Matt Smith (The Crown), Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One), and Emma D’Arcy (Truth Seekers) are joining Paddy Considine (The Third Day) in HBO’s House of the Dragon. The prequel to Game of Thrones is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and is set 300 years before the events that unfurled in the award-winning GoT series.
George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal are co-creators on the series, and Condal is also serving as showrunner along with Miguel Sapochnik. Martin, Condal, Sapochnik, Vince Gerardis, Sara Lee Hess and Ron Schmidt are executive producing.
Sapochnik directed six episodes of Game of Thrones including the pivotal “Battle of the Bastards” (season six episode nine) which earned him an Emmy and a DGA Award. He also picked up Emmy and DGA nominations for directing “The Long Night” (season eight episode three).
Season one has Clare Kilner (The Alienist: Angel of Darkness, The Wedding Date), Geeta V. Patel (Meet the Patels, The Witcher), and Greg Yaitanes (Banshee, House) confirmed as directors.
The Story and Cast, Courtesy of HBO:
The series will tell the story of House Targaryen (a.k.a. the House that gave us the Mother of Dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen) and take place 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones.
Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen. Viserys was chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal. A warm, kind, and decent man, Viserys only wishes to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy, but as we’ve learned from Game of Thrones, good men do not necessarily make for great kings.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower. She’s the daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen.
Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. The king’s first-born child. She is of pure Valyrian blood, and she is a dragonrider. Many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything… but she was not born a man.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen. The younger brother of King Viserys and heir to the throne, Daemon is a peerless warrior and a dragonrider who possesses the true blood of the dragon. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…
Eddie’s dealing with major issues on the winter finale of ABC’s A Million Little Things. Season three episode four, directed by Tessa Blake from a script by Christopher Luccy and Nikita T. Hamilton, will air on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT.
The cast of season three includes David Giuntoli as Eddie Saville, Romany Malco as Rome Howard, Allison Miller as Maggie Bloom, Christina Moses as Regina Howard, Grace Park as Katherine Saville, and James Roday Rodriguez as Gary Mendez. Stephanie Szostak is Delilah Dixon, Floriana Lima is Darcy Cooper, Tristan Byon is Theo Saville, Lizzy Greene as Sophie Dixon, and Chance Hurstfield as Danny Dixon.
The winter finale guest cast includes Chris Geere as Jamie, Nikiva Dionne as Shanice Williamson, Andrew Leeds as Peter Benoit, and Erin Karpluk as Anna Benoit.
“the talk” Plot: Eddie’s injuries put a strain on his marriage as he secretly continues to manage the pain from the accident. Meanwhile, Rome struggles with his movie and finds an ally in Shanice; and Maggie continues her journey in England as she and Jamie grow closer than ever on the winter finale.
The Season 3 Plot, Courtesy of ABC:
Friendship isn’t a big thing. It’s a million little things. Our gang ended last season with many challenges in front of them. In season three, we’ll see our group of friends once again lean on each other in ways that are both moving and aspirational—something we could all use right now.
Grace Park and David Giuntoli in ‘A Million Little Things’ season 3 episode 4 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Allison Miller and Chris Geere in season 3 episode 4 (ABC/Jack Rowand)James Roday Rodriguez and Floriana Lima in season 3 episode 4 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Christina Moses and Romany Malco in season 3 episode 4 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Kimi Alexander and Lizzy Greene in season 3 episode 4 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Lizzy Greene and James Roday Rodriguez in season 3 episode 4 (ABC/Jack Rowand)
Matt James and ‘The Bachelor’ season 25 bachelorettes (ABC/Craig Sjodin)
ABC’s revealed the 32 women who will be vying for Matt James’ attention on season 25 of The Bachelor. James, who was announced as the first Black Bachelor back in June, will be searching for love among a bevy of eligible bachelorettes that includes a photographer, a ballerina, a model, a queen, and a couple of attorneys.
Season 25 is set to premiere on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8pm ET/PT. The two-hour premiere will finish up with 24 bachelorettes still standing.
