Disney+ continues to expand its Bluey offerings with new content arriving this month and later this summer. Announced today, Bluey’s Big Play – The Stage Show, a special televised version of the popular touring theatrical production, will premiere Monday, March 16. Additionally, a collection of Bluey Minisodes, previously only available online and in Australia, will also be available for the first time on Disney+ beginning Wednesday, May 20. Global phenomenon Bluey was 2025’s No. 1 most-streamed program in the U.S. for the second year in a row, with 45.2 billion minutes streamed.*

• Bluey’s Big Play – The Stage Show is a special televised version of the popular touring theatrical production, featuring live performances of fan-favorite Bluey characters brought to life by world-class puppeteers. Bluey’s Big Play – The Stage Show is an adaptation of the multiple Emmy^® Award-winning animated series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music specially composed by Joff Bush. The special is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions in association with Ludo Studio, Andrew Kay, and Windmill Theatre Co, and is distributed internationally by BBC Studios, with executive producers Tom Cousins and Anna Perowne.
• It was also announced today that a previously released collection of 10 Bluey Minisodes will be available for the first time on Disney+. The bite-sized short-form series is a collection of one- to three-minute minisodes and is produced by Ludo Studio. The shorts highlight funny and sweet moments featuring Bluey and Bingo leaning into playful interactions and games that further explore the characters and world of Bluey. The collection includes: Humpty Dumpty, Green Bottles, Flying Saucer, Tea Party, Pea Pod Sausages, Old Macdonald, Honk, Lollipop Song, Cinderella, and Make Mum Laugh. All previously released Bluey Minisodes are currently available to stream on Disney+.

More Bluey Offerings:

• BBC Studios and Walt Disney Studios, in partnership with Ludo Studio, announced that the feature-length Bluey movie will be released in cinemas August 6, 2027.

• Bluey is joining Disney Experiences as part of Disney’s global relationship with BBC Studios, with the producers of Bluey, Ludo Studio, collaborating on special fan activations.

• Beginning March 22, 2026, and continuing through the year, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” will invite Disneyland Park guests to a fun-filled celebration of favorite episodes of the animated series at the reimagined Fantasyland Theatre. Now transformed into a beautiful Fun Fair at Bluey’s School, Bluey and her sister Bingo appear throughout the day alongside a lively group of comedic performers and musicians, plus some very familiar friends. Together, they bring to life the unmistakable, familiar feeling that the best day ever has officially begun.

• Bluey and Bingo are on their way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort! Starting May 26, 202 —6 and staying beyond Cool KIDS’ SUMMER — guests can play games and dance with Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station. Once guests hop off the Wildlife Express Train, it’s time for fun. Play special games directly from Bluey episodes, grab a photo with Bluey and Bingo themselves, and even discover animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia, at “Jumping Junction.”
• Earlier this year, Bluey and Bingo set sail on Disney Cruise Line for greetings, dance parties, and more. Visit disneycruise.com for more details on where Bluey and Bingo are sailing in 2026.

Beginning this week, Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. can find a new place on their mobile app to discover stories with Verts, marking the first phase of bringing vertical video content to the platform. This new dynamic feed on Disney+ helps users quickly find their next favorite watch and is just the start of what will be an ongoing evolution of Verts.

Learn more about what fans can look forward to in the future as part of this new mobile-first experience:

What is Verts on Disney+?

First announced at Disney’s 2026 Global Tech & Data Showcase, vertical video on Disney+ opens up an entirely new way for fans to connect with the stories they love. With a tap of the new Verts icon in the navigation bar on mobile, users enter a vertical video feed and can swipe through a stream of scenes and moments from movies and shows on Disney+, and seamlessly add to their Watchlist or jump directly into playback.

With the latest streaming hits and an incredible catalog spanning more than 100 years of storytelling, we’re making it easier for fans to discover what to watch next. Verts offers a fun, fast way to explore that catalog right from the moment users open the app. It brings the magic of Disney’s storytelling into a format that feels modern, engaging, and tailor-made for how fans already enjoy discovering video on mobile devices.

What kind of user engagement are you seeing with Verts to date?

In both early experiments on Disney+ as well as since launch on ESPN in August, Verts has driven additional engagement.

Much of this can be attributed to our new advanced algorithm that powers the recommendation engine for the experience to ensure that Verts feels uniquely relevant and personalized to each individual user.

What’s next for Verts on Disney+?

This launch is just the beginning — the first scene of the first episode in a multi-season series. What fans see today on Verts was built with user utility and scale in mind. Already, though, the team is exploring and experimenting with ways to expand far beyond content discovery.

Over time, Verts will play a key role in fans’ everyday experience on Disney+. At launch, this includes driving discoverability across Disney’s entertainment catalog, with opportunities in the future to add content from creators that reflects our fandoms, plus other storytelling formats, content types, and personalized experiences.

Since 1929, the Academy Awards^® — also known as the Oscars^® — celebrates outstanding artistic and technical merit in the film industry. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences^® (AMPAS) will recognize achievements across 24 competitive categories.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the 98th Oscars:

When are the 98th Oscars?

The Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

What time do the Oscars start?

The Oscars will air at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Where can I watch the 98th Oscars?

The Oscars will air live on ABC and stream live on Hulu for all subscribers.

Where are the 98th Oscars being held?

The Oscars will be held at the Dolby^® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

How and when can I watch the Oscars pre-shows?

Good Morning America‘s coverage will kick off Thursday, March 12, when Lara Spencer interviews O’Brien. The following day, Chris Connelly will share his predictions on GMA.

ABC News Live’s coverage will begin on Wednesday, March 11, with Rocsi Diaz when O’Brien rolls out the red carpet. Leading up to the ceremony, ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis will continue its monthlong “Oscars for the First Time…” series before it streams live from the Dolby Theatre red carpet on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with a preview show featuring Kelley Carter. Coverage will continue with a roundtable airing Saturday, March 14, hosted by Will Ganss and featuring TikTok creators Tefi Pessoa, Caroline Vazzana, and Monse Gutierrez discussing film, fashion and this year’s nominations.

ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations will present a star-studded preshow, On the Red Carpet at the Oscars, on Sunday, March 15, airing across ABC Owned Television Stations and affiliates and streaming on ABC News Live, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. Spencer, along with Whit Johnson and Linsey Davis, will interview this year’s Oscar nominees and presenters alongside George Pennacchio, Joelle Garguilo, and Connelly. Meanwhile, Roshumba Williams and Joe Zee will break down all the red-carpet fashions.

Who is hosting the 98th Oscars?

Emmy^® Award-winning television host, writer, producer, and comedian Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second time. He previously hosted the Academy Awards in 2025.

Who is presenting at the 2026 Oscars?

Will Arnett, Adrien Brody, Javier Bardem, Rose Byrne, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kieran Culkin, Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Anne Hathaway, Chase Infiniti, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Mikey Madison, Ewan McGregor, Paul Mescal, Demi Moore, Wagner Moura, Kumail Nanjiani, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Maya Rudolph, Channing Tatum, Sigourney Weaver, and Zoe Saldaña will present onstage at the 2026 Oscars.

Who are the 2026 Oscar nominees?

Actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced the Academy Award nominees on Thursday, January 22. There are 24 competitive award categories this year, including the brand-new Best Casting category. The Walt Disney Company received four Oscar nominations, including two for 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: Fire and Ash (Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects). It also received nominations for Pixar Animation Studios’ Elio and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, which are up for Best Animated Feature.

Who is performing at the Oscars?

A KPop Demon Hunters moment will begin with a fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance, celebrating the folklore and cultural inspiration that anchors the story behind the film. As part of this experience, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the singing voices behind HUNTR/X, will perform the Oscar-nominated original song “Golden.”

A Sinners moment will explore the role music plays in the film’s storytelling, translating it into a cinematic live moment onstage. Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will perform the Oscar-nominated original song “I Lied to You,” and they will be joined by Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith in an homage to the film’s singular visual style.

Additionally, Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale will appear during the show.

How do I play Oscars Pick ‘Em?

Oscars Pick’em is a free to play game on ESPN.com/ABC.com, the ESPN App, and the ESPN Fantasy App that serves as a second screen experience on Oscars night. Players compete by predicting who they think will win in all 24 categories. During the live broadcast, selections will be scored in real time as each winner is announced. The grand prize is a trip for two to Los Angeles for the 2027 Oscars Watch Party and $5,000, and 10 first prize winners will receive an Oscar prize pack. (See complete rules for details.)

Where can I watch Disney’s Oscar-nominated films?

Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2 are now in theaters. Elio and Zootopia 2 are streaming on Disney+. Hulu has an Oscars hub featuring current nominees, as well as past winners.

Who received this year’s Governors Awards?

In June 2025, AMPAS announced that its Board of Governors voted to present Academy Honorary Awards to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Dolly Parton. They received their Oscars on Sunday, November 16, 2025, during the 16th Governors Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

When do the Oscars post-shows air?

On Monday, March 16, the live GMA Oscars Monday After Party, co-anchored by Michael Strahan from Los Angeles, will feature Spencer sharing her backstage interviews with winners, along with a live performance from the Good Morning America studio in New York.

Then, Disney Legend Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos return to host Live’s After the Oscars Show on Monday, March 19, at 9 a.m. ET/PT (check local listings). The episode will include interviews with nominees and winners; performances by Wyclef Jean and Andra Day; commentary by Carson Kressley and Leanne Morgan; and impressions by Matt Friend.

When Conan O’Brien hosted the 97th Oscars^® on ABC and Hulu in 2025, critics said the comedian was at his “acerbic best” (Variety). And, because he helped bring the telecast to a five-year ratings high, it should come as no surprise that he was asked to return for this year’s show.

“That experience was fun for me,” O’Brien said. “My old rule is that if it’s fun for me to do it, it might be fun for people to watch it. There’s a lot of chatter about how it’s a thankless task to host one of these shows, and I didn’t find that to be true. I found it to be a fun gig; I enjoyed it.”

Still, O’Brien admitted he’s learned from past mistakes.

“Last year, I ate a massive Italian meal just before going onstage. Huge! Multiple cutlets of veal parmesan, mountains of meatballs, spaghetti carbonara, and then I drank a huge glass of warm cream. Those things weighed me down a bit,” he joked. “This year, I’m not going to do that. I’m going to have a very simple Japanese bento box — a little bit of raw fish, maybe some edamame — and then I’ll hit the stage. It’s going to be a bit lighter this year.”

Meal prep aside, O’Brien and the team of writers are also prepping jokes for the ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby^® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. “I don’t care how long someone has been in the business of making people laugh: getting a laugh is as exciting now at my age as it was when I was 12,” O’Brien said. “It’s the same endorphins, the same chemicals, the same sense of ‘Oh, my God! I’m so glad that worked!’”

