Disney's Blockbuster Lineup: Top 5 Live-Action Films Announced at D23 Expo
The announcements debuted at D23 Expo, a three-day celebration hosted by D23, the official Disney fan club. Held July 14-16 in Anaheim, the event drew over 7,000 fans worldwide for appearances by Disney stars, immersive experiences, and exclusive exhibits.
Travelzoo joined global media and influencers for an exclusive preview of Disney's cinematic future. Here are our top five must-see releases to add to your watchlist.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Mark Hamill, the iconic Luke Skywalker, joined castmates at D23 Expo to unveil behind-the-scenes footage from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson. The film stars Laura Dern, Daisy Ridley, and Benicio del Toro, continuing directly from The Force Awakens. Disney describes it as "an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past." It arrives in theaters December 15.
A Wrinkle in Time
Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and Chris Pine presented the teaser trailer and poster for A Wrinkle in Time at D23 Expo. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this epic adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's beloved novel follows Meg Murry (Storm Reid), guided by three celestial beings through a wrinkle in time to an enchanted realm. Disney notes it "takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and ultimately, the triumph of love." Release date: March 9, 2018.
Avengers: Infinity War
Prepare for the ultimate superhero clash in Avengers: Infinity War, uniting the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Studios states: "The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe." Stars including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and more thrilled D23 crowds. It hits theaters May 4, 2018, with another untitled Avengers film in 2019.
Mary Poppins Returns
Emily Blunt and director/producer Rob Marshall shared new footage from Mary Poppins Returns, the musical sequel to the Disney classic. Joining them are Lin-Manuel Miranda, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Emily Mortimer, with cameos by Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke. Inspired by P.L. Travers' books, it explores the magical nanny's further adventures. Premieres December 25, 2018.
Dumbo
Disney confirmed a live-action Dumbo, the 1941 animated classic reimagined by Tim Burton, filmed in England with cutting-edge VFX. Colin Farrell stars as Holt Farrier, Danny DeVito as circus owner Max Medici, alongside Michael Keaton and Eva Green. Burton shared via video: "We're trying to give it the same heart, feeling, and emotion that we all loved about the original." Takes flight March 29, 2019.
Additional highlights include a live-action The Lion King directed by Jon Favreau (July 19, 2019); Mulan, Aladdin with Will Smith and Guy Ritchie, and Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne Johnson.
Watch for our picks on upcoming Disney animated films and park attractions. D23 Expo returns in 2019.
