Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
- Disney’s D23 fan club event took place over the weekend.
- The company’s CEO Bob Iger announced exciting returns of beloved franchises through new movies and series.
- Pedro Pascal is set to reprise his role in a new film centered around “The Mandalorian,” alongside sequels for “Moana” and “Toy Story.”
D23 Expo Unveils Future Blockbusters from Disney
This past weekend at the D23 event held by Disney—a celebration aimed directly at its fans—CEO Bob Iger captivated attendees with hints about upcoming installments featuring cherished characters from franchises like “The Mandalorian” and “Toy Story.” This annual gathering showcases myriad projects currently underway across animation studios and theme parks across the globe.
Running until August 11th in Anaheim—home to Disneyland Park—the expo consistently presents insightful glimpses into fresh attractions alongside trailers for anticipated titles. Last year’s bash featured sneak peeks into live-action adaptations destined for Disney+ as well as innovative creations emerging from Pixar Animation Studios.
A Celebration of Joy and Imagination
“I take immense pride in leading this extraordinary organization that brings happiness to countless individuals worldwide—whether they’re children or adults young at heart,” shared Iger during his keynote on Friday evening. He expressed gratitude over future developments while celebrating how far the company has come.
Exciting New Projects on the Horizon
This year’s showcase featured a much-anticipated trailer for an upcoming entry within the iconic “Star Wars” franchise titled “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” directed by Jon Favreau. Slated to hit theaters on May 22, 2026, filming is actively underway with Pedro Pascal reprising his celebrated role.
Additionally revealed was “Moana 2,” targeting theater release on November 27 this very year. Auli’i Cravalho will return as Moana along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voicing Maui; they will be joined by new characters including Moana’s younger sister, Simea.
The Next Chapter: Toy Story Expansions and More
Toy Story 5, part of an ongoing legacy adored across generations, is officially scheduled for June 19, 2026; however details surrounding *Incredibles 3* remain undisclosed regarding its release timeframe.
The excitement didn’t stop there either! Upcoming releases include *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, slated to be unveiled next year—a continuation of James Cameron’s exploration into Pandora’s unique universe—and concept artwork showcasing what fans can expect from *Frozen 3*, set to arrive in theaters come 2027!
A Deep Connection with Fans”
“Our profound relationship with our audience has strengthened over more than a century filled with astonishing storytelling—a testament not only to our exceptional creative teams but also through captivating themes presented within our parks,” noted Iger during his opening address. He emphasized now more than ever entertainers must rise up to provide joy amidst global circumstances that seek it desperately.
“We cherish each moment we get involved in your lives through unforgettable experiences,” he continued genuinely acknowledging their audience’s emotional investment.
Representatives directed inquiries regarding unconfirmed projects such as *Incredibles *and others towards their official release announcement which is available online.