Finding the humor in the unexpected can be “very humbling,” O’Brien continued. “You’re always looking for that moment when you can get everyone to agree that something’s funny, or something’s ironic, or something’s weird… If you can get that laugh, and you feel like everyone else in this room is agreeing with you in this very primal way, it’s delightful.”

Hosted by Conan O’Brien, The Oscars will air live on ABC and stream live on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

On Monday, April 27, in celebration of National Deaf History Month, Disney+ will proudly debut Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language, three animated musical sequences from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios features, newly reimagined and animated in American Sign Language (ASL).

Directed by veteran Disney animator/director Hyrum Osmond, the featured songs are “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, and “Beyond” from Moana 2. Osmond, along with producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen, worked in collaboration with artistic director DJ Kurs and the team at Los Angeles’ Tony^® Award-winning Deaf West Theatre to create the new versions of these beloved songs. A special behind-the-scenes featurette will accompany the songs, taking viewers into the collaboration that made these reimagined songs possible.

Osmond led a team of more than 20 animators who worked with sign language reference expressly created for Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language. Kurs, artistic director for Deaf West Theatre, working with sign language reference choreographer Catalene Sacchetti, and a group of eight performers from Deaf West Theatre, carefully reimagined and choreographed lyrics into ASL by focusing on concepts and emotion instead of a word-for-word transcription.

“In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation,” Osmond said. “There were a lot of adjustments that we had to do within the animation to be true to the original intention.”

Osmond, whose father is Deaf, cited two important reasons for wanting to do this project.

“One, sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth. If ever there was a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation,” Osmond said. “The other big reason for doing this project is to connect with the Deaf community. Growing up, I never learned sign language, and that barrier prevented me from really connecting with my dad. This reimagining of Disney Animation musical numbers helps bring down barriers and allows us to connect in a special way with our audiences in the Deaf community. I’m grateful that the Studio got behind making something so impactful.”

Kurs said, “When Hyrum approached me with a potential collaboration involving the integration of ASL into the fabric of Disney storytelling, it was an immediate ‘yes’ for us. Disney stories are the universal language of childhood. The chance to bring our language into that world was a historic opportunity to reach a global audience. Working on this project was very emotional. For so long, we have known and loved the artistic medium of Disney Animation. Here, the art form was adapting to us. I hope this unlocks possibilities in the minds and hearts of Deaf children, and that this all leads to more down the road.”

This spring, The Walt Disney Company builds on powerful momentum from a record-breaking 2025, with an exciting slate that fans across Lucasfilm, Pixar Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures won’t want to miss.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2 is now the No. 1 domestic release of 2025, also ranking as the No. 1 MPA animated film of all time worldwide. This milestone marks the second consecutive year that The Walt Disney Studios has delivered the top domestic release — and in 2025, Disney claimed three of the top four domestic films overall with Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Avatar: Fire and Ash.

That strength extends to streaming. 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands debuted as the No. 1 film premiere on Hulu since Prey, drawing nearly 9 million global views in its first five days across Disney+ and Hulu. In total, audiences have streamed more than 300 million hours of the Predator franchise globally on Disney’s streaming platforms.

Disney enters 2026 on a remarkable run, backed by a daring slate poised to captivate audiences around the world.

Here’s what’s coming to theaters this Spring 2026:

• Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers — March 6
• Searchlight Pictures’ Ready or Not 2: Here I Come — March 20
• 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2 — May 1
• Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu — May 22

Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers

Release Date: March 6

Disney and Pixar’s next original animated comedy follows a young animal lover who “hops” her consciousness into a robotic beaver to communicate with animals and protect their habitat. The all-star ensemble features the voices of Piper Curda (Mabel), Bobby Moynihan (King George), Jon Hamm (Mayor Jerry), Meryl Streep (Insect Queen), Dave Franco (Titus), Kathy Najimy (Dr. Sam), and more. Hoppers delivers heart, humor, and a wholly original world to fans of all ages.

Searchlight Pictures’ Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Release Date: March 20

Let the game begin! Moments after surviving an all-out attack from the Le Domas family, Grace (Samara Weaving) discovers she’s reached the next level of the nightmarish game — and this time with her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) at her side. Grace has one chance to survive, keep her sister alive, and claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world. Four rival families are hunting her for the throne, and whoever wins rules it all. The unpredictable sequel raises the stakes on the deadly game that made the first film a breakout hit. Radio Silence’s Ready or Not 2 also stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, with David Cronenberg, and Elijah Wood.

20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2

Release Date: May 1

The Devil Wears Prada 2? This spring? Groundbreaking. After two decades, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation.

Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu

Release Date: May 22

After more than 6 years since Star Wars was in theaters, the galaxy’s favorite duo is about to make their debut on the big screen. When dangerous warlords threaten a peaceful galaxy, the New Republic calls upon legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu to protect everything the Rebellion fought for. Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu also stars Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.

Following a record-setting year in theaters, Disney’s 2026 lineup raises the bar with fresh storytelling, fan-favorite worlds, and big-screen experiences designed to bring audiences together.

This summer, Disney and Pixar return with Toy Story 5 on June 19, followed by Disney Live Action’s highly anticipated reimagining of Moana on July 10. Searchlight Pictures keeps the energy high with the comedy Super Troopers 3 on August 7, before 20th Century Studios closes out the blockbuster season with Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars on August 28.

The Walt Disney Company has won 22 Children’s & Family Emmy^® Awards across its content brands and studios: Disney Branded Television and The Walt Disney Studios (including Lucasfilm, Marvel Animation, National Geographic, and Pixar Animation Studios). Disney+ is the ultimate streaming destination for kids and families, home to 21 awards.

Descendants: Rise of Red and Win or Lose tied for the most wins, with five each, while Star Wars: Skeleton Crew — this year’s most-nominated program — won Outstanding Young Teen Series.

A complete list of all The Walt Disney Company wins follows:

Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+/Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television)
Streaming on Disney+
5 Wins

• Outstanding Fiction Special
• Outstanding Art Direction / Set Decoration / Scenic Design
• Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup
• Outstanding Original Song for a Children’s or Young Teen Program – “Red Christmas”
• Outstanding Choreography

Win or Lose (Disney+/Pixar Animation Studios)
Streaming on Disney+
5 Wins

• Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series
• Outstanding Writing for a Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series – “Pickle”
• Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series – “Home”
• Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program – “Mixed Signals”
• Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Storyboard – Esteban Bravo, Storyboard Artist

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (Disney+/Lucasfilm)
Streaming on Disney+
4 Wins

• Outstanding Young Teen Series
• Outstanding Editing for a Young Teen Live Action Program – “The Real Good Guys”
• Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Action Program – “You Have a Lot to Learn About Pirates”
• Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program

A Real Bug’s Life (National Geographic)
Streaming on Disney+
2 Wins

• Outstanding Informational Program
• Outstanding Editing for a Preschool or Children’s Live Action Program – “Love in the Forest”

BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television)
Streaming on Hulu
1 Win

• Outstanding Cinematography and Technical Arts for a Multiple Camera Live Action Program – “Happy Trails”

Dream Productions (Disney+/Pixar Animation Studios)
Streaming on Disney+
1 Win

• Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program

Rise Up, Sing Out (Disney Jr./Disney Branded Television)
Streaming on Disney+
1 Win

• Outstanding Original Song for a Preschool Program – “Grow Your World”

RoboGobo (Disney Jr./Disney Branded Television)
Streaming on Disney+
1 Win

• Outstanding Voice Performer in a Preschool Program – Ana Gasteyer

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (Disney+/Lucasfilm/Disney Jr.)
Streaming on Disney+
1 Win

• Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program – “The Battle of Tenoo”

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Disney+/Marvel Animation)
Streaming on Disney+
1 Win

• Outstanding Voice Directing for an Animated Series – “If This Be My Destiny…”

A fifth installment of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie ZOMBIES franchise has been greenlit for Disney+ and Disney Channel, with Malachi Barton and Freya Skye set to return to their breakout roles as Victor and Nova. Franchise stars Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly return to executive produce, while Trevor Tordjman returns as Bucky, the beloved cheer captain and cousin of Addison from the original trilogy. The film begins production this spring in New Zealand. An official title will be announced at a later date.

Following the events of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the newfound peace between the Daywalkers and Vampires is put to the test when a band of fierce mermaids arrives in Rayburn, making waves and casting a persuasive siren song to lure in new allies. Nova and Victor must unite their groups once more to discover what the mermaids are really after in order to protect the fragile harmony they worked so hard to build.

The returning cast includes Malachi Barton as Victor, Freya Skye as Nova, Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Julian Lerner as Ray, and Mekonnen Knife as Vargas from ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires. New to the franchise are a trio of mysterious mermaids: Diaana Babnicova as cool-girl Pearl, Taylor Oliver as bad-boy Fin, and Olive Mortimer as tech-wiz Sandy. Emily Costtrici joins the cast as zombie Izzy, Zed’s zombie cousin and new transfer student.

DGA Award-winner Paul Hoen, director and executive producer of the entire ZOMBIES franchise, will return for this latest installment. Also returning are executive producers Jane Fleming, Mark Ordesky, Joseph Raso and David Light and producer Skot Bright, alongside Manheim and Donnelly. The movie features next-level dance sequences, choreographed by Dondraico Johnson, and an original score composed by Tom Howe. Joining the creative team are writers Chris Hazzard, Michael Fontana and Eydie Faye.

“ZOMBIES has become a defining franchise for the current generation,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “With each movie, we intentionally push the story somewhere new. Introducing mermaids in ZOMBIES 5 opens up a completely different dynamic, while staying true to the music, characters and themes of unity and acceptance that are at the heart of these films.”

The ZOMBIES franchise has become one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises, with cable telecasts for the first three films ranking No. 1 among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in their premiere years,* and garnering 385 million-hours watched across linear and streaming in the U.S. (including series and shorts).** The summer 2024 premiere of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires garnered 9.3 million views globally in its first nine days streaming, amassing 43 million views in less than 6 months.***

The ZOMBIES 5 greenlight news comes during a landmark year for Disney Channel fans, as 2026 celebrates the milestone anniversaries of High School Musical and Hannah Montana, leading into the premieres of new franchise installments Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3 this summer. Last summer’s smash hit Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour now includes a concert special streaming on Disney+, and it was just announced that the Worlds Collide Tour will return this year with talent from Descendants, ZOMBIES and Camp Rock franchises.

ZOMBIES, ZOMBIES 2, ZOMBIES 3, ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, and ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series are now streaming on Disney+ and can be found in the ZOMBIES Collection on the service. The all-new short-form series Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES is now available on Disney+, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok with additional episodes rolling out every Saturday until mid-April.

Beginning today, Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. will have access to ABC Owned Television Station’s eight local market 24/7 livestreams from New York (WABC-TV), Los Angeles (KABC-TV), Chicago (WLS-TV), Philadelphia (WPVI-TV), Houston (KTRK-TV), San Francisco (KGO-TV), Raleigh-Durham, NC (WTVD-TV), and Fresno, CA (KFSN-TV).