In an interview with Extra, host Chris Harrison teased there will be more than one woman joining the season as the season goes on. Harrison also shared the scoop on a few of the bachelorettes, saying, “It is such a great group of women. Someone like Bree, who left a very prominent tech job to be a part of this show… Sara’s another girl who was the caretaker of her home… and remember this girl Maggie… I don’t want to ruin anything, but she is one of my favorite human beings that I’ve ever had on this show.”
Season 25’s 32 Bachelorettes:
Abigail, 25, a client financial manager from Beaverton, Ore.
Alana, 26, a photographer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Alicia, 24, a professional ballerina from New York City, N.Y.
Amber, 30, a nursing student from Costa Mesa, Calif.
Anna, 24, a copywriter from Chicago, Ill.
Bri, 24, a communications manager from San Francisco, Calif.
Carolyn, 30, a journalist from Los Angeles, Calif.
Casandra, 25, a social worker from Newport Beach, Calif.
Chelsea, 28, a runway model from Brooklyn, N.Y.
Corrinne, 22, a marketing manager from Pomfret, Conn.
Emani, 25, a realtor from Albuquerque, N.M.
Illeana, 25, a health food developer from New York City, N.Y.
Jessenia, 27, a social media marketer from San Antonio, Texas
Kaili, 26, a hostess from Chicago, Ill.
Katie, 29, a bank marketing manager from Renton, Wash.
Khaylah, 28, a healthcare advocate from Durham, N.C.
Kimberly, 28, an airline recruiter from Seattle, Wash.
Kit, 21, a socialite from New York City, N.Y.
Kristin, 27, an attorney from Jersey City, N.J.
Lauren, 29, a corporate attorney from Miami, Fla.
Magi, 32, a pharmacist from Adwa, Ethiopia
Mari, 24, a marketing director from Odenton, Md.
Marylynn, 28, an event coordinator from Studio City, Calif.
MJ, 23, a hairstylist from Hudson, Ohio
Pieper, 23, a graduate student from Happy Valley, Ore.
Rachael, 24, a graphic designer from Cumming, Ga.
Saneh, 25, an IT consultant from Denver, Colo.
Sarah, 24, a broadcast journalist from San Diego, Calif.
Serena C., 24, a flight attendant from San Francisco, Calif.
Serena P., 22, a publicist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sydney, 28, a marketing specialist from Nashville, Tenn.
Victoria, 27, a queen from Los Angeles, Calif.
A film filling in Buzz Lightyear’s backstory, a new Cars series, and a collection of shorts featuring the adorable dog from Up are in the works at Pixar. The Walt Disney Company’s Investor Day event featured Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter revealing details on what’s in store for the Oscar-winning studio over the new few years.
“Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a bunch of fresh, new filmmakers,” stated Docter during the December 11, 2020 event. “Getting their voices on the screen is our key focus right now – while at the same time allowing our veteran filmmakers to continue to do their great work. And I think that’s what we do best at Pixar: Honoring tradition, while at the same time innovating for the future.”
The slate of projects includes Pixar’s first long-form animated series as well as a film about a girl who turns into a giant red panda. Here’s a breakdown of the productions heading to theaters or set to debut on Disney+:
Inside Pixar is a new documentary series that invites Pixar fans into the studio for an up-close, never-before-seen look at the artistry, craftsmanship and storytellers behind beloved films. The first five episodes are currently available on Disney+ with more scheduled to release soon.
Soul, available exclusively on Disney+ beginning December 25, 2020, explores themes like appreciating the simple joys of life and finding one’s unique spark. Directed by Docter, the film introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx), a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.
Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
Soul is co-directed by Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short Lou).
Burrow is part of Pixar’s collection of shorts called SparkShorts that are created by a diverse group of storytellers. Debuting exclusively on Disney+ on December 25, 2020, Burrow features a young rabbit who embarks on a journey to dig the burrow of her dreams, despite not having a clue what she’s doing. Rather than reveal to her neighbors her imperfections, she digs herself deeper and deeper into trouble. After hitting (bed)rock bottom, she learns there is no shame in asking for help. The new short is directed by Madeline Sharafian and produced by Mike Capbarat.
Pixar Popcorn, coming to Disney+ in January 2021, is a collection of mini shorts featuring Pixar characters in all-new, bite-size stories created by Pixar’s talented animators.
