer"
"Vince Caro, Pixar's Senior Recording and Mixing Engineer, captures the magic of sound in Pixar films."

Disney Family Sundays - Episode 16
"Aristocats - Headbands"
"The Pyle-Lawrence ladies join Amber for a craft inspired by Disney's Aristocats."

NEWS THIS WEEK

Disney+ is officially set to launch in the UK, Spain, Italy and France on March 24.

A trailer for Be Our Chef, a Disney-inspired cooking show hosted by The Office's Angela Kinsey, is set to premiere on March 27. Check out the trailer here.

This week on Disney+ - February 14 2020 - New originals and news

It's Friday again, and that means new content has just been added to Disney+! Here are all the new originals added to the service this week.

NEW ORIGINALS

Diary of a Future President - Episode 5
"Whistleblower"
"When Elena learns her school mascot has a horrific past, she's determined to change it."

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings - Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere)
"Marching Down the Aisle"
"For two special couples, a fairy tale comes true Disney-style."

Marvel's Hero Project - Episode 15
"Roving Robbie"
"Robbie uses virtual reality technology to inspire the next generation to protect our national parks."

One Day at Disney Shorts - Episode 11
"Kristina Dewberry - Imagineering Construction Manager"
"Kristina Dewberry puts the finishing touches on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland."

Disney Family Sundays - Episode 15
"Princess and the Frog - Lily Pads"
"Amber and the Wulfs build a craft inspired by Disney's The Princess and the Frog."

Other notable additions this week include the Tom Hanks classic Splash and the first Percy Jackson movie.

NEWS THIS WEEK

A series based on the Tom Hanks movie Turner and Hooch has been confirmed to be in production, with Drake and Josh's Josh Peck landing the starring role.

A temporary Valentine's Day collection was added, filled with the most romantic movies available on the service.

Production has begun on the new Mighty Ducks series with returning star Emilio Estevez.

A new trailer was released for Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Season 7, premiering next week.

Rick Moranis to return to acting for "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" reboot

According to sources at Deadline, actor Rick Moranis, best known for his roles in Ghostbusters, Spaceballs and as a member of the comedy duo Bob & Doug McKenzie, will be returning to acting after a long hiatus in Disney's reboot of the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise, currently titled Shrunk. He will once again be playing Wayne Szlasinki, a mad scientist who accidentally shrunk his kids down to the size of ants.

This will mark Moranis' first live-action role since 1997, when he retired from acting to raise his children. Since that time he has appeared in animated roles, including the Canadian moose Rutt in Disney's Brother Bear.

Director Joe Johnston, who helmed the original movie as well as iconic films such as The Rocketeer and Captain America: The First Avenger, will be returning to direct the new instllment. Frozen's Josh Gad is also slated to play the role of Szalinski's son, who wishes to be a great scientist like his father.

The movie is set to be released theatrically, although no release date has been set.

This week on Disney+ - February 7 2020 - New originals and news

It's Friday again, and that means new content has just been added to Disney+! Here are all the new originals added to the service this week.

NEW ORIGINALS THIS WEEK

Diary of a Future President - Episode 4
"The National Mall"
"Elena tries to be more grown-up, but ends up becoming an accidental criminal instead."

Marvel's Hero Project - Episode 14
"Dynamic Daniella"
"Daniella is dedicated to building homes for families in Mexico, inspiring others to do the same.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made - Movie (New!)
"Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy, Disney+'s Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, based on the best-selling book of the same name, follows the hilarious exploits of our quirky, deadpan hero, Timmy Failure, who, along with his 1,500 pound polar bear partner Total, operates Total Failure Inc., a Portland detective agency.

One Day at Disney Shorts - Episode 10
"Grace Lee - Storybook Artist"
"Grace Lee provides an intimate look into the world of illustration and storytelling."

Disney Family Sundays - Episode 14
"Toy Story - Toy Bins"
"The Freeman family joins Amber for a craft inspired by Pixar's Toy Story films."