The 24/7 local news streams feature live, market-specific newscasts, breaking news, important weather updates and special community events and celebrations. The streams are available in the ABC News Hub and the Live Hub. Over time, subscribers located in one of the eight markets will also see their local-market station featured in other locations on Disney+.

The new ABC local news programming joins national news coverage on Disney+ including World News Tonight with David Muir, ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis, 20/20, Good Morning America, Nightline, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, and What You Need to Know. The programming adds value for millions of subscribers and bolsters the ever-growing Disney+ content offering including movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, all in one place.

Six months into ESPN’s direct-to-consumer journey, the focus is firmly on meeting fans where they are — and redefining how they experience sports along the way.

In this Q&A, John Lasker, SVP, ESPN Direct-to-Consumer, shares how delivering broader access, launching an enhanced ESPN App, and unifying ESPN’s DTC strategy are setting the foundation for long-term growth, deeper engagement, and greater value across The Walt Disney Company’s streaming ecosystem.

Six months in, what are the milestones you’re most proud of, and why do those matter for ESPN’s long-term growth?

The biggest milestone is that we delivered on something fans have been asking for — access to ESPN in more ways than ever before — while launching an enhanced app experience that truly elevates how fans engage with sports. The launch itself went incredibly smoothly thanks to the work of thousands of people across ESPN and The Walt Disney Company, and we’ve seen strong validation in how fans are showing up and engaging.

Just as important, we’ve proven that one unified direct-to-consumer strategy with two plan options (Unlimited and Select) gives fans optionality without losing the core ESPN experience. That foundation is critical for our long-term growth because it allows us to keep evolving the product while staying focused on serving sports fans anytime, anywhere.

How are you defining “success” at this stage: reach, engagement, retention, customer satisfaction, or something else — and which leading indicators are you watching most closely right now?

Success isn’t one single metric — it’s a combination of many including reach, engagement, and how often fans come back to the product. We’re looking closely at how fans are activating their access, how frequently they’re using the app across devices, and how they move from one sport or season to the next.

What’s encouraging is that we’re seeing strong engagement across live events, features, and adoption of the Bundle with the ESPN Unlimited Bundle plan, Disney+ and Hulu. The strategy is resonating, and the goal right now is to continue building habits so that fans see ESPN as a year-round destination, not just something tied to one specific season or event.

The enhanced ESPN App introduced more personalization and new viewing experiences. Which features have fans responded to most strongly so far, and what feedback has surprised you?

Live events are still at the heart of everything, but the way fans experience those events has really evolved. Multiview has been incredibly popular, and fans are leaning into features like stats, key plays, fantasy and betting integrations, and personalized content experiences like SC For You and Verts that make using the app more interactive.

It’s exciting to see fans adopt the broader feature set as part of their routine. It’s not just one feature; it’s the ecosystem working together. That’s also opened the door for us to keep innovating around the game itself — things like deeper personalization and new experiences that only make sense inside the ESPN App environment.

What unique role does ESPN play alongside Disney+ and Hulu in driving value for the whole company?

Sports bring a different kind of energy and urgency — they’re live, they’re communal, and they drive consistent engagement throughout the year. With ESPN alongside Disney+ and Hulu, you’re creating a bundle that delivers sports, entertainment, and family programming in one place, which is incredibly compelling for fans and for the company. In fact, roughly 80% of subscribers to the ESPN Unlimited plan access the service through a bundle, which reinforces how important that ecosystem approach has been from the start.

We’ve seen that combination resonate because it gives consumers flexibility and expanded value while strengthening the overall Disney ecosystem. ESPN helps bring fans in more frequently, and together the three services create a more complete offering than any single product could deliver on its own.

Looking ahead, what most excites you for the next chapter for ESPN DTC?

What excites me most is how much runway we still have. We’re continuing to bring new programming, new features, and new distribution opportunities into the product — from innovations in the app experience to upcoming additions like NFL Network and deeper personalization.

We’re also focused on making sure more fans can access ESPN the way they want, whether that’s through direct subscriptions, bundles, or authentication with partners. Every step forward gives us another opportunity to learn, evolve, and continue building something that serves sports fans even better.

At the one-year mark, what do you hope we will be talking about in relation to ESPN DTC?

I hope we’re talking about how the product has continued to mature with more fans activated in the ESPN app, that personalization feels even more seamless, and that the value of the ESPN Unlimited plan is clearer than ever.

We’ll also continue to listen to fan feedback and expand what they can do inside the app — whether that’s new features, new content opportunities, or deeper integrations that make ESPN the best place to watch and engage with sports.

A version of this article was originally posted on ESPN’s Press Room.

Sports fans know the struggle: too many games, not enough screens. This is especially true ahead of a huge Thanksgiving weekend full of live sports. The solution: the Multiview feature on the ESPN App, which lets you watch up to four live events simultaneously.

But Multiview isn’t just for the big screen anymore. Starting today, Multiview is rolling out to mobile and tablet devices, so you can take this simultaneous sports-watching experience wherever you go.

Since its launch, Multiview has quickly become a fan favorite feature on the ESPN App. More than 2 million ESPN App users have experienced the feature, enjoying more than 3,000 uniquely curated Multiview combinations in just the first two months alone! Here’s how to get in on the action:

What is Multiview?

Multiview on the ESPN App allows you to watch up to four games at once on your screen. Combinations are curated by ESPN and available to both ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited subscribers.

Where can I use it?

In addition to the current launch on mobile and tablet devices, Multiview is already available on most major connected TVs, including Android TV, Samsung, and Roku. See this list for supported devices. Getting started is easy:

• Open the ESPN app or visit ESPN.com.
• Head to the “Watch” section and look for the Top Live rows.
• Spot the quad-screen/Multiview tile, tap or click, and you’re in.

What can I watch this weekend with Multiview?

ESPN has an incredible lineup of sports over Thanksgiving weekend, and Multiview is there to serve fans so that they don’t miss a single moment. Mark your calendars!

• Thursday, November 27: Men’s college basketball, including the Marriott Bonvoy Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, as a part of Feast Week
• Friday, November 28: College football featuring No. 13 Utah vs Kansas and No. 7 Ole Miss vs Mississippi State as they battle to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff
• Saturday, November 29: Two of the biggest sporting events of the day at once with WWE’s Survivor Series: WarGames and the Iron Bowl featuring Alabama vs Auburn
• Sunday, November 30: All of the F1 action, all in one screen as the season nears its end with the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix
• Monday, December 1: Monday Night Football featuring the Giants vs Patriots and the ManningCast with Peyton and Eli

Download the ESPN App today and never miss a moment of the action with Multiview, now coming to mobile and tablet devices.

20^th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands — the latest chapter in the iconic sci‑fi franchise — debuted last week as the #1 film premiere on Hulu since Prey, drawing nearly 9 million global views in its first five days on Disney+ and Hulu.

That momentum extends well beyond Predator: Badlands. Viewers have now streamed more than 300 million hours of the Predator franchise globally across Disney+ and Hulu. Fans can explore the Predator Creators Collection, now available on both platforms in the US, which includes 15 new videos that deepen the experience with creator‑led insights and perspectives.

The streaming success of Predator: Badlands follows an equally impressive theatrical run. The film became the highest‑opening and highest‑grossing Predator movie in the franchise’s 37‑year history and earned a 95% “Verified Hot” audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling strong fan enthusiasm from theaters to living rooms.

With the Predator franchise having generated more than $925 million in total box office worldwide to date, Predator: Badlands represents the latest evolution of a legacy that continues to grow — reaching new audiences, deepening fan engagement, and showing how this legendary hunter remains as formidable as ever.

Today, it was announced that the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special is coming to Disney+ on Tuesday, March 24. The special will celebrate the iconic series that defined a generation — exactly two decades after its Disney Channel debut.

The special will be filmed in front of a live studio audience and will feature an exclusive, in-depth interview with Disney Legend Miley Cyrus, hosted by Alex Cooper. The conversation will offer an intimate look at the creation of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters and the lasting impact the show and character have had on fans around the world. With heartfelt nostalgia and fresh perspective, Cyrus will revisit the moments, music, and memories that defined an era. Viewers will be treated to never-before-seen archival footage, while some of the most memorable sets from Hannah Montana are brought back to life — including the Stewart family living room and the legendary Hannah Montana closet. There will also be some familiar *notes* that find their way back into the spotlight…

With one of Disney’s most passionate fandoms, Hannah Montana became a global phenomenon, reshaping kids’ television, influencing music and fashion, and launching a generation-defining pop star. The Emmy^Ⓡ-nominated series spawned 14 platinum and 18 gold albums worldwide, as well as two feature films.

“Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection,” Cyrus said. “The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”

“Hannah Montana opened the door for so many fans to dream big, sing loud, and embrace every side of themselves, which is why its legacy continues to shine across generations,” said Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television. “Partnering with Miley on this special is a dream, and we want it to be a love letter to the fans, who remain as passionate today as they were when the series debuted almost 20 years ago.”

The special is produced by HopeTown Entertainment and Unwell Productions. Ashley Edens serves as showrunner, with Cyrus, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, Cooper, and Matt Kaplan as executive producers. Cooper will also host the special, guiding Hannah Montana fans through the nostalgic and highly-anticipated anniversary celebration.

Fans can relive their favorite Miley moments ahead of the anniversary special with the Hannah Montana Collection on Disney+. And, starting Thursday, February 19, they can dive even deeper with a dedicated non-stop Stream featuring all four seasons of Hannah Montana, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert. Demonstrating the franchise’s enduring popularity, the Hannah Montana catalog has amassed more than half a billion hours streamed globally on Disney+ to date.

The recent special event, The Muppet Show, delivered nearly 8 million total viewers (7.58 million) across ABC and Disney+ through eight days of multiplatform viewing, underscoring the enduring popularity of the beloved franchise.

And the momentum didn’t stop there — fans have now spent more than 125 million hours watching The Muppets franchise on Disney+, demonstrating deep engagement with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the entire ensemble.

The Muppet Show has also earned critical acclaim. The special is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting a near‑perfect 98% Tomatometer Score.

Watch this message from Kermit the Frog, which is also available on Instagram, about the smash-hit special event.

The Muppet Show premiered February 4, and features the iconic Muppets alongside executive producer Seth Rogen and special guest stars Sabrina Carpenter and Maya Rudolph.

Today, Disney revealed the first teaser for the highly anticipated Camp Rock 3, coming to Disney+ and Disney Channel in Summer 2026. The teaser includes a first look at the Jonas Brothers’ return as Connect 3 and the new generation of campers joining the iconic franchise.

The story picks up when Connect 3 loses their opening act for a major reunion tour, returning to their beloved Camp Rock to discover the next big thing. As campers vie for the chance to open for their favorite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested, leading to unexpected alliances, revelations, and romances.