Luca, a new original feature film opening June 18, 2021, celebrates the universal theme of friendship. Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, it is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
Luca is directed by Academy Award nominee Enrico Casarosa (Pixar short La Luna) and produced by Andrea Warren (Pixar short Lava, Cars 3).
Dug Days, which premieres exclusively on Disney+ in Fall 2021, is a new collection of shorts that follows the humorous misadventures of Dug, the lovable dog from Disney and Pixar’s Up. Each short features everyday events that occur in and around Dug’s backyard, all through the exciting (and delightfully distorted) eyes of our favorite talking dog. The shorts are written and directed by Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins.
Turning Red, a new feature film opening in theaters on March 11, 2022, introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which for a teenager is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
Turning Red is directed by Academy Award winner Domee Shi (Pixar short Bao) and produced by Lindsey Collins.
Lightyear, slated to open in theaters on June 17, 2022, is a sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans) — the hero who inspired the toy. The film reveals how a young test pilot became the Space Ranger that we all know him to be today.
Lightyear is directed by Angus MacLane and produced by Galyn Susman.
Cars, coming to Disney+ in Fall 2022, is an all-new series that follows Lightning McQueen and his best friend Mater on a cross-country road trip. These episodes are filled with lots of fun new characters, imaginative destinations as well as old friends checking in along the way. The series is written by Steve Purcell and produced by Marc Sondheimer.
Win or Lose, Pixar’s first-ever original long-form animated series, debuts on Disney+ in 2023. It follows a coed middle school softball team in the week leading up to their championship game. Each 20-minute episode highlights the perspective of a different character and explores the drama of bad calls made on and off the field.
Written and directed by story artists Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, and produced by David Lally, Win or Lose is a comedy about love, rivalry and the challenges we all face in our struggle to win at life.
The CW’s released a new photo featuring the stars of the upcoming superhero series, Superman & Lois. The photo shows the handsome couple, complete with Superman’s “S” and their farm in the background.
Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth “Bitsie” Tulloch star as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane. The season one cast also includes Jordan Elsass as Jonathan, Alexander Garfin as Jordan, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Lana Lang, Erik Valdez as Kyle Cushing. Inde Navarrette plays Sarah, Dylan Walsh is General Samuel Lane, and Wolé Parks is a “mysterious stranger.”
The Flash‘s Todd Helbing writes and executive produces the series, with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Geoff Johns also involved as executive producers.
The newest addition to The CW’s comic book-inspired lineup will premiere on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT.
Commenting on her character, Bitsie Tulloch said, “From the very beginning, going back to when she was introduced in 1938, Lois Lane as a character defied society’s expectations of how women should behave. Women at that point were more typically portrayed as demure, but Lois was always opinionated and unapologetic and uncompromising and a career-woman. Part of why she has remained so compelling for so many years is that she’s also vulnerable and fallible, romantic, and goofy, and a clutz — I just find her really appealing.”
Tulloch continued: “I find Lois inspiring in how little she gives a crap about what anyone thinks of her. She’s not doing the work for glory or more Pulitzers, she’s doing it because she believes in justice and truth. She is incredibly driven and determined and hard-working, and she really embodies the aphorism “be the change you wish to see in the world.” She is not intimidated by anyone. She wants to save the world with words.”
Netflix’s new clip from season four of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina brings back two very familiar faces from the ’90s Sabrina series. A warm welcome back to Sabrina the Teenage Witch‘s original aunties: Beth Broderick as Zelda Spellman and Caroline Rhea as Hilda Spellman.
The two aunts pop up in what appears to be a freaky trip to an alternative universe, complete with an annoying laugh track.
Kiernan Shipka returns to lead the cast as Sabrina for the series’ fourth and final season. Miranda Otto reprises her role as Zelda Spellman, Ross Lynch is Harvey Kinkle, and Lucy Davis plays Hilda Spellman. Chance Perdomo stars as Ambrose Spellman, Michelle Gomez is Mary Wardwell/Madam Satan, Jaz Sinclair is Rosalind Walker, Lachlan Watson is Susie Putnam, and Gavin Leatherwood plays Nicholas Scratch.
