A sneak peek of the upcoming theatrical schedule provided by The Walt Disney Studios earlier today delighted attendees of the 2023 CinemaCon Convention. In its second century, the business is commemorating 100 Years of Wonder.
On the Colosseum stage at Caesar’s Palace, Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, and Tony Chambers, executive vice president and head of theatrical distribution, shared information about the Studio’s upcoming exclusive theatrical releases, including casting news and content sneak peeks.
For the first time since 2019, the Studio will release movies from all of its renowned production studios, including Disney Live Action, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures.
Bergman thanked the exhibitors for their ongoing cooperation and for contributing to the $2.3 billion worldwide success of “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
He then acknowledged Disney’s 100th anniversary and the legacy of iconic storytelling it has left behind before handing the stage over to Chambers. Chambers emphasized the unique experience of enjoying a great story in the cinema and led the audience through a jam-packed presentation of must-see films that will arrive in theaters over the coming months.
An exclusive clip from Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which debuts in the United States and Canada on May 5, was shown to the audience first.
James Gunn once again serves as the film’s director, and Chris Pratt is the star of the ensemble cast.
Additionally, a brand-new trailer for “The Marvels,” which debuts on November 10, was shown. Brie Larson plays Carol Danvers in the follow-up to “Captain Marvel,” which also stars Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.
Regarding one of the most eagerly awaited films this holiday season, Chambers revealed that Chris Pine (“Into the Woods,” “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”) joined the voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” playing King Magnifico opposite Academy Award® winner Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) as Asha.
The original animated musical adventure “Wish” draws inspiration from the classics to tell a timeless tale by fusing a stunning watercolor style with ground-breaking CG animation. DeBose’s “This Wish,” one of the movie’s original songs, was featured in a special scene. The nationwide premiere of “Wish” is November 22nd.
Melissa McCarthy, a two-time Oscar® nominee (for the films “Bridesmaids” and “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”), who portrays Ursula in Disney Live Action’s adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” appeared onstage with Chambers to present an exclusive first look at her rendition of the song “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the movie. The Cinema Véritê Award presented by CinemaCon will get given to the actress.
The music for “The Little Mermaid” was written by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights”) and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”), who is also an Academy Award® nominee for “Chicago.”
McCarthy is joined in the movie by Halle Bailey, Awkwafina, Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs from “Hamilton,” and Oscar winner Javier Bardem from “No Country for Old Men.” Before the movie’s May 26 theatrical release, tickets for the event went on sale today.
The “Haunted Mansion” from Disney Live Action was then given a special screening for CinemaCon attendees, highlighting the mythology and scope of the picture.
With an ensemble cast that includes Lakeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost, Justin Simien’s comedy-horror adventure brings the well-loved theme park attraction to life.
When “Haunted Mansion” opens in theaters on July 28, audiences can expect to be frightened.
Following that, the audience watched 20 minutes of 3D-exclusive material from Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental.”
The animated film “Elemental” from Pixar, which continues to push the boundaries of animation and technology, is a story about finding connection, embracing differences, and figuring out your place in the world.
The entire movie will make its world premiere at the upcoming Cannes International Film Festival before going on sale to theaters nationwide on June 16th.
The newest trailer for Searchlight Pictures’ “Next Goal Wins” was then exclusively unveiled.
The film, which was directed by Academy Award®-winner Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo Rabbit”), centers on the American Samoa soccer team, who are well-known for their dreadful 31-0 FIFA defeat in 2001.
In this touching underdog comedy, the team hires down-on-his-luck, unconventional coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) in the hopes that he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around as the World Cup Qualifiers draw near. On November 17, 2023, in theaters.
CinemaCon attendees got treated to the teaser trailer for “A Haunting in Venice,” the latest Agatha Christie adaptation from 20th Century Studios and directed by Oscar® winner Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”). The supernatural horror-thriller stars Branagh, Tina Fey, and recent Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”).
Additionally, the first trailer for “The Creator,” a movie from 20th Century Studios and New Regency, was shown there only, showcasing the film’s ambitious scope and gorgeous visuals. Filmgoers can catch John David Washington as Tenet and Gemma Chan as Eternals in the grand sci-fi action thriller directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One,” “Godzilla”) on September 29th.
