Key Takeaways from Day One of Disney’s Sequel Madness at D23

Disney’s D23 Expo 2024 kicked off with a thrilling presentation that left fans buzzing with excitement. The three-hour showcase was packed with announcements and exclusive previews, featuring highly anticipated sequels and new series. Highlights included the title reveal of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the return of beloved characters in Moana 2 and Toy Story 5, and much more. Here’s a deep dive into the key takeaways from the first day of D23.

James Cameron was on hand to unveil the title for the third installment of the Avatar franchise: Avatar: Fire and Ash. The announcement promised high emotional stakes and a deeper exploration of Pandora. Cameron, who traveled 7,000 miles from New Zealand for the event, shared concept art but no footage. He did, however, tease fans with a glimpse of the fire Na’vi people, hinting at new challenges for familiar characters.

Cameron described Fire and Ash as an emotionally charged continuation of the Avatar saga, noting that the story would challenge characters in significant ways. With Avatar: The Way of Water having grossed over a billion dollars, expectations are high for this third film. Cameron’s ambitious vision, coupled with the fact that Fire and Ash was shot alongside The Way of Water, sets the stage for a visually and emotionally impactful experience.

The spotlight then shifted to Moana 2, with a new trailer showing Moana facing a stormy threat that endangers her family. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho returned to perform a live dance number. Johnson, who plays Maui, and Cravalho, reprising her role as Moana, spoke about the film’s progression. Cravalho highlighted Moana’s evolution into a leader and her new role as an older sister, adding fresh dimensions to her character. Scheduled for release on November 27, 2024, Moana 2 aims to capture the same magic that made the original a hit.

Pixar’s announcement of Toy Story 5 was another major highlight. Andrew Stanton, director of previous installments, is back to direct. The new film will see Woody, Buzz, and the gang facing new challenges involving modern technology. Stanton revealed that the toys will encounter electronic playthings and malfunctioning Buzz Lightyear figures. This “toy meets tech” concept promises a fresh twist for the beloved franchise. Fans can look forward to its summer 2026 release.

Marvel Studios also had its moment, with updates on upcoming series. Ryan Coogler discussed the show centered on Riri Williams, a genius MIT student who creates her own Iron Man-style suit. Dominique Thorne, along with cast members Anthony Ramos, Lyryc Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, and Regan Aliyah, joined Coogler on stage. New footage showcased Williams’ journey, promising an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Another Marvel highlight was Daredevil: Born Again, featuring footage of Charlie Cox as Daredevil navigating New York’s gritty streets. The series will see him facing off against old adversaries like the Punisher and Kingpin. Set to premiere on Disney+ in March 2025, the show promises more action in Hell’s Kitchen. Kevin Feige also teased that work on Season 2 would commence soon, adding to the anticipation.

The D23 presentation wasn’t short on surprises. A sequel to the popular body-swapping comedy Freakie Friday was announced, with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis returning to their iconic roles. Scheduled for release in 2025, the sequel promises more humor and chaos. Another significant reveal was Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel exploring Mufasa and Scar’s early relationship. The new trailer, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music, promises a fresh perspective on the Pride Lands. Mufasa: The Lion King premieres on December 20, 2024.

Day one of D23 2024 set a high bar with its diverse range of announcements and previews. Disney’s showcase highlighted the excitement and creativity driving future projects, from beloved sequels to new series. As fans eagerly await these films and shows, Disney’s commitment to storytelling and innovation continues to shine. With more surprises and updates expected throughout the event, D23 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Disney’s cinematic legacy.

Source: THR