The cast also includes Tati Gabrielle as Prudence Night, Abigail Cowen as Dorcas, and Richard Coyle as Father Faustus Blackwood.
Netflix will launch the final eight-episode season on December 31, 2020.
Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Riverdale) is the showrunner and executive produces with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater, and Lee Toland Krieger. The series is a Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina re-imagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft. Over the course of Part 4’s eight episodes, The Eldritch Terrors will descend upon Greendale. The coven must fight each terrifying threat one-by-one (The Weird, The Returned, The Darkness to name a few), all leading up to…The Void, which is the End of All Things.
As the witches wage war, with the help of The Fright Club, Nick begins to slowly earn his way back into Sabrina’s heart, but will it be too late?
Kaitlin Olson as Dee, Glenn Howerton as Dennis, Charlie Day as Charlie, Danny DeVito as Frank, and Rob McElhenney as Mac in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (Photo by Patrick McElhenney/FXX)
FX Networks’ It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is set to become the longest-running live-action comedy in history. The network just renewed the critically acclaimed half-hour comedy series for four additional seasons: 15, 16, 17, and 18.
FX reports It’s Always Sunny will take over The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet‘s place in the top spot once its 15th season airs next year. Ozzie & Harriet aired for 14 seasons, beginning in October 1952 and ending in March 1966.
“The pitch for Sunny came into FX within the first few weeks of my joining the company in 2004,” said John Landgraf, Chairman, FX Entertainment and FX Productions. “I was 42 and Rob McElhenney was 27. Rob McElhenney is now 43 and, strangely, I’m now 44 — but I’m still at FX and he (with his original partners) is still running Sunny and will be for at least 4 more seasons. That kind of thing just does not happen in live action TV.”
Series creator Rob McElhenney stars alongside Glenn Howerton (“Dennis”), Charlie Day (“Charlie”), Kaitlin Olson (“Dee”), and Danny DeVito (“Frank”). McElhenney also executive produces with Howerton, Day, Michael Rotenberg, and Nick Frenkel.
“When we first pitched Sunny, we saw it as a 36-season arc,” explained McElhenney. “We are so excited to be halfway there.”
According to FX Network, fans of the popular comedy have spent more than 1.5 billion hours watching it since its premiere in 2005.
“We have absolutely cherished our partnership with Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day,” stated Nick Grad, President, Original Programming, FX Entertainment. “It’s extraordinary how with each new season they and their collaborators Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito continue to make episodes that stand with the show’s very best and most classic. We’re happy the forecast will remain Sunny for years to come.”
The Plot:
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows the misguided dreams and blundered schemes of everyone’s favorite bar owners – The Gang at Paddy’s Pub – Mac (McElhenney), Dennis (Howerton), Charlie (Day), Dee (Olson), and Frank (DeVito).
Josh Peck to star in ‘Turner and Hooch’ (Photo Courtesy of Disney+)
Walt Disney Television Chairman of Entertainment Dana Walden revealed a Beauty and the Beast prequel is in the works as well as a series based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians books. Walden shared details on what’s in store for Disney+ during the 2020 The Walt Disney Company’s Investor Day event held on December 10th.
“We have an expansive slate of family entertainment in the pipeline, from comedies to epic dramas, shows that speak to a global audience, executed by great creators – people who know how to produce big hits,” stated Walden. “A number are based on beloved titles and iconic IP from the Disney library. These titles are trusted by families, passed down through generations and it’s a creator’s dream to have access to them. This gives us a real competitive edge.”
Additional Disney Television Studios productions coming to Disney+ include an adaptation of the classic Swiss Family Robinson tale, a Mighty Ducks series, and a show based on the Tom Hanks film, Turner & Hooch.
The following descriptions were provided by Disney Television Studios:
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood) and Emilio Estevez (reprising his role from the original feature films) star in the next chapter of the hit Mighty Ducks franchise, premiering in early 2021. In present-day Minnesota, the Mighty Ducks have evolved from scrappy underdogs to an ultra-competitive, powerhouse youth hockey team. After 12-year-old Evan is unceremoniously cut from the Ducks, he and his mom Alex set out to build their own ragtag team of misfits to challenge the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs culture of competitive youth sports.
