Disney’s D23 Expo 2024: The Exciting Announcements You Can’t Miss

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Disney’s D23 Expo 2024 hasn’t even finished yet but it has already proved to have some surprising announcements.

From new movie reveals to updates on Disney Parks and Disney Cruises, D23 Expo 2024 has so far had something for everyone.

Here we’ll go over the major highlights of movies and television.

Major Movie Highlights from D23 Expo 2024

Toy Story 5: A New Adventure

“Toy Story 5” will take Woody, Buzz, and the gang on a new adventure about technology dependence. The story is about the toys trying to stop their new child from becoming too hooked on gadgets.

This new story promises to mix humor, heart, and a message about the impact of technology on kids.

“This time around, it’s toy meets tech,” director Andrew Stanton said at D23. “It’s going to be fun, and we can’t wait for you all to see it in the summer of 2026.”

I know for many this may be a sequel too far, but Pixar did recently prove that a sequel can be even better than the original – Inside Out 2 anyone?

Moana 2 Official New Trailer

We already knew that a Moana sequel was on the horizon as it was first announced in February by Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger.

He also shared that the Moana 2 will arrive in theaters on November 27, 2024.

This new trailer which debuted at D23 features Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson).

Frozen 3 and 4: Double the Sequel Count

Another sequel. Well, another 2 sequels potentially.

Do we really need more of Anna, Elsa, and friends?

As with all sequels, there is nothing inherently bad about the concept. Just so long as the story is great.

Whilst no details for Frozen 4 were given, Jennifer Lee did say that the loose ends from Frozen 2 would need two movies to fully explain.

“Frozen 3” is set to release in 2027, having been delayed from 2026.

Zootopia 2: Back to the Animal Kingdom

This is probably the one I am most looking forward to (although the next announcement is also high up on the I’m happy about that list).

Another sequel.

A sequel to the popular animated film “Zootopia” was confirmed at D23 Expo 2024.

Not much was given away about the plot but we were told that there will be new characters joining Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Big news was that Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan is going to voice a snake named Gary.

No official release date was given but is expected to be around Thanksgiving 2025.

Incredibles 3: The Return of the Super Family

No concept art or teasers yet – but just such a welcome announcement that Incredibles 3 is in development.

The new movie will be directed by Brad Bird who was responsible for the first two Incredibles movies.

I can’t wait to see the return of the Parr family. Sure, it’s another sequel but I feel confident this one is going to work out.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

We all knew that Avatar 3 was coming, as it was filmed at the same time as Avatar 2: The Way of Water.

But the title Avatar: Fire and Ash was revealed at D23.

Along with Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, the returning cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Britain Dalton, Jack Champion, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass, Joel David Moore, Edie Falco and Dileep Rao.

Oona Chaplin, who is known for her role in “Game of Thrones” will play Varang, the leader of the Ash People.

David Thewlis and Michelle Yeoh are also joining the cast.

“You’ll see a lot more Pandora that you never saw before,” director James Cameron said. “It’s an insane adventure and a feast for the eyes, but it’s also got very high emotional stakes, more than ever before,” Cameron said during the presentation. “We’re going into really challenging territory for all the characters you know and love.”

“There are new characters, one especially I think you’re gonna love, or love to hate,” Cameron said.

Live-Action Remakes

I have to admit rolling my eyes whenever I hear the words “live-action remakes” and “Disney” in the same sentence, but maybe they will get it right with these.

Snow White: A Classic Reborn

The live-action remake of the 1937 classic “Snow White” features Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.

Set to release on March 21, 2025, the film promises stunning visual effects and cinematography.

Lilo & Stitch Live Action

Combining two things that often don’t turn out so well. Disney live-action and a sequel.

Could be a recipe for disappointment or a huge hit.

Chris Sanders, who voiced Stitch in the original film, will return to bring the character to life in the CGI version.

Not much was revealed apart from a first look at the CGI Stitch. We all know that Disney can do CGI, and this didn’t disappoint. What remains to be seen is how this much-loved character translates to the new format. And just as importantly, is the story any good?

We learned that the movie is scheduled for a summer 2025 release

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

It wouldn’t be D23 without some Star Wars franchise announcement.

Coming to Disney+ on December 3, we got a sneak peak of what this New Republic era will be like.

Jude Law is set to make his debut into the Star Wars universe as Jod Na Nawood.

Oscar nominee Law described the new series as “a timeless adventure story in the spirit of the Amblin coming-of-age films from the ’80s.” He cited 80s movies “The Goonies” and “E.T.” as examples of the genre.

Well, let’s just hope so.

This time the story is set in the years just after Return of the Jedi, in the New Republic era.

Daredevil: Born Again

D23 also saw the debut of the first footage of the Disney+ series set for a March 2025 release

Charlie Cox returns as vigilante lawyer Matt Murdock. Vincent D’Onofrio reprises his role as Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin.

They were joined on stage by Jon Bernthal, who returns as Frank Castle, Deborah Ann Woll, who returns as Karen Page, and Elden Henson, as Foggy Nelson

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Percy Jackson and the Olympians has begun filming its second season and a new trailer was released at D23.

What do you think of all the D23 movie and television annoucements?