Harrison Ford, the star of Lucasfilm’s eagerly anticipated “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” then gave Chambers a special greeting and debuted an action-packed clip made especially for CinemaCon.
The James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari”)-directed movie, which also features Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen, will have its world premiere at Cannes before opening in theaters on June 30th.
The Boogeyman, from 20th Century Studios, was screened in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos as the studio’s final presentation. Rob Savage is the director of the Stephen King-penned horror thriller, which debuts in theaters on June 2nd.
The Walt Disney Company today received a total of 22 nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the 95th Oscars®, which will take place on Sunday, March 12th.
Disney’s film studios led the way with a total of two Best Picture nominations for 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water” and Searchlight Pictures’ “The Banshees of Inisherin.”
“The Banshees of Inisherin” received a total of nine nominations, including Best Director (Martin McDonagh), Best Actor (Colin Farrell), Best Supporting Actor (Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan), Best Supporting Actress (Kerry Condon), Best Original Screenplay (Martin McDonagh), Best Film Editing (Mikkel E.G. Nielsen), and Best Original Score (Carter Burwell).
Searchlight Pictures also secured a nomination for Best Cinematography for “Empire of Light,” bringing its total of Academy Award® nominations to 10. To date, Searchlight Pictures has secured a total of 21 Best Picture nominations.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” picked up a total of five nominations, including Best Supporting Actress (Angela Bassett), Best Costume Design (Ruth E. Carter), Best Original Song for “Lift Me Up” (Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler), Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Visual Effects.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” had a total of four nominations, including Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Pixar’s “Turning Red” got nominated for Best Animated Feature Film, and National Geographic Documentary Films secured a nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film for “Fire of Love.”
Rounding out the nominations was Disney Branded Television’s “Le Pupille” for Best Live-Action Short.
Disney+ and Walt Disney Records give viewers a sneak(er) peek at the upcoming Disney+ original movie “Sneakerella” with the music video debut of “Kicks,” available today on DisneyMusicVEVO. This trend-setting pop/hip-hop musical begins streaming May 13 on Disney+ and puts a contemporary twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale.
The uber-cool jam “Kicks,” performed by Chosen Jacobs, is the film’s opening musical sequence and introduces El (Jacobs) and his affinity for sneakers as he glides his way through the vibrant street-sneaker subculture of New York City. The song was written by Antonina Armato, Tim James Price, Thomas Armato Sturges and Adam Schmalholz and produced by Antonina Armato and Tim James Price. The stand-out dance sequence is choreographed by Ebony Williams and Emilio Dosal.
In addition to Jacobs, “Sneakerella” stars a multitalented, diverse ensemble cast, including Lexi Underwood, John Salley, Devyn Nekoda, Juan Chioran, Bryan Terrell Clark, Kolton Stewart, Robyn Alomar, Yvonne Senat-Jones and Hayward Leach.
“Sneakerella” is a Disney+ original movie from Disney Branded Television, directed and co-executive produced by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum. Jane Startz and Rachel Watanabe-Batton serve as executive producers. The teleplay was written by David Light & Joseph Raso, Tamara Chestna, and Mindy Stern & George Gore II. It is based on a story by Stern & Gore and Light & Raso. Chestna also serves as co-executive producer.
“Sneakerella” features eight new original songs covering a variety of music genres, including pop, R&B and hip-hop, creating a towering soundtrack that takes the story to a whole new level. Written and composed by a mix of acclaimed songwriters who have worked across high-profile projects, including the “Descendants,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and “ZOMBIES” franchises, as well as “Empire” and “Straight Outta Compton,” the songs are contemporary in feel, lyrical in content and relevant to today’s young audiences. Award-winning composer Elvin Ross is the composer of the movie. Williams and Dosal are choreographers on the film, and acclaimed choreographer Christopher Scott serves as a co-producer on the movie.
The “Sneakerella” digital original soundtrack will be released on May 13; the physical will be available on June 24.