Big Shot: The series follows a temperamental college basketball coach who gets fired from his job and must take a teaching and coaching job at an elite all-girls private high school. Big Shot stars John Stamos and an ensemble cast of up-and-coming actors alongside Yvette Nicole Brown.
The Mysterious Benedict Society: Placed undercover at a boarding school known as The Institute, a group of orphans must foil a nefarious plot with global ramifications while creating a new sort of family along the way. Based on the bestseller by Trenton Lee Stewart which Time Magazine called “one of the best young adult books of all time,” the series stars Emmy Award winner Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development) in the titular role and features a standout ensemble of young actors.
Turner & Hooch: When an ambitious, buttoned-up US Marshall inherits a big unruly dog, he soon realizes the dog he didn’t want may be the partner he needs. Josh Peck stars as Scott Turner, son of Detective Scott Turner portrayed in the original 1989 film by Tom Hanks.
Beauty and the Beast (working title): Starring Luke Evans and Josh Gad in the roles they made famous in the hit live-action feature film, the music, romance, comedy, and adventure of the Beauty and the Beast universe continues in this prequel that explores the kingdom in the years before the Beast and Belle’s epic romance. We will witness the destinies of many familiar characters take shape as they cross paths with new characters — including an unconventional and modern take on the traditional “Disney Princess” – as they experience their own exciting epic adventures and romances, all set to an original soundtrack from Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken.
Swiss Family Robinson: From creators Ron Moore (Outlander) and Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Swiss Family Robinson is a modern reimagining of the classic Disney film about a family shipwrecked on a desert island.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: This new series explores the epic adventures of a modern-day demigod, based on the bestselling book series by Rick Riordan from Disney Publishing Worldwide, with over one hundred million copies of his books now in print.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige delivered updates on phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the 2020 The Walt Disney Company’s Investor Day event. The announcement included details on feature films targeting theatrical releases as well as programming created to stream on Disney+.
“The Cinematic Universe weaves storylines, heroes and villains across 23 feature films to date. And with Disney+, we’re able to extend this way of storytelling to a new format — creating series that are connected to our theatrical releases, making the MCU more immersive than ever,” explained Feige.
Walt Disney Company and Marvel’s presentation included:
WandaVision: WandaVision, launching on Disney+ on January 15, 2021, is Marvel Studios’ first series that continues to expand the MCU. Wanda Maximoff and Vision are two super-powered beings are living idealized suburban lives, but begin to suspect everything is not as it seems. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, Teyonah Parris, Kat Dennings and Randall Park, WandaVision is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Shaeffer is head writer.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, kicking off on Disney+ March 19, 2021, is a new series starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of Avengers: Endgame, team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities — and their patience.
Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the six-episode series also stars Daniel Brühl as Baron Zemo, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker.
Loki:Loki is set to debut on Disney+ in May 2021 featuring the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new series that takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. Kate Herron directs Loki, and Michael Waldron is head writer.
What If…?What If…? flips the script on the MCU, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Coming to Disney+ in Summer 2021, Marvel Studios’ first animated series focuses on different heroes from the MCU, featuring a voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their roles. The series is directed by Bryan Andrews; Ashley Bradley is head writer.
Ms. Marvel: Ms. Marvel, launching on Disney+ in late 2021, is a new series that introduces Kamala Khan—a 16-year-old Pakistani-American growing up in Jersey City. A great student, an avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, she has a special affinity for superheroes, particularly Captain Marvel. But Kamala struggles to fit in at home and at school—that is, until she gets superpowers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Life is easier with superpowers, right?
Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel; the cast also includes Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Laith Naki, Azher Usman, Travina Springer and Nimra Bucha. Episodes are directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Meera Menon and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Hawkeye:Hawkeye, which debuts on Disney+ in late 2021, stars Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, who teams up with another well-known archer from the Marvel comics, Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. The cast also includes Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James and newcomer Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez. Hawkeye is helmed by Rhys Thomas and directing duo Bert and Bertie.