Camp Rock’s all-new campers include bold and determined Sage (Liamani Segura) and her easygoing brother Desi (Hudson Stone); camp bad boy Fletch (Malachi Barton); cello prodigy Rosie (Lumi Pollack); drummer with his own beat Cliff (Casey Trotter); choreo queen Callie (Brooklynn Pitts); and intimidating influencer Madison (Ava Jean). Sherry Cola also joins the franchise as Lark. Returning cast members include Joe Jonas as Shane Gray, Nick Jonas as Nate Gray, Kevin Jonas as Jason Gray, and Maria Canals-Barrera as Connie.

Directed by Veronica Rodriguez and written by Eydie Faye, the Camp Rock 3 is produced by Disney Branded Television and features choreography by Jamal Sims. Tim Federle executive produces, along with Joe, Nick, Kevin, Demi Lovato, Betsy Sullenger, Spencer Berman, and Gary Marsh. A special thanks to Alan Sacks for his contribution to the Camp Rock franchise.

Camp Rock (2008) and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010) are among the Top 10 Disney Channel Original Movies of all time and were the No. 1 Cable Movie Premiere in their years of premiere.* With chart-topping music and standout musical numbers, the Camp Rock franchise launched superstar talent and continues to permeate pop culture over 15 years after its debut, inspiring viral moments on social media.

*With persons 2+ and teens 12-17. Source: NMR Ranked on Live+7 delivery 000s among all movies on cable for the years of 2008 and 2010.

Marvel Television’s Wonder Man — premiering Tuesday, January 27, with all eight episodes on Disney+ — introduces Simon Williams (Emmy^® Award winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), an aspiring actor looking for his big break. Though he’s ambitious, resourceful, and talented, Simon can’t get out of his own head. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery (Oscar^®, GRAMMY^® Award, and two-time Golden Globe^® Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley) — an out-of-work actor haunted by his infamous role as the terrorist known as the Mandarin — Simon learns that legendary director Von Kovak (Zlatko Burić) is remaking the superhero film Wonder Man. It would be the role of a lifetime for Simon, and he works hard to get cast as the titular hero — all while keeping his own superpowers hidden.

In the Q&A below, Wonder Man series co-creator and head writer Andrew Guest opens up about what inspired his take on Simon Williams; fleshing out Trevor’s backstory following appearances in Iron Man 3 (2013) and Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings (2021); and giving fans a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry while showcasing the different facets of Hollywood.

What sets Wonder Man apart from other films and series in the MCU?

We really tried to make a show that felt different, that is still in the umbrella of the MCU, that still has a lot of the same DNA at its heart in terms of storytelling, comedy, and character, but is accessible to a different kind of audience. Hopefully people who love the MCU will still love this show, but people who think maybe the MCU is not for them might find Simon Williams as somebody they can root for and fall in love with. That’s the hope.

What inspired you to introduce Simon to the MCU in this way?

We’re trying to tell stories about the entertainment industry, really. And, to me, that’s about people who have stories to tell, who are facing the odds of a very difficult industry and still pursuing their dream — no matter what. I like the idea of Simon being an outsider, because Trevor’s an outsider, and seeing how they find each other and find a friendship in spite of everything.

Speaking of Trevor, what made you want to revisit and elevate that character?

One of the great resources we had was Sir Ben Kingsley, both in terms of him committing to being in the show, and in his understanding of this character that he’s lived with for 13 years. [Wonder Man co-creator and director Destin Daniel Cretton] and I had conversations with Sir Ben about who Trevor was, about what Trevor’s mother was like, about where his love of acting came from. The more I talked to him about it, the more I wanted to put all that into the show. I felt a real sense of responsibility writing for someone like Sir Ben; I wanted to give him material that was up to snuff and wouldn’t disappoint. Any page of dialogue you give him, he’s going to knock it out of park. We all raised each other’s game.

Trevor also finds himself mixed up with the Department of Damage Control…

Trevor often seems like the victim of circumstance. In Iron Man 3, he got caught up in this big cabal of bad guys who were using him. In Shang-Chi, he got caught up with the good guys — but he was still caught up. I liked the idea that we could take this character who — the moment he gets off the plane in LA — once again gets caught up in something big. But, for the first time, we see him decide to take ownership and action and realize that he can’t just blame circumstance anymore. He needs to step up and figure out what’s important to him and make some sacrifices. Even though he’s not putting on a cape and flying around, Trevor’s doing something selfless and sacrificing. And, to me, that’s heroism.

Why was it so important for you to set Wonder Man in real and recognizable Hollywood locations, whether it’s in restaurants like Clark Street Diner and Mother Wolf or at locations like the TCL Chinese Theatre?

Our incredible production designers, Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, are LA natives. When they presented to us, they showed us not only the kind of Hollywood that many people are familiar with, but they showed pictures of Thai Elvis and the House of Davids — all these quirky, eccentric sides of LA that aren’t often explored. That was really fun for us in the writer’s room. So, getting to shoot in LA, for LA, with an LA-based crew was really a gift. It really made the show feel different, and I don’t think you could replicate it in any other way.

You have Josh Gad and Joe Pantoliano playing versions of themselves, and there are also references to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Glenn Howerton. Between casting and locations, how else did you ensure that the series would feel authentically Hollywood?

Part of making things feel real is being specific and using touchpoints that we all understand. I don’t want Simon acting on a random TV show in the pilot; I want it to be American Horror Story. I want to mention actors we all know. That’s hard to do in the MCU, because there’s so many people who are already in it… We tried hard. The tentacles of the MCU are all over this town.

Speaking of American Horror Story, Wonder Man includes countless other references and story points that span the various studios and content brands within The Walt Disney Company. As a writer, what was it like having that wealth of IP at your disposal?

Well, one of the tricky things we came up against in the pilot was which show that Simon was going to be on. Luckily, when we reached out to Ryan Murphy, he was on board. We had full agreement with him — and we even got to name check him, which was really fun. That’s an iconic show, and we felt confident would still be in the zeitgeist. All those things make it feel real.

What are you most excited for fans to take away from Wonder Man?

I’m excited for audiences to hopefully relate to and root for these two weirdos. And I’m excited for all the people who put so much time and effort into this project — our crew, every department head, every accountant — to finally see all the fruits of their labor onscreen, because that’s what we’re all in it for. We all work really hard, and we want people to see the work and appreciate the work. Hopefully, people connect with the show.

More than seventy years ago, Walt Disney gazed across patches of orange and walnut groves in Anaheim with a dream that would redefine entertainment forever. Today, that dream continues to inspire storytellers, innovators, and fans around the globe. In Disneyland Handcrafted, filmmaker Leslie Iwerks invites audiences behind the curtain to witness the artistry, ambition, and sheer audacity that built Disneyland — brick by brick, frame by frame.

The documentary — which lands on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on Thursday — was crafted with the support of multiple Disney teams and is more than a historical retrospective. The film was created using rarely seen footage that documented the park’s construction, including material originally shot for the Disneyland TV series on ABC, which televised ongoing updates beginning in 1954 about what Walt called his “latest and greatest dream.”

It’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration, showcasing how Walt’s vision — and the hands that shaped it — gave rise to an entirely new form of entertainment.

Unearthing the Past to Tell the Future

The journey began with a discovery.

While Iwerks and her team were producing The Imagineering Story for Disney+, “We realized there was so much material that has never been shown,” Iwerks recalled. Originally filmed for both documentation and use on the Disneyland TV series, much of this footage had been left on the cutting room floor. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we put this together, put it in chronological order, and see what it looks like?’”

The result was a visual time capsule — a glimpse into the grit and grace behind Disneyland’s creation.

To bring this vision to life, Iwerks turned to the Walt Disney Archives. Becky Cline, Director of the Archives, explained, “I was so happy to be asked to consult on this amazing new film. Alongside several other staff members of the Walt Disney Archives, and a few other preeminent Disney historians, I was honored to assist the filmmakers in sourcing and presenting rarely seen material that tells this fascinating story in a very organic way — through the use of very rare original source material.”

The Archives isn’t just a resource — it’s the heartbeat of Disney history.

“Our collections contain the information necessary to research and source accurate information as well as the existing audio and media related to the topic of Disneyland’s entire 70-year history,” Cline said.

That depth of material helped Iwerks weave together rarely seen footage with candid interviews, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic.

Crafting Emotion from History

Disney Legend Don Hahn describes his role as “a kind of story carpenter.”

He explained that, “[Leslie] had already built the frame, the vision, the blueprint — my job was to walk the beam with her and help refine the emotional architecture.”

For Hahn, the challenge was connecting archival material to the human story — the restless creativity that drove Walt and his team to imagine the unimaginable.

“Disneyland wasn’t just built — it was imagined into existence,” Hahn declared. “In 1953, it was, frankly, a crazy idea. Walt was inventing a new medium in real time, using designers from film and the cinematic language of visual storytelling with scenes, transitions, and reveals.”

That audacity is what makes the documentary so compelling. Hahn sees the Archives as more than a vault, but rather, “the attic, the memory, and in some ways the conscience of what we all call ‘Disney.’ If you want to understand Disneyland, you have to understand that it… was built out of curiosity, risk, and this almost reckless devotion to ideas.”

Pixar’s Perspective: A Visual Stopwatch of History

Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, brought his own passion for Disney history to the project. For years, Disney Legend Tony Baxter has hosted informal “Disneyland Movie Nights,” screening unedited reels of park construction for park devotees, before taking the event up to Pixar, where Docter and Jonas Rivera, Executive Vice President, Production, Pixar, have offered the event to employees and special guests.

“Each reel is unmarked and silent, so it is for the hard-core fans only!” Docter said with a laugh. “Leslie used this same footage to assemble a visual stopwatch of Disneyland being built. It’s stunning to see nothing but orange groves and dirt less than a year before opening day.”

When Iwerks shared an early cut, Docter and Rivera were struck by its depth. “This documentary does a better job of illustrating the intensity, vision, and risk taking that went into the creation of the first theme park,” Docter said. “For someone who’s seen nearly everything about the subject, this documentary was compelling and revelatory!”

Walt’s Vision: Media as Magic

One of the film’s most fascinating threads is Walt Disney’s use of television to launch and promote Disneyland — a strategy that Hahn called “one of the great sleight-of-hand moments in American media.”

While other studio heads feared TV, Walt embraced it.

“He wasn’t just promoting a park; he was teaching the world how to dream alongside him,” Hahn said. Weekly broadcasts turned a construction site into a national obsession, proving Walt’s belief that, as Hahn noted, “everything was story — whether it unfolded in 24 frames per second on a screen, or along a parade route.”

Cline agreed, saying, “Walt’s ability to synergize film, television, and live entertainment together is the foundation of what The Walt Disney Company is today, the finest in family entertainment.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Seventy years later, Disneyland remains a living testament to Walt’s vision.

As Walt once told his team: “To make the dreams of Disneyland come true took the combined skills and talents of hundreds of artisans, carpenters, engineers, scientists and craftsmen. The dreams that they built now become your heritage.”

