Disney’s D23 2024 Kicks Off with Blockbuster Announcements: Avatar 3, Incredibles 3, Moana 2, and More!

Disney’s D23 Expo 2024 opened with a bang, delivering a whirlwind of announcements that have left fans buzzing. The Disney Entertainment Showcase, a three-hour spectacle, set the tone for an eventful weekend, revealing exclusive looks at upcoming movies and shows, including live-action Lilo & Stitch, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Incredibles 3, and Daredevil: Born Again. With surprise appearances from Hollywood stars, musical performances, and a slew of trailers, the showcase had something for every Disney fan.

A Star-Studded Start with Moana 2

The showcase began with a warm welcome from Disney CEO Bob Iger, followed by an extended look at Moana 2. The new trailer showed Moana facing a stormy threat, reuniting with Maui, and introducing her sister, who is central to her journey. Stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho graced the stage, sharing their excitement for the film’s release on November 27, 2024.

Dwayne Johnson Teases Disney Monster Jam

After the Moana 2 reveal, Dwayne Johnson stayed on stage to tease a new project, Disney Monster Jam. While details remain under wraps, Johnson’s enthusiasm for motorsports and monster trucks hints at an exciting and immersive experience for fans.

Avatar 3 Gets an Official Title: Avatar: Fire and Ash

James Cameron made a surprise appearance to announce the official title of Avatar 3: Avatar: Fire and Ash. While no footage was shown, stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington shared concept art, hinting at the film’s December 19, 2025, premiere.

Pixar Unveils New Projects and Series

Pixar also had a big presence at the showcase, revealing several new projects:

Dream Productions: An Inside Out spinoff series for Disney+.
Win or Lose: Pixar’s first original series for Disney+, premiering December 6, 2024.
Toy Story 5: Directed by Andrew Stanton, featuring the toys tackling electronic playthings and rogue Buzz Lightyears.
Hoppers: An original animated film starring Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan, set for a spring 2026 release.
Elio: A spacey new universe set to premiere on June 13, 2025, with Zoe Saldana joining the cast.
Incredibles 3: The superhero family returns with Brad Bird at the helm.

Live-Action Revelations and Sneak Peeks

Disney continued to push forward with its live-action adaptations, revealing exciting new details:

Lilo & Stitch: A first look at the live-action Stitch, maintaining his iconic puppy-like appearance with added furry details.
Snow White: A trailer featuring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the evil queen, with the film set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025.
Tron: Ares: Exclusive footage revealed a technological villain in this highly anticipated sequel, featuring a soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails.

Star Wars and Marvel Steal the Show

Star Wars and Marvel fans were also treated to thrilling reveals:

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew: A first teaser trailer introduced Jude Law’s character and a group of younglings lost in the galaxy, premiering December 3, 2024.
The Mandalorian and Grogu: New footage teased Grogu in full Beskar armor and a planet resembling Hoth, with the film set for a May 22, 2026 release.
Daredevil: Born Again: Footage featuring Matt Murdock taking on Kingpin and The Punisher, with Season 1 premiering on Disney+ in March 2025.

The Grand Finale: Mufasa: The Lion King

The showcase closed with an emotional trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King, teasing the early days of Mufasa and Scar’s friendship. Featuring new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film promises to offer a fresh perspective on the iconic story when it arrives in theaters on December 20, 2024.