She-Hulk: She-Hulk, a new comedy series coming to Disney+, stars Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who specializes in superhuman-oriented legal cases. She-Hulk will welcome a host of Marvel characters to the series, including the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, and the Abomination, played by Tim Roth. The series is directed by Kat Coiro and Anu Valia; Jessica Gao is head writer.
Moon Knight: Moon Knight is a new series created for Disney+. Directed by Mohamed Diab, the action-adventure features a complex vigilante who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. The multiple identities who live inside him are distinct characters who appear against a backdrop of Egyptian iconography.
Secret Invasion: Secret Invasion is a newly announced series heading to Disney+ that stars Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull Talos—characters who first met in Captain Marvel. The crossover comic event series showcases a faction of shape-shifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating Earth for years.
Ironheart: Ironheart, the second of the newly announced series coming to Disney+, stars Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a genius inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man.
Armor Wars: Armor Wars, based on the classic Marvel comic series, comes to Disney+ starring Don Cheadle as James Rhodes aka War Machine who must face what happens when Tony Stark’s tech falls into the wrong hands.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special: Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, slated for Disney+ during the 2022 holiday season, is written and directed by Guardians of the Galaxy veteran James Gunn.
I Am Groot: I Am Groot features everyone’s favorite baby tree in a series of original shorts coming to Disney+.
Black Widow: Black Widow, opening May 7, 2021, stars Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. The action-packed spy thriller chronicles Natasha’s efforts to deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Directed by Cate Shortland, Black Widow also stars Florence Pugh as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings: Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, opening July 9, 2021, stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan. The cast also includes Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, and Ronny Chieng.
Eternals:Eternals, opening November 5, 2021, is a feature film that features the MCU’s newest ensemble of Super Heroes in an epic story that spans thousands of years. Directed by Chloé Zhao, Eternals features a group of immortal heroes forced out of the shadows to reunite against mankind’s oldest enemy, The Deviants.
The outstanding ensemble cast includes Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena. Kit Harington plays Dane Whitman.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness: Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, debuting March 25, 2022, is currently in production starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Xochitl Gomez joins them, portraying America Chavez, a new fan-favorite from the comics.
Directed by Sam Raimi, the mind-bending adventure connects to the events of WandaVision and the upcoming Spider-Man film.
Thor: Love and Thunder: Thor: Love and Thunder, opening on May 6, 2022, begins filming next month with director Taika Waititi at the helm. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tessa Thompson return to their roles, joined by Christian Bale, who portrays villain Gorr the God Butcher.
Black Panther 2: Black Panther 2, opening on July 8, 2022, is being written and directed by Ryan Coogler. Honoring Chadwick Boseman’s legacy and portrayal of T’Challa, the Black Panther, Marvel Studios will not recast the character but will continue to explore the incomparable world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film.
Blade: Blade is a new feature film starring Mahershala Ali in the title role.
Captain Marvel 2: Captain Marvel 2, a new feature film opening November 11, 2022, is directed by Nia DaCosta. Brie Larson stars as Carol Danvers, alongside Iman Vellani, who makes her debut in Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris, who portrays grown-up Monica Rambeau—a character introduced as a child in Captain Marvel who returns to the MCU as an adult in WandaVision.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania: Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania will be helmed by Ant-Man director Peyton Reed, starring returning favorites Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne. Kathryn Newton joins the cast as Cassie Lang while Jonathan Majors portrays Kang the Conqueror.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is slated for 2023 with director James Gunn at the helm.
Fantastic Four: Fantastic Four features one of Marvel’s most iconic families. Jon Watts is on board to direct.
The 2020 The Walt Disney Company’s Investor Day event was packed with an incredible amount of announcements, including details on what’s in store from Lucasfilm. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the expansion of the Star Wars galaxy with new series – including two off-shoots from The Mandalorian – and a 2023 feature film directed by Wonder Woman‘s Patty Jenkins.
“We have a vast and expansive timeline in the Star Wars mythology spanning over 25,000 years of history in the galaxy—with each era being a rich resource for storytelling. Now with Disney+, we can explore limitless story possibilities like never before and fulfill the promise that there is truly a Star Wars story for everyone,” said Kennedy.