Today, that heritage thrives in attractions that blend beloved classics with cutting-edge technology.

Hahn sees the same heartbeat Walt set in motion in 1955: “Build a place that delights people, tells a story with integrity, and honors the human hearts and hands who make it possible.”

Docter echoes that sentiment: “Disneyland continues to evolve and change, per Walt’s wishes, to astound and engage the imaginations of people from around the world.”

A Handcrafted Love Letter

From the Walt Disney Archives to Pixar Animation Studios, from Disney Legends to contemporary storytellers, Disneyland Handcrafted is a testament to collaboration — a film that honors the artisans who shaped Disneyland and the innovators who keep its spirit alive. It’s a reminder that behind every attraction, every detail, and every magical moment is a story of craft, care, and imagination.

As Walt himself believed, Disneyland would never be completed. And thanks to projects like Disneyland Handcrafted, neither will the stories that celebrate its creation.

On January 22, the latest film from Academy Award®- and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks — Disneyland Handcrafted — comes to Disney+ and Disney YouTube.

The documentary offers an extremely rare look at the challenges overcome during the creation of The Happiest Place on Earth. It accomplishes this by using rarely seen footage that documented the park’s construction, including material originally shot for the Disneyland TV series on ABC, which televised ongoing updates beginning in 1954 about what Walt called his “latest and greatest dream.”

“It’s truly remarkable what went into making Disneyland Handcrafted,” Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said. “Entirely from archival material, this film feels both intimate and epic — a testament to the thoughtfulness, care and curiosity required for incredible storytelling.”

Iwerks and her team restored footage that never made it to air and original audio recordings of those deeply involved in the park’s construction to tell a story about Walt’s impossible dream in a style previously unseen.

For Disney fans, Iwerks is a familiar name, as Leslie’s father, Don Iwerks, and grandfather, Ub Iwerks, are both Disney Legends and Academy Award winners — and were close collaborators with Walt. Leslie has directed such noteworthy documentaries as The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story, The Pixar Story, and The Imagineering Story.

We spoke with Iwerks to learn more about the film, the amazing innovations that have always been part of Disneyland’s DNA, and the legacy of the park.

For Disneyland Handcrafted, what inspired you to tell the story of Disneyland’s creation using only archival footage and audio?

When we were doing The Imagineering Story, we came upon all of this amazing archival footage of the making of Disneyland, and much of it has never been seen or were behind the scenes outtakes in the making of Disneyland. Mark Catalena, Mo Stoebe, my editor, and myself, we decided… that we were going to tell the story all through archival footage and audio soundbites from people that were there on the ground working with Walt, talking about the challenges leading up to opening day.

As someone with deep roots at Disney, how does your unique perspective shape the way you approached Disneyland Handcrafted?

My grandfather and father, both Disney legends and Oscar® winners, were very instrumental in a lot of the creativity that started with this company, from Mickey Mouse to the multiplane camera to the optical printer to [Circle-Vision 360]. I grew up around this, and I think my love for all things Disney has just permeated the films that I make here and the films I want to continue to make here, about so many untold stories.

Did anything surprise you about the building of Disneyland while you were making the film?

How hard it was [Laughs]. I mean, really, it was hard to make this park and watching this footage, it’s unbelievable. It’s like, “How did they do it?” And the risk that Walt took — his own livelihood, his own company — he risked so much to build this park.

And to think, when he looked out at that dirt lot and thought, “I’m going to create the happiest place on Earth,” it’s unbelievable what he pulled off. And now people enjoy these parks all around the world.

In what ways does your documentary highlight the groundbreaking innovations behind the idea for and creation of Disneyland?

This documentary really encapsulates the raw DNA of Disneyland: it’s the four lands in the park, the main street, the hub. All of this became the blueprint for the other parks around the world. It also became the blueprint for happiness.

It’s amazing to me that this idea perpetuated from this man originally sitting on a park bench in Griffith Park in Burbank to 12 theme parks around the world. And it’s not just for kids, it’s for families, it’s for grandparents. I honestly don’t think there is any place else in the United States, possibly even the world, where people go generation after generation after generation and have this desire and this pride to take your kids back and experience Disneyland like you did. It’s pretty phenomenal.

How does the film illustrate Walt Disney’s visionary approach to media — particularly his use of television to launch and promote Disneyland, and his ability to weave live experiences, films, and TV into one cohesive story?

During the early fifties, people were pretty scared of this new technology called television. The film industry really looked at it as a threat to movies. And when Walt got his sights set on television, he realized he didn’t need to be scared of it — he needed to embrace it.

He was one of the first studio heads to embrace television, and he used it, partnering with ABC to promote his upcoming theme park, Disneyland. Disneyland became the show that people would tune in to around the country to watch and see what was happening in the park. And he was on camera promoting this project, happy as can be.

But really, what was going on behind the scenes at the park was a completely different story. It was behind schedule. There were cost overruns. There were day-in and day-out challenges and dramas. But he continued to believe in this, and he basically told his brother [Roy O. Disney, president of Walt Disney Productions], “Believe in it or I’m going to do it regardless.”

And he did. He put up his own money to build this park. And so it was really an impressive feat for Walt Disney to do what he did. And I just hope that people will get a real glimpse into the realities behind the scenes.

How do you think Disneyland today is carrying on the legacy that Walt began 70 years ago?

Every day that Disneyland continues to carry on the legacy that Walt started back in 1955 and every Disney theme park around the world does that. I think it comes from this desire to have the highest quality.

He wanted cast to be friendly. He wanted the park to be clean. He wanted the best technology. He wanted the best film programing. He wanted the characters to be warm and hospitable to the children. You could walk through these lands, you could live through them, you could experience them like you can’t on 2D film and television.

I think it has only gotten better time and time again. Park after park, the Imagineers continue to innovate. Everyone stands on the shoulders of Walt Disney, but every Imagineer stands on the shoulders of those who came before and this company is always about innovating, and they will continue to innovate till forever, because that’s what Walt set in place.

2025 is coming to a close, but we can’t stop talking about the stories that brought us together.

This year, we voyaged beyond with Moana, uncovered secrets in Paradise, returned to Arlen with the Hills, and joined the rebellion alongside Cassian. We surfed with Stitch, sang with Zombies, bat-flipped with the Savannah Bananas, and danced with the Stars.

We also brought ABC News and ESPN into Disney+, creating one streaming destination for the best in entertainment, news, and sports. We introduced the Hulu brand internationally for the first time and invited new audiences to experience its award-winning general entertainment. We ran nearly 1,000 experiments (double the amount from 2024) to help improve our services and gave the Disney+ app the biggest refresh since its launch.

With over 55,000 hours of content to explore, Disney+ and Hulu were the place for unforgettable moments — and fans embraced every one of them.

And the numbers tell the story: from record-breaking streams to can’t-miss premieres, here’s how Disney+ and Hulu made 2025 a year to remember…

Percy Jackson and the Olympians electrified audiences when it debuted in 2023 — and with Season 2 arriving soon on Disney+ and Hulu, it’s about to make an even bigger splash.

Inspired by Rick Riordan‘s bestselling book series from Disney Hyperion, Season 1 was a hit with audiences and critics alike, receiving a 95% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes^® and winning eight Children and Family Emmy^® Awards, including Outstanding Young Teen Series. Beyond that, it was one of the top five most-watched original series across all streaming platforms after its launch in December 2023, according to Nielsen.*

“We were all blown away by how well it did,” said Riordan, who co-created and executive produces the series. “The underlying premise of Greek mythology is always popular, but it’s just a fun story, too. There are not many other shows that you can sit down to watch with your family where everyone likes it: the parents like it, the teens like it, and the kids like it.”

Walker Scobell, who plays the titular character, said the show’s appeal is simple: “I think the reason so many people watch is because there’s somebody for everyone to relate to.” Aryan Simhadri, who plays the satyr Grover, agreed, saying, “Greek mythology inherently was made to reflect humans and the struggles we all go through in larger-than-life ways.”

According to co-creator and executive producer Jon Steinberg, “That was the goal from the beginning: to tell this story in a way that isn’t just universal in its themes, but in its experience and in its emotional impact. The fact that families are watching it together —and are then watching it together again — is an indication that we got close to the mark.”

And the positive response to Season 1 was instantaneous. On social, the #percyjackson hashtag earned over 1 billion views** on TikTok in the U.S. in the first month of its first season run, while series-owned social handles amassed a cumulative 4.6 million followers.

“I saw a crazy statistic [about the first season],” said Charlie Bushnell, who plays Luke Castellan, the demigod son of Hermes. “It had like 3 billion minutes streamed*** [in 2024]. I did the math, and that breaks down to about 6,000 years, which is insane to think about.”

Deep Bench

Based on The Sea of Monsters, the second book in Riordan’s series, Season 2 premieres Wednesday, December 10, with two episodes on Disney+ and Hulu, with a new episode rolling out weekly through January 21, 2026. After Camp Half-Blood’s protective border is breached, Percy Jackson (Scobell) embarks on an epic odyssey into the Sea of Monsters in search of his best friend, the satyr Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri), and the one thing that may save the camp — the legendary Golden Fleece. Aided by demigods Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Clarisse La Rue (Dior Goodjohn), along with his cyclops half-brother Tyson (Daniel Diemer), Percy’s survival becomes the key to preventing Luke and the Titan Kronos from bringing down Camp Half-Blood — and, ultimately, Olympus.

“Season 1 started with the three [lead characters], Percy, Grover, and Annabeth. They went on an epic journey together and met amazing, iconic characters,” executive producer Dan Shotz said. “The books are written in first person, so you’re seeing everything through Percy’s eyes. In this medium, we get to step outside of that. We get to be with Clarisse, we get to be with Luke — we get to expand the entire world. I think that’s going to be really exciting for audiences, because they will be able to invest more in all of these characters’ arcs rather than just hearing from one POV. We took advantage of all those opportunities.”

“I can’t wait to see the entire thing come to life,” Jeffries said. “We have so many different characters now, and even though you saw Charlie and Dior’s characters in the first season, you’ll get to see them so much more, and we also have Daniel. They did a phenomenal job.”

Clarisse, for example, goes on a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Sea of Monsters — and her expedition forces her to team up with Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson.

“She believes that ‘second is the first to lose’ — that if you do anything with help, you didn’t actually do it,” Goodjohn said. “It’s beautiful to see her say, ‘I’m just going to be honest and open and vulnerable with somebody for once. I’ll talk to Percy and make a genuine connection.’ You see her grow and develop and learn that it’s okay to ask for help.”

Luke, meanwhile, is on a quest to usher in what he calls “a golden age for demigods.” Having betrayed Percy in Season 1, Bushnell said, “He definitely has a new demeanor about him. He’s much more of a confident, charismatic guy this season… He’s definitely on a quest for freedom and liberation for himself, but also for everyone else. He’s still holding onto hope that in an ideal world, Percy, Annabeth, and every demigod [will join his movement].”

