The Walt Disney Company’s 2024 upfront presentation to advertisers was a spectacle of star power, edgy content, and ambitious announcements, all under the theme of “connections.” Held at the Javits Center in New York City, the event underscored Disney’s evolving approach, blending its legacy of family-friendly entertainment with edgier, more mature content.
Embracing Edgier Content
The upfront presentation began with a bold statement from Ryan Reynolds, who humorously highlighted the edgier side of Disney’s portfolio. Promoting the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine” project for Disney+, Reynolds joked about the series targeting “testicular trauma” and “cocaine content,” setting the tone for a presentation that was unafraid to push boundaries.
Star Power on Display
Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning star of “Poor Things,” kicked off the event by introducing Disney CEO Bob Iger. Stone’s presence, along with other high-profile film talents like Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, signaled that Disney’s upfronts are now about much more than just television. Iger, making his first appearance at an ABC upfront in 30 years, spoke about the significant changes in the media landscape over the past three decades and emphasized Disney’s commitment to great storytelling.
“Today we’re going to share with you the incredible projects that we’re working on,” Iger said. “And later Jimmy Kimmel will be out to tear them all apart.”
Major Announcements and Teasers
The presentation was packed with exciting announcements and teasers:
- Marvel: Teasers were revealed for Disney+ series “Daredevil: Born Again,” “Agatha All Along,” and “Ironheart.”
- Star Wars: Nathan Fillion, accompanied by Chewbacca, introduced a teaser for “The Acolyte,” a new Disney+ series.
- Only Murders in the Building: Selena Gomez hyped the crowd with a teaser for the fourth season, while also promoting the “Wizards of Waverly Place” sequel, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.”
- The Bear: The cast sent a special teaser for the upcoming third season.
Celebrating Connections
The theme of connections was humorously reinforced by Reynolds and McElhenney through a recurring five-second ad spot that exclaimed “Connections!” with a Disneyfied logo and voiceover. This playful nod to the interconnected nature of Disney’s diverse portfolio resonated throughout the event.
High-Profile Appearances
The event saw a slew of high-profile appearances:
- Ellen Pompeo teased her new Hulu drama “Natalia.”
- Serena Williams announced as the host of the 2024 ESPY Awards.
- Jim Gaffigan promoted his upcoming Hulu standup comedy special.
- Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden introduced their Hulu show “Paradise.”
- Kaitlin Olson promoted her new ABC drama “High Potential.”
- Kim Kardashian, Michelle Williams, Emma Roberts, and Angela Bassett gathered to promote their respective FX, Hulu, and ABC projects.
Sports and News Highlights
The sports segments were a mixed bag, with highlights including Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and “Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson introducing ESPN’s new “Monday Night Countdown” commentator, Jason Kelce. However, lengthy segments about future Super Bowl telecasts were less engaging.
ABC News’ David Muir and Robin Roberts also appeared to promote “Good Morning America” and “ABC World News Tonight.”
Jimmy Kimmel’s Roasting Finale
Closing the event, Jimmy Kimmel delivered a scathing and humorous roast, poking fun at Disney’s projects and Bob Iger. Kimmel’s jokes about a giant AI head of Iger, dubbed “A-Iger,” provided a memorable and humorous end to the marathon presentation.
Conclusion
Disney’s 2024 upfront presentation was a masterclass in balancing tradition with innovation. By embracing edgier content and highlighting connections across its vast portfolio, Disney showcased its ability to evolve while staying true to its storytelling roots. With a lineup of exciting projects and star-studded appearances, the future of Disney’s entertainment empire looks brighter than ever.
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