The following details were provided by Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm:
Ahsoka: After making her long-awaited, live-action debut in The Mandalorian, Ahsoka Tano’s story, written by Dave Filoni, will continue in a limited series, Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson and executive produced by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau.
Rangers of the New Republic: Set within the timeline of The Mandalorian, Rangers of the New Republic is a new live-action series from executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni that will intersect with future stories and culminate into a climactic story event.
Andor: Andor, a tense nail-biting spy thriller created by Tony Gilroy, is set to arrive on Disney+ in 2022. Diego Luna, reprising the role of rebel spy Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will be joined by a fantastic new cast that includes Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller and Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Ewan McGregor returns in the iconic role of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi for a special event series on Disney+. Officially titled Obi-Wan Kenobi, the series begins 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith where he faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
The series is directed by Deborah Chow, who helmed memorable episodes of The Mandalorian Season 1, and features the return of Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader.
The Bad Batch: The Bad Batch follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army—each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose. This animated series will arrive exclusively on Disney+.
Star Wars: Visions: Presenting all-new, creative takes on the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Visions will be a series of animated short films celebrating Star Wars through the lens of the world’s best anime creators. The anthology collection will bring 10 fantastic visions from several of the leading Japanese anime studios, offering a fresh and diverse cultural perspective to Star Wars.
Lando: The galaxy’s favorite scoundrel, Lando Calrissian, will return in Lando, a brand-new event series for Disney+. Justin Simien, creator of the critically-acclaimed Dear White People and a huge Star Wars fan, is in the early stages of developing the project.
The Acolyte: Leslye Headland, Emmy Award-nominated creator of the mind-bending series Russian Doll, brings a new Star Wars series to Disney+ with The Acolyte. The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.
A Droid Story: As Lucasfilm continues to develop new stories, the intersection of animation and visual effects offers new opportunities to explore. Lucasfilm Animation is teaming up with Lucasfilm’s visual effects team, Industrial Light & Magic, to develop a special Star Wars adventure film for Disney+, A Droid Story. This epic journey will introduce us to a new hero, guided by legendary duo R2-D2 and C-3PO.
Willow: Willow, set decades after Ron Howard’s 1988 movie, continues the spirit of adventure, heroics and humor of the original film in this new series debuting on Disney+ in 2022. Warwick Davis will return in the role of the great sorcerer, Willow Ufgood, with Jon Chu (director of the groundbreaking Crazy Rich Asians) directing the pilot.
Indiana Jones: Lucasfilm is currently in pre-production on the next installment of Indiana Jones. At the helm is James Mangold, director of the Academy Award-winning Ford v Ferrari, and Indy himself, Harrison Ford, will be back to continue his iconic character’s journey. Indy will arrive July 2022.
Children of Blood & Bone: The Lucasfilm catalog is expanding further with a story that will introduce a new hero and explore an original world that feels perfectly paired with Lucasfilm storytelling: Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling novel Children of Blood & Bone. The story will center on a young African girl’s heart-racing quest to restore magic to her forsaken people, the Maji. Lucasfilm will partner with 20th Century Studios on this coming-of-age adventure.
New Star Wars Feature: A brand-new Star Wars feature with acclaimed filmmaker and Academy Award winner Taika Waititi is in development. “Taika’s approach to Star Wars will be fresh, unexpected, and…unique,” said Kathleen Kennedy. “His enormous talent and sense of humor will ensure that audiences are in for an unforgettable ride.”
Rogue Squadron: The next Star Wars feature film to hit the big screen will be Rogue Squadron, directed by Patty Jenkins. The story will introduce a new generation of starfighter pilots as they earn their wings and risk their lives in a boundary-pushing, high-speed thrill-ride, and move the saga into the future era of the galaxy. Rogue Squadron arrives in theaters Christmas 2023.
Matt Smith (The Crown), Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One), and Emma D’Arcy (Truth Seekers) are joining Paddy Considine (The Third Day) in HBO’s House of the Dragon. The prequel to Game of Thrones is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and is set 300 years before the events that unfurled in the award-winning GoT series.