Tyson is a kind and gentle giant, but make no mistake: “With all his strengths, he’s pretty dangerous,” Diemer said. “Along the quest — especially as they get into bigger fights — Tyson gets specific opportunities to save everybody because of how soft and loving he is.”

Bigger and Bolder

Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians ups the stakes exponentially.

For example, Sea of Monsters reintroduces chariot races at Camp Half-Blood — a huge endeavor that necessitated nearly two weeks of filming. “Right from the top, you go, ‘All right! We need horses! We need a chariot! We need kids to do death-defying stunts!’” Shotz said. “It was a tall order, but everybody rallied. We have an incredible stunt team. All of it was done practically; no CG horses were used. I think it made it feel more visceral and alive. That was one of the biggest sets any of us have ever worked on. It’s like six or seven minutes of the episode, and I think we shot it over 13 days. But it was worth it, because it’s such a signature moment and we knew that fans were going to be desperate for that piece.”

As a longtime fan of the novels, Scobell was especially looking forward to filming an epic battle involving a sunken warship that Ares raises from the depths of the sea. “I’m really excited for people to see the Ironclad sequence,” Scobell said. “That whole fight versus Scylla and Charybdis is so huge — and they made it even bigger than the book somehow!”

And no one’s happier than Riordan to see these sequences translated for television.

“The production team is good-naturedly cursing me every season,” he said. “They’re like, ‘You didn’t make it easy! Every book is more involved than the one before.’ And it’s true. Everyone is upping the stakes, upping the level of spectacle. All I can tell you is that the team rose to the challenge. They said, ‘Let’s get under the hood and figure out how to make this happen.’ And boy, they did! They did make everything bigger. Everything is faster, more epic, and more cinematic.”

While he was “excited to see the big spectacles” come to life, Riordan confessed, “What I found myself enjoying the most is the character work — the quieter moments when we have Percy and Annabeth and they’re in a shipwreck. They’re exhausted, they’re feeling defeated, and [you see] the way they support each other and get to know each other and trust each other. Those are some of the most interesting, sweetest moments. I love those.”

And in Season 3 — which is currently in production in Vancouver — the action will get bigger and the stakes will get more personal. “Talk about expansion of characters!” executive producer Craig Silverstein laughed. “Season 2 almost feels small in comparison.”

*Source: Nielsen, Live Streaming Content Ratings Connected TV only; 12/19/23 – 2/4/24 with reach based on 1 min qualifier; series rankings based on week start date of 12/18/23-2/4/24

**Source: TikTok for Business

*** Source: Luminate Film & TV’s 2024 Year-End Report

Twenty years after joining the Disney family, the Jonas Brothers are coming home for the holidays with A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, premiering Friday, November 14, on Disney+ and Hulu. “We’re glad they’ll still have us,” Joe Jonas said. “The doors are still open. Twenty years later, [we’re] celebrating doing this together. Having Disney as a partner, it’s really special.”

The Jonas Brothers’ happy homecoming kicked off in May with the release of “Celebrate Happy,” an original theme song created in honor of the Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration. Then, in September, Disney Branded Television announced that the Jonas Brothers will not only executive produce Camp Rock 3 for Disney+ and Disney Channel, but reprise their roles as fictional band Connect 3. “We’ve had some of these ideas for a while, whether it was Camp Rock 3 or this holiday film,” Joe explained. “So, we’re really grateful.”

“Let It Bro”

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie — produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios — finds the trio playing heightened versions of themselves. After wrapping up their Unbreakable Bond tour just 48 hours before Christmas, they face a series of escalating obstacles while trying to travel from London to New York in time to be with their families.

The Jonas Brothers — Kevin, Joe, and Nick — worked closely with writers and producers Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger to ensure their characterizations still felt authentic. “The process of working alongside the creative team for this was really fun for us,” Nick said. After spending time with them and sharing their “real-life experiences being on the road,” he added, Aptaker and Berger created “these larger-than-life versions of ourselves.”

According to Berger, “We did a couple of sessions just sitting together, talking about their dynamics, listening to them tell stories, and seeing the way that they joked around and teased each other. From there, we were able to very organically capture that. But the guys were just really great, really open, and really down to laugh at each other and themselves.”

Aptaker and Berger’s quips in A Very Jonas Christmas Movie feel accurate, Joe joked, because he and his brothers “pretty much just let them go through our group texts to find the best one-liners.”

The truth, Joe said, is that a lot of care went into getting their “tone and voice” just right. “They’re great at what they do, but it is an interesting, delicate balance of pitching us: ‘Hey, this could be either really funny or very offensive. Are you cool with this?’” he explained. “Luckily, we have thick skin — and we’ve heard every joke there is — so it went over well.”

Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie offers something fresher than the first snowfall — like seven original songs, including a duet with Kenny G — with a nice sprinkling of holiday nostalgia.

“We’re ’90s kids, and I think ’90s movies are so special because they play for every level,” Aptaker said. “That was a real goal of ours, to make something that entertains little kids, but that also has a few jokes that will fly over their heads that their parents can appreciate.”

Home Alone (1990) was a “big inspiration” for “die-hard fans” Aptaker and Berger. “When you watch the movie,” Berger teased, “you will see that we’re paying our respects.” Jingle All the Way (1996) and Elf (2003) were also “reference points,” Nick added. “There are also elements of films from the ’60s and ’70s that we pulled from, when you really felt the magic of the holiday season [onscreen]. This is definitely a comedy-forward movie, but there’s some real heart here, too. A great Christmas film pulls on your heartstrings and makes you appreciate being around the people you hold closest to you during that season.”

The film features an all-star cast that includes Chloe Bennet, Billie Lourd, Laverne Cox, KJ Apa, Andrew Barth Feldman, Andrea Martin, Kenny G, Randall Park, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, in addition to some surprises and special cameos from the Jonas family. “Everyone got to just have fun and play,” Nick said of the large ensemble. “I think it’s going to be really fun for the audience, and we’re honored that they got to be part of our movie.”

Not only were the Jonas Brothers “super collaborative,” but the entire cast was “game for anything,” Berger said. “I think that comes across in the movie. They were just so excited to be part of something that feels joyful and light, so it was easy to get everyone to say ‘yes.’”

“This movie has something for everybody,” Aptaker added. “If you grew up with the Jonas Brothers, it’s going to speak to you on that level. It honors their history as a band. It honors their current lives as 30-something dads. If you’ve never heard of the Jonas Brothers, you’ll learn about them; they’re hilarious, charming guys. And if you just want something to watch with your family that will entertain everyone, I really believe this checks all of those boxes.”

ESPN, Disney, Pixar and the National Football League will present Monsters Funday Football on Monday, Dec. 8, a real-time, animated Monday Night Football game, featuring the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles at the Los Angeles Chargers, inside the iconic Monsters, Inc. building. Powered by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats and Sony’s Beyond Sports visualization technology and Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations, this season’s immersive Funday Football experience will transport fans to Monstropolis for ESPN’s Week 14 MNF matchup.

Monsters Funday Football marks the third consecutive season ESPN, Disney+ and the NFL have presented a Funday Football telecast with the alternate presentation, for the first time, available on ESPN2, Disney Channel, and Disney XD, and the new ESPN App (via ESPN DTC or pay TV authentication), while continuing to stream on Disney+ and, on mobile, NFL+. Video on Demand will be available on Disney+ shortly after the live broadcast.

The traditional Monday Night Football telecast, with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge will be available on ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes and streaming live on the ESPN App. Both presentations begin at 8 p.m. ET.

Again this season, Funday Football will be available internationally, live on ESPN platforms and/or Disney+, in Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia & New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Canada (TSN+). Video on Demand will be available on Disney+ shortly after the live broadcast in these markets — and in other regions such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and more — for a total of more than 155 markets.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Each Snap, Run & Touchdown Comes to Life in World of Monsters, Inc.

Every Eagles and Chargers player will appear as a motion-enabled, animated version of themselves brought to life through NFL Next Gen Stats, Sony’s Beyond Sports, and Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations optical tracking, which have been utilized throughout each iteration of Funday Football. Using the player tracking data, Beyond Sports’ virtual recreation engine animates gameplay in real time within Monstropolis that mirrors the live action from SoFi Stadium.

Monsters Funday Football follows the success of The Simpsons Funday Football (December 2024) and Toy Story Funday Football (October 2023).

“Each iteration of Funday Football has pushed the boundary of what’s possible in sports technology. By blending real-time NFL data and tracking with cutting-edge animation, we’re transforming the way fans experience an NFL game,” said Michael “Spike” Szykowny, ESPN VP, Graphics Innovation. “Our continued innovation with partners like the NFL, Beyond Sports and Disney+ showcases how technology can turn a live game into a fully immersive world, giving fans an additional way to consume sports.”

Monstropolis Meets Monday Night Football: Beloved Characters Headline Presentation with Many Monsters, Inc. Elements Throughout

Adored monsters Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan will make their football debut, joining Jalen Hurts and the Eagles and Justin Herbert and the Chargers, respectively. The action will unfold on the Cheer Floor — a reimagined version of the film’s famed Scare Floor — and will be adorned with a full-length football field filled with thousands of cheering monsters. Continuing a hallmark of every Funday Football presentation, this edition’s setting builds on previous imaginative worlds — following Andy’s bedroom in Toy Story Funday Football and Atom’s Stadium in Springfield from The Simpsons Funday Football.

While Mike and Sulley will mostly leave the game execution to the professionals, they will sub in for key offensive and defensive moments, similarly to how Bart and Homer only joined the action for significant plays in their game — which included Homer throwing a touchdown pass for the Cowboys. During the game Mike & the Eagles and Sulley and the Chargers will compete for Cheer Canisters — a rebrand of the classic Scream Canisters — storing monster cheers instead of screams. The night will end with not only a game winner but also a Cheer Champion.

Additional characters, film references and aesthetics will bring a regular day at Monsters, Inc. into an exciting Monday Night Football atmosphere:

• Fan-Favorite Monsters, Inc. Characters: Accompanying Mike and Sulley will be Roz, the slug-like monster, who will serve as the game’s sideline reporter because she “is watching, always watching!” The Child Detection Agency (CDA) will also be in attendance to monitor the crowd and the game — helping to clean-up the penalty and challenge flags that are thrown. Many additional fan-favorite characters will also make appearances.
• Familiar Sights from Monstropolis: In addition to the converted Scare Floor and Scream Canisters, the Scarer’s Leaderboard will become the Cheer Competition Leaderboard, while floating Monsters, Inc. bedroom doors hover above the field, showing fans viewing the game from their bedrooms, all over the world.
• Famous Voices of Monsters, Inc.: Renowned Hollywood actors, Billy Crystal (Mike), John Goodman (Sulley) and Bob Peterson (Roz) return to voice their original characters through prerecorded lines.
• Halftime Show Fit for Monsters: While Mike and Sulley duke it out for cheers throughout the entire game, the competition will ramp up during halftime with Mike & Sulley’s Cheer Canister Competition.
• Boomer Takes Monsters, Inc.: ESPN legend Chris Berman makes his Funday Football debut with a special animated segment.
• NFL Star Cameos: Eagles and Chargers players appear in fun, prerecorded interactions with the Monsters, Inc.