Pixar in Real Life - Episode 4
"Toy Story - Traffic Cone Rescue"
"Al's Toy Barn opens a New York Store, and the Toy Story gang attempts to rescue Woody."

Toy Story 4 was also added to the service this week, as was the Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants 3.

NEWS THIS WEEK

Disney+ released a trailer detailing everything coming to the service in February!

Marvel Studios released a Super Bowl spot giving us a first look at The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision and Loki.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series - Season 2 has officially entered production! This time, the cast will be performing Beauty and the Beast.

A poster and a trailer were released for the new season of Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, premiering next week.

"Spider-Man", "Evil Dead" director Sam Raimi in talks to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After the surprising departure of original director Scott Derrickson, Marvel fans everywhere have been concerned about the future of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which was poised to be one of the biggest films in Phase 4. Today's news will likely quell a lot of those worries, as Variety reported today that legendary director Sam Raimi was in talks to helm the project

Raimi is a legend among superhero film fans, having helmed the classic Spider-Man trilogy that was pivotal for launching the genre to new heights. He is also renowned for his background in horror films, including Army of Darkness and the Evil Dead franchise. This lines up with the previously established theme of the movie, which Derrickson likened to a blend of superhero and horror themes.

Marvel currently has not commented on Raimi, but it is likely we'll hear something from the studio in the coming months as filming is expected to kick off in May.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is due to release May 7, 2021.

Bob Iger announces release months for Mandalorian Season 2, WandaVision, Falcon and Winter Soldier

Big news for Disney+ fans today; at an earnings call, Bob Iger announced the release months for three of the service's most hotly anticipated upcoming releases: the second season of last year's Star Wars megahit The Mandalorian as well as Marvel Studios' first two Disney+ series.

According to Iger, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will begin in August, followed by The Mandalorian Season 2 in October, and finally WandaVision will launch in December.

Stay tuned to DisNewsGo for more on all three shows and all your Disney+ needs.

Live-action "Lilo and Stitch" remake now headed to Disney+

After being announced in October 2018, we haven't heard much about Disney's forthcoming live-action remake of their 2002 classic Lilo and Stitch, but today it was announced that filming would commence in Hawaii this Fall, and production has pivoted towards releasing on Disney+ instead of theatrically.

According to TheDisInsider, the switch came after seeing the success of the remake of Lady and the Tramp, which also released exclusively to Disney+. A search for a director for the project is currently underway. Chris Sanders, director of the original film and longtime voice actor for Stitch, is said to be reprising his role as the character.

According to the studio, the story will follow the same beats as the original. A brief synopsis has been released:

"The story is about a bond formed between a lonely human-like girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who is engineered to be a force of destruction."

Disney isn't slowing down on the live-action remakes hot on the heels of last year's numerous successes with the format. Recently it was reported that the studio intended to remake Bambi in the same photorealistic style used for 2019's The Lion King, and production on Peter Pan and Wendy, also set to be released directly to Disney+, appears to be heating up.

Everything from Super Bowl 2020 - Falcon and Winter Soldier, WandaVision, Loki, Black Widow and Mulan

Here we go - everything Disney from the Super Bowl 2020!

Mulan - Final Trailer

The final trailer for Mulan can be found here: https://twitter.com/Disney/status/1224118988482871296

Mulan releases March 27.

Black Widow - Big Game Spot and Character Posters

The first TV spot for Black Widow can be found here: https://twitter.com/MarvelStudios/status/1224122159875756033

Also released today were character posters:

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow

Yelena Belova

Melina Vostokoff

Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian

Black Widow releases May 1.

Marvel Studios on Disney+

A quick highlight reel giving us first looks at The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision and Loki can be found here: https://twitter.com/MarvelStudios/status/1224154754017718272

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is due for release in August, WandaVision in Late 2020, and Loki in Early 2021.