Walt Disney Animation Studios welcomes global Latin superstar Maluma to the “Encanto” voice cast. Maluma lends his voice to town heartthrob, Mariano, the soon-to-be fiancé of Mirabel’s perfect and poised sister Isabela. “‘Encanto’ is such a magical movie,” said Maluma. “I’m from Colombia and the story is about a Colombian family. I’m proud to be part of this beautiful story. It means so much to me as I’m very passionate about sharing my country’s cultural values and story globally.”
“I’m proud to be part of this beautiful story!” @maluma joins the cast of Disney’s #Encanto as Mariano, the town heartthrob! See it in theaters this Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/RA65TP0f7y
Bringing an undeniable presence and memorable sound to the stage, Juan Luis Londoño Arias, known to his fans as Maluma, has skyrocketed onto the music scene in the last 10 years. Born and raised in Medellín, Colombia, the singing/songwriting/acting powerhouse has crossed over into the American, Asian, Latin American, European and Middle Eastern markets. He has released six studio albums including his most recent, “#7DJ – Seven Days in Jamaica,” and has been recognized by the Latin GRAMMYS, Billboard and Latin Billboard Awards, the VMAs, and MTV, among others. Next year, Maluma continues his acting career in “Marry Me,” alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.
The film tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Each child has been blessed with a magic gift unique to them—each child except Mirabel. But when the family’s home is threatened, Mirabel may be their only hope. The voice cast also includes Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel; María Cecilia Botero as Mirabel’s grandmother Alma aka Abuela; John Leguizamo as Mirabel’s estranged Uncle Bruno; Angie Cepeda and Wilmer Valderrama as Mirabel’s parents, Julieta and Agustín; and Diane Guererro and Jessica Darrow as Mirabel’s sisters, Isabela and Luisa. Also lending their voices are Carolina Gaitán and Mauro Castillo as Mirabel’s aunt and uncle, Pepa and Félix; and Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz and Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Mirabel’s cousins Dolores, Camilo and Antonio, respectively.
“Encanto” features all-new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) and is directed by Jared Bush (co-director “Zootopia”) and Byron Howard (“Zootopia,” “Tangled”), co-directed by Charise Castro Smith (writer “The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez”), and produced by Yvett Merino, p.g.a. and Clark Spencer, p.g.a. Castro Smith and Bush are screenwriters on the film. Germaine Franco composed the original score. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” opens in theaters November 24, 2021.
The Walt Disney Company received a total of 15 Academy Award nominations.
“Nomadland” received six nominations, including Best Motion Picture, Actress in a Leading Role, Directing, Adapted Screenplay, Editing and Cinematography. With “Nomadland,” Searchlight Pictures has now garnered 19 Best Picture Oscar Nominations and a grand total of 164 Academy Award nominations.
Disney+ received its first Oscar nominations since launching in 2019. The service is home to a variety of nominated content including Disney and Pixar’s “Onward and “Soul” both nominated for Best Animated Feature, with “Soul” also receiving nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound; “Mulan” receiving nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects; Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan” receiving a nomination for Best Visual Effects; and Disney and Pixar’s “Burrow” receiving a nomination for Best Animated Short Film.
The Hulu Original film “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” garnered one nomination with a Best Actress nomination for Andra Day’s performance. Hulu is also the exclusive streaming home to Searchlight Pictures’ “Nomadland.”
NOMADLAND (Searchlight Pictures)
6 Nominations
• Best Motion Picture – Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Dan Janvey, Mollye Asher, Chloé Zhao
• Best Actress in a Leading Role – Frances McDormand
• Best Achievement in Directing – Chloé Zhao
• Best Adapted Screenplay – Chloé Zhao
• Best Achievement in Editing – Chloé Zhao
• Best Achievement in Cinematography – Joshua James Richards
Since 1994, Searchlight Pictures has amassed 28 Golden Globe Awards, 45 BAFTA awards, and 40 Academy Awards including four Best Picture winners since 2009: “Slumdog Millionaire,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Birdman,” and “The Shape of Water.”
SOUL (Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+ / Disney Music Group)
3 Nominations
• Best Animated Feature
• Best Original Score – Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross, Trent Reznor
• Best Achievement in Sound
MULAN (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+)
2 Nominations
• Best Costume Design
• Best Visual Effects
ONWARD (Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
1 Nomination
• Best Animated Feature
THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+)
1 Nomination
• Best Visual Effects
BURROW (Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+)
