Disney’s D23 Expo provided something for everyone.
The annual event, which took place over the weekend, offered first looks and teases for some of Disney’s most promising projects.
“Mary Poppins”
The first look at the magical “Mary Poppins Returns” doesn’t show much more than Emily Blunt and her legendary umbrella, but the movie, which takes place 25 years after the 1964 classic, promises adult versions of Michael and Jane Banks.
Blunt stars as Julie Andrews’ Mary Poppins, while Lin-Manuel Miranda plays lamplighter Jack.
Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Emily Mortimer and Julie Walters all have roles in the movie.
“Mary Poppins Returns” hits theaters Dec. 25, 2018.
“Avengers: Infinity War”
Dave Bautista, who plays Drax in the popular “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, spoke with “Good Morning America” about the “Avengers” footage played at D23, namely a scene in which Thor (Chris Hemsworth) crashes into the windshield of the Guardians’ ship, the Milano.
“We had a lot of fun with that whole scene,” Bautista told “GMA” about the D23 clip. “It’s kind of the first interaction between the Guardians and Thor, obviously. There’s just so many jokes to be made there with how handsome and perfect Chris Hemsworth is and how insecure Star-Lord is. A lot of good fun and a lot of good humor.”
In “Avengers: Infinity War,” Thor and the Guardians, plus the entire Avengers ensemble, will be up against the supervillain Thanos, and his children, which comprise the Black Order.
The film hits theaters May 2018.
“Toy Story”
John Lasseter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, announced that he’s stepping down as director of “Toy Story 4” and leaving co-director Josh Cooley in charge.
The fourth installment, written by Rashinda Jones and Will McCormack, premieres June 21, 2019 and will bring back stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.
“Star Wars”
Lucasfilm has kept details about “The Last Jedi” hush-hush, but Disney did release a behind-the-scenes reel from production that includes Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher and Gwendoline Christie, in addition to revealing a series of character posters.
Dan Scanlon’s untitled Pixar film
Scanlon, who has worked on “Monsters University,” “Brave” and “Inside Out,” will next take on an untitled animated movie about two characters trying to track down their lost father.
“Aladdin”
After reports that Disney was having trouble casting stars for Guy Ritchie’s live-action remake, the network finally found its Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in Canadian actor Mena Massoud and British actress Naomi Scott.
Will Smith will take on the voice of the Genie.
“A Wrinkle in Time”
The first trailer for Ava DuVernay’s “A Wrinkle in Time” is an ambitious take on Madeleine L’Engle’s 1963 children’s classic, and it works perfectly.
Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Zach Galifinakis and Mindy Kaling star in the movie, alongside Storm Reid, who plays Meg Murry, a young girl looking for her missing father.
“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”
The animated movie, starring Misty Copeland, was bumped up for a holiday release on Nov. 2, 2018.
The Christmas story, which also stars Mackenzie Foy, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Matthew Macfadyen, replaces the previously announced live-action “Mulan” remake on the schedule.