ESPN’s Drew Carter and Dan Orlovsky Call the Action Live from Monstropolis

ESPN play-by-play commentator Drew Carter, who has called every edition of Funday Football and six total animated alternate telecasts across ESPN properties, and NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, who will be calling his second Funday Football, will be in the broadcast booth as animated versions of themselves within the Monsters, Inc. world. Using virtual reality technology and Sony’s Beyond Sports Virtual Commentator Technology, the duo will experience the action firsthand through VR headsets.

New this year, ESPN sports and lifestyle content creator Katie Feeney will serve as the game’s social media correspondent, appearing in pre-produced segments as an animated version of herself, bringing fans the latest on the Monsters in attendance, an inside look at the Cheer Canister and fun facts about the game.

ESPN Funday Football Receives Various Awards and Recognition

Toy Story Funday Football, the first-of-its-kind NFL broadcast, earned three Sports Emmys (Outstanding Production Design, George Wensel Technical Achievement, and Outstanding Graphic Design) and four US Festival Awards, while The Simpsons Funday Football received multiple Sports Emmy nominations and a SportsPro Media Award nomination for Best Branded Sports Content.

In the ensuing weeks, leading into the presentation, fans can expect to see various previews of Monster Funday Football across ESPN platforms, including social and digital.

Introducing Explore Disney+, the official guide to what’s streaming on Disney+. This site is a dynamic new destination designed to help viewers navigate the vast and ever-expanding universe of Disney storytelling on its streaming services.

“Explore Disney+ is built to help everyone — whether you’re already subscribed or discovering what’s available — get the most out of the platform with curated watch guides, exclusive interviews, and highlights across genres, worlds, sports, and live events,” Samantha G. Rosenberg, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Disney+, said. “We’re excited to launch this new site so you can be among the first to dive in and explore everything Disney+ has to offer.”

Whether you’re seeking a quick viewing recommendation or going in-depth on the Disney brands you love, Explore Disney+ is a curated companion to everything streaming on Disney+.

Here’s a brief rundown of the exciting features on Explore Disney+.

What is on Explore Disney+?

Explore Disney+ is the new hub for how to engage with Disney+, including: guides on what to watch; what new movies and TV shows are coming to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN each month; highlighted streaming titles by day; a guide for how to sign up for Disney+; Disney+ tips; how to unlock exclusive rewards with Disney+ perks, and more.

Explore Disney+ is also a storytelling compass. Here’s the kind of content visitors can expect:

• Watch Guides: Curated lineups tailored to every mood, from laugh-out-loud comedies to pulse-raising action, and everything in-between. For example, check out these eerie picks for Halloween on Disney+ and Hulu.
• Coming-Soon Spotlights: Sneak peeks and breakdowns of upcoming releases, complete with key dates and story teases. Just this month, Explore Disney+ published its guide on new programming coming to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN.
• Creator and Talent Interviews: First-person insights from actors, directors, showrunners, and crew behind top titles on Disney+. This recent story gives insight from the creative team that brought Season 2 of Lucasfilm’s Emmy® winning Andor to life.
• Top Lists & Recommendations: Quick-hit roundups and themed collections that surface hidden gems and timely favorites. The editors at Explore Disney+ just gave their recommendation on programming fans don’t want to miss on Disney+.
• Official Announcements: Verified updates straight from Disney+, keeping fans informed and ahead of the curve, such as where to find Marvel’s Super Hero Scoops ice cream truck across New York City in honor of New York Comic Con.

Why is Explore Disney+ useful?

In a world of endless entertainment, Explore Disney+ simplifies the search. It’s a thoughtfully designed resource that helps subscribers cut through the clutter and discover stories that resonate — whether it’s information on a nostalgic classic, a Marvel blockbuster, or a behind-the-scenes look at the latest Star Wars series, Explore Disney+ helps subscribers discover which title to watch.

How easy is it to go from Explore Disney+ to titles I want to watch?

Whenever a title is mentioned in an article, there’s always a link to take users directly to it on Disney+. So, if you’re browsing an article about K-Pop on Disney+ and BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star catches your eye, there’s a quick option to add it to your watchlist.

What is Disney+?

Disney+ is your go-to streaming destination for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. Eligible bundle subscribers can enjoy even more with Hulu on Disney+ and ESPN on Disney+ — including next day TV, Hulu and ESPN Originals, live sports, and studio shows, all via Disney+.

If you would like to sign up or explore bundling options for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, this is where you can find Disney’s streaming offers and plans.

Stay Curious

Explore Disney+ is built for the curious. With new articles and deeper dives added regularly, it’s a space that evolves alongside the Disney+ library. Bookmark the homepage, build your Watchlist, and return often — there’s always something new to uncover.

For more information and to start exploring, visit https://www.disneyplus.com/explore.

Following last week’s launch of the biggest album in history, with over 4 million equivalent album units earned in the U.S. for The Life of a Showgirl, the 14-time GRAMMY®-winning artist Taylor Swift returns to Disney+ with two brand-new projects that offer unprecedented access to her record-breaking tour, The Eras Tour. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era, a 6-episode behind-the-scenes docuseries event chronicling the development, impact, and inner-workings that created the phenomenon that was The Eras Tour, and Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show, the full concert film featuring The Tortured Poets Department for the first time, begins streaming December 12 only on Disney+.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era is an illuminating docuseries on Disney+ that gives an intimate look at Taylor’s life as her tour made headlines and thrilled fans around the world. In addition, the series spotlights performers, family members, and friends — including Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Florence Welch — offering never-before-seen insight into what it took to create a phenomenon. Two episodes will debut each week beginning December 12.

In addition, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show, filmed in Vancouver, B.C. will debut on Disney+ December 12. The full concert film, captured during the final show of the tour, features the entire set of The Tortured Poets Department, which was added to the tour following that album’s release in 2024.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era is directed by Don Argott, co-directed by Sheena M. Joyce and produced by Object & Animal. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show is directed by Glenn Weiss and produced by Taylor Swift Productions in association with Silent House Productions.

The power and value of the Hulu brand will reach worldwide audiences beginning October 8, when it becomes the global General Entertainment brand on Disney+, replacing Star in international markets.

With this change, and in preparation for a fully integrated unified app experience next year, users will begin to see further integrations of Hulu across the Disney+ app as part of an ongoing and iterative slate of product updates on the homepage and beyond. This includes a series of design and navigation enhancements rolling out over the coming weeks and months — offering a more dynamic and intuitive experience.

Here’s an early look at what’s coming to Disney+:

Simpler Navigation and UX Design

Making the user experience more intuitive

A new navigation bar has been added to the top of the homepage. The “For You” tab is the first screen subscribers will see when they click into Disney+. It’s the new homebase for recommended viewing, powered by an updated algorithm that learns user preferences over time. There are also tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, depending on the user’s subscription, making it easier to explore each catalog individually.

The Live hub in the main vertical navigation takes you straight into the latest live news, sports, and events, as well as our 24/7 Streams.

We’re also adding new badging tags like “Season Finale,” “New Series,” and “New Movie” to show what’s unique and timely right now.

More Personalized Recommendations

Helping users easily get to the content they want and discover the content that is most relevant to them

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes to evolve and advance our personalized video algorithm that will learn and improve over time. This will power our recommendation and personalization engine for the content we surface to users across all touchpoints on the platform, especially in the all-new “For You” tab.

To ensure users are watching in their own profile, we’ll make Profiles more prominent across the UI. From here, users will find titles personally recommended for them based on their unique viewing habits. 

More Dynamic and Visual Homepage

A more modern design that brings our characters and stories front and center

The new design is more modern and intuitive so users can find and discover the characters and stories they love. This includes a new video display in the Hero carousel and a more dynamic brand row, showcasing the latest titles from each brand. We’ve also updated our content sets to showcase more cinematic poster-style artwork.

More to Come

While several of these design updates will apply across living room screens, we’re also putting a lot of thought into enhancing the mobile experience.

Widgets are launching on iOS, which will add another front door to take users directly into our programming with one click. And in the year ahead, we’re looking forward to introducing mobile-first and mobile-exclusive experiences that will expand our reach and engage with new audiences.

These enhancements are just the beginning, with additional updates planned in the lead-up to the launch of a unified app experience next year.

In Marvel Zombies, the Avengers may be dead — but hope is alive.

Premiering September 24 on Disney+, the first TV-MA series from Marvel Animation follows a desperate and disparate group of heroes — including Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), Katy Chen (Awkwafina), Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), and Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), among others — as they navigate a dystopian landscape, risking life and limb to save the world.

While the four-part event series expands the dystopian world first seen in Marvel Studios’ What If…? (2021–2024) it is not a direct continuation of the cliffhanger from the Season 1 episode that inspired this new series.

“The first season of What If…? hadn’t even dropped, but based on the internal feedback to the zombies episode, we were already having conversations about it becoming its own, bigger thing at some point,” said Marvel Zombies director, writer, and executive producer Bryan Andrews, who also directed and executive produced What If…?. “It just sounded fun.”

Part of the fun was that Brad Winderbaum, Head of Marvel Television and Marvel Animation, empowered Andrews and writer Zeb Wells to make the series as adult-oriented in its action as the story necessitated. And while this unflinching adventure marks a first for Marvel Animation, it’s anything but a first for the Marvel brand.

“If you look at the comics — the breadth of genres and tones, the types of story and characters — some are for kids, some are extremely mature. It’s all right there on the page,” Winderbaum said. “Marvel has never been about just one thing, but the characters follow certain archetypes. Tony Stark will always be Tony Stark. Peter Parker will always be Peter Parker. The fun comes when different artists and filmmakers play with different scenarios and tell different types of stories — from the most innocent to the most mature.”

A Series of No-Brainers

Without TV-14 restrictions in place, Andrews and Wells let their imaginations run wild, zombifying established heroes like Captain Marvel and Hawkeye. In doing so, new and supporting characters, like Khonshu and Rintrah, were given the chance to step up.

Among the surviving heroes is Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, who makes a pivotal discovery that could be the key to saving humanity. But with the dangerously powerful Wanda Maximoff/The Red Queen (Elizabeth Olsen) commanding an army of the dead, Kamala needs all the help she can get.

“When we were developing this, Kamala was relatively new to the MCU,” Andrews said. “Based on the timeline of What If…? and Avengers: Infinity War, she was in a perfect spot. She’s young enough, naïve enough, and she hasn’t quite gotten a hold of all of her powers just yet, so we realized she could be a good foil in the zombie universe. How will she deal with all this? Will she maintain her hope, or will she lose it all? That makes her interesting.”

