Every Single Announcement That Rolled Out of D23

Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim served as a grand stage for unveiling a host of projects spanning the company’s major entertainment divisions. Fans gathered at the Honda Center to witness announcements from Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney Animation, and the Studios, setting the tone for an ambitious slate of future releases.

One of the most anticipated reveals came from Lucasfilm, which debuted the first teaser for its upcoming Star Wars film titled Starfighter. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Kade Auberon, a character described as an outsider from the galaxy’s fringes whose destiny is intertwined with a legendary starfighter. Gosling’s character was shown in action wearing a signature skull-and-bones jacket, hinting at a blend of classic heroism with a modern edge. The movie is scheduled for release on May 5, 2028.

Marvel Studios also captivated the audience with casting and project updates. Kit Connor was announced as Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, with Christopher Abbott portraying Professor X. The lineup includes Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Adam Driver taking on Nathaniel Grey/Mr. Sinister, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, and Maya Boyd as Storm. The presence of Ryan Reynolds at Comic-Con teasingly linked him to the cast, though his official involvement remains to be confirmed. Additionally, Vision and Ultron, portrayed by Paul Bettany and James Spader respectively, highlighted the upcoming VisionQuest series, set to premiere on October 14.

Disney Animation offered glimpses of new musical ventures, including a performance featuring a disco-inspired song tied to an enigmatic ice diva. This sequence, involving characters reminiscent of Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, suggested fresh narrative directions while carefully withholding certain details, such as the identity of the diva and possible thematic developments. The convention atmosphere buzzed with speculation about the series’ potential inclusivity and musical style.

In the realm of animation, Pixar announced Coco 2 with a tentative release date set for 2029. The studio emphasized that this sequel would focus on younger characters striving to prove themselves, indicating a thematic shift toward youth-driven storytelling. A preview was also shared of an exclusive rough sequence from The Simpsons movie, showcasing Homer’s humorous antics over a foul ball, underscoring the ongoing vitality of this long-standing franchise.

Other notable mentions included updates on projects like Hexed, featuring Jodie Foster as the Queen of the Witches, and a hybrid live-action/2D animated series from Jon Favreau. This latter project employs hand-drawn animation to portray Oswald the Lucky Rabbit navigating Walt Disney’s Burbank office, blending historical homage with modern storytelling techniques.

The event also spotlighted television developments, such as the upcoming season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which will introduce characters voiced by the original Mulan actress and Andra Day as Athena. Additionally, the cult-favorite Romy and Michele franchise was revived with Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino reprising their roles.

Gaming and multimedia expansions were touched upon with the announcement of Kingdom Hearts: The Series coming to Disney+, giving fans a three-year runway to anticipate its arrival.

Throughout the convention, the nostalgic pull of legacy franchises was balanced by the promise of innovative narratives and diverse casting choices, reflecting Disney's commitment to expanding its storytelling universe. While some announcements were accompanied by trailers and performances, others remained shrouded in mystery, inviting speculation and building anticipation for upcoming releases.

As Disney continues to leverage its iconic properties across multiple platforms, the D23 Expo underscored the company's strategic blend of heritage and innovation. With key releases planned over the next several years, including major Marvel and Star Wars installments alongside new animation projects, audiences can expect a dynamic array of content shaping the entertainment landscape well into the decade.