From Kamala and Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Hudson Thames) to Blade Knight (Todd Williams) and Namor, Marvel Zombies marks the first time some characters from the comics ever interact onscreen. “The beauty of Marvel is seeing these characters collide and the strange alchemy that occurs when they find themselves in the same situation,” Winderbaum said. “You let the characters lead the way, because they are such different people that they make sparks.”

For that reason — among countless others — Marvel Zombies has broad appeal.

“It stands alone as an epic adventure set inside a greater lore,” Winderbaum said. “You don’t need to know the lore to enjoy it; you’ll get what you need from just watching this one story, which makes it inviting. You can come to it completely blind… and still get it.”

Today, Disney+ revealed the teaser and star-studded cast of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, which will premiere globally on Friday, November 14.

From Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, the festive film features an all-star cast, including Billie Lourd (as Cassidy), Laverne Cox (as Stacy), KJ Apa (as Gene), Andrew Barth Feldman (as Ethan), Andrea Martin (as Deb), Kenny G (as himself), and Justin Tranter (as himself), with Randall Park (as Brad) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (as Santa). Previously announced cast member Chloe Bennet stars as Lucy, alongside Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick Jonas, who star as themselves. The Jonas Brothers are making the film a family affair, with a few special cameos from the Jonas family.

In A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, Kevin, Joe, and Nick face a series of escalating obstacles as they struggle to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families.

Kevin, Joe, and Nick produce, along with writers Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (I Want You Back; This Is Us; Love, Simon), Adam Fishbach, Spencer Berman, and Scott Morgan. Emmy and Academy Award winner Jessica Yu (Quiz Lady, This Is Us) directs, with original music from executive music producer and GRAMMY nominee Tranter. The movie is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Musical Performances from Pharrell Williams with the Voices of Fire Gospel Choir, Maestro Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, Clipse, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Angélique Kidjo, and More International Artists

A landmark cultural and spiritual event in the heart of Vatican City, will stream live exclusively on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live beginning September 13 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT. Co-directed by Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli, this once-in-a-generation concert will be held in St. Peter’s Square for the first time in history. Supported by the Vatican, the event marks the closing of the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity and the celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year.

“On the evening of 13 September, fraternity will take center stage, expressed through the universal language of music and the stories of those who have made it a life’s choice,” said Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. “Concrete words and actions shall be proposed to be brought into our communities, so that fraternity does not remain a mere idea, but becomes a choice that transforms reality.”

“This is a rare cultural moment where the world stops and collectively tunes in. It is a message of unity and grace for all of humanity,” said Pharrell Williams.

“Let us shine a spotlight on humanity with music from the very heart of Christianity and the most important spiritual square, reaching the entire world with a single message of brotherhood and peace,” said Maestro Andrea Bocelli.

Designed as a moment of global unity, the event will bring together music, reflection, and visual storytelling in a singular live experience. Executive produced by Pharrell Williams, Maestro Andrea Bocelli, Nova Sky Stories, Something in the Water, Solina Chau, Mark and Roma Burnett, and Kimbal Musk, with musical direction by Adam Blackstone, the celebration will be open to the public in Rome, with the broadcast produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment and directed by Sam Wrench, while streaming live globally across Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live.

The concert features a world-class lineup of performers and speakers, including:

• Live musical performances by Pharrell Williams with the Voices of Fire Gospel Choir, Maestro Andrea Bocelli, Karol G, John Legend, Clipse, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Angélique Kidjo, additional international choristers, and more.
• A spectacular aerial drone and light show by Nova Sky Stories, featuring imagery inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
• Reflections from world leaders in culture, diplomacy, and sport.

The event joins the growing lineup of live events on Disney+ and Hulu, and alongside ABC News Live, these streaming platforms are bringing audiences around the globe together for a monumental cultural and musical experience.

On Thursday, ESPN launched its highly anticipated new direct-to-consumer streaming service, bringing the full suite of ESPN networks and services — within an enhanced ESPN App with new, personalized features and functionality — directly to fans.

To find out more, we spoke with Adam Smith, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Disney Entertainment & ESPN, about the service, new features, and what consumers can expect.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What is ESPN direct-to-consumer?

The simplest answer is that it is ESPN… offered via a new direct-to-consumer streaming subscription. More specifically, ESPN is making its full suite of content available directly to fans, for the first time ever. That includes all 12 networks and services, 47,000 live events, along with all the other ESPN shows, documentaries and originals, and some new exclusive content.

Simultaneously, the ESPN app is introducing a set of new, enhanced features that elevate the user experience across connected TV and mobile devices — enabling a more personalized, interactive, and engaging experience for fans.

How do I get it? What are the subscription options and pricing?

You can subscribe to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service via the ESPN app, ESPN.com, or via Disney+ as part of a bundle. There is no new app launching, so fans just subscribe from the popular and already widely distributed apps they know.

ESPN offers two core plans: an unlimited package that delivers the entire suite of ESPN content and a select option.

The ESPN unlimited plan ($29.99/month) gives fans access to all that ESPN offers — all 12 of ESPN’s networks and services — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, ACCNX. It will serve fans with live events, exclusive shows, plus on-demand replays, acclaimed original programming, and more.

The ESPN select plan ($11.99/month) provides subscribers with access to the content available on ESPN+, including 32,000 live sports events per year, a library of exclusive studio shows, on-demand replays, original content, and more.

Both plans are also available via an annual subscription, and both can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu (consumers can even choose whether Disney+ and Hulu content is with or without ads).

The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN unlimited bundle is also just $29.99/month for the first 12 months. And bundle subscribers can watch ESPN content on the ESPN app (with all the new features) or within Disney+ — seamlessly available alongside the entertainment, news, and family programming from Disney and Hulu.

It is about giving fans the choice and flexibility, so they can subscribe however is best for them.

What are the new App features?

At the same time as the launch of ESPN direct to consumer, we’re introducing a series of new enhancements to the ESPN App that elevate the sports viewing experience across platforms.

“One of ESPN’s biggest competitive advantages is the incredible ecosystem of content and products,” said Smith. “Whether you are a casual or diehard sports fan, we have something for all sports fans. Streaming, highlights, news, scores, stats, fantasy sports, betting, social content, audio… you name it. What makes this launch so special is that it brings this whole ecosystem together in a new way, right alongside the lineup of live events, networks and shows. That is what it means to reimagine the viewing experience. It’s something nobody can do quite like ESPN and Disney, and this is just a starting line. The ESPN products and offering will keep getting better going forward.”

Among the new features being launched are:

• Verts: Verts is a new section on the ESPN app on mobile devices, providing fans a swipe-able, personalized vertical video experience that reimagines and modernizes how they view video in the ESPN mobile app. The “Verts” tab is now a part of the core ESPN app product navigation, and it features a personalized feed of video, including news, highlights, viral clips, analysis, and curated Social Content. The experience is powered by a new, faster, and more advanced personalization algorithm, and Verts carousels will also appear in the main app feed.
• StreamCenter: StreamCenter is a new, modern two-screen experience that allows fans to establish a synched connection between the ESPN app on their TV and mobile as they watch a live event. StreamCenter eliminates information lag and spoilers by enabling fans to synchronize live games on their connected TV device with stats and automated alerts on their mobile device, all while getting synched Gamecast, fantasy, and ESPN BET info on their mobile device. Fans can even control the ESPN app live stream on their TV, right from their mobile device.
• Interactive Features: On Connected TV’s fans will now be able to access integrated live game stats, real-time ESPN Fantasy stats and results, live ESPN BET information, personalized in-game commerce, and more — all through a series of easily opened and closed interactive content panels alongside their live viewing. These include the ability to watch quick turn highlights of Key Plays; see live stats for the game they’re watching (varied based on sport/event); check on their ESPN Fantasy teams and scores; follow their ESPN BET action (for those with linked ESPN BET accounts), or just check odds and markets info (unlinked accounts); and, via a new agreement with Fanatics, fans can even shop for and purchase sports gear as they watch the action.
• Multiview: Fans can watch up to four games simultaneously on the ESPN App on connected TV devices. ESPN first launched Multiview on select connected TV devices in 2017 and it is now extending this feature across all major platforms.
• Catch Up to Live: Highlights are part of ESPN’s DNA. The new Catch Up To Live feature allows fans to watch quick-turn highlights of all the key plays they may have missed during a live game already in progress. On games where it’s available, a fan can watch all the highlights (or just the ones they choose) and, of course, can jump to the live action or “Play from Start” with just one click at any time.
• SportsCenter For You: Launching in Beta, SportsCenter For You is a personalized daily version of SportsCenter delivering highlights, news, and must-see video tailored to each fan’s favorite teams, leagues, and sports interests.

Can you tell me a bit more about SportsCenter for You?SportsCenter is iconic, and for decades it has been a singular show that brings the news, highlights, and more to millions of fans.

“We thought ‘What if we could take the iconic SportsCenter and expand on what that brand can mean to fans,’” explains Smith. “SportsCenter is this singularly amazing show that is produced to reach millions.​ With SportsCenter For You we’re flipping that on its head — saying ‘what if we created millions of shows… personalized for you, individually.’ To do that, we leverage artificial intelligence, the expertise and sensibilities of ESPN storytellers, the voices & style of our talented announcers — scaled out via AI in partnership with them — and ESPN’s unmatched video library and infrastructure.”

At launch, SportsCenter For You is still in a Beta phase as it continues to improve day-in and day-out. It features AI-generated commentary derived from the voices of SportsCenter anchors Hannah Storm, Gary Striewski and Christine Williamson, and ESPN Digital & Social commentator Omar Raja.

Do I need to subscribe to the ESPN Unlimited plan to get all the new features?

No. All of these new features are available to all fans using the ESPN app.

If you have access to watch ESPN streaming content — whether that is from ESPN directly or through a multichannel TV provider — the enhanced viewing features are there for you.

Because SC For You is highly personalized, in order to get that delivered daily they must have access to the main ESPN network via some type of subscription (DTC or via a TV provider) and be logged in.

What is included in ESPN Unlimited? Are NFL and WWE events part of this after the recent deals?

ESPN unlimited includes all that content and coverage that ESPN offers across an unmatched rights portfolio, including content in the recently announced agreements with the NFL and WWE.

It also means fans get games and events from the NHL, NBA, WNBA, UFC, and UFL; college sports including the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and College Football Playoff, plus the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship and 40 other NCAA championships; LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL, and FA Cup soccer; Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open tennis; The Masters, PGA Championship, PGA TOUR, and TGL golf; Little League World Series baseball and softball; Premier Lacrosse League; and much more.

It also includes all of ESPN’s award-winning studio programs, documentaries, originals, and the full, 24/7 linear stream of all 12 networks and services.

ESPN unlimited will also soon be offered as part of a Fox One bundle (starting October 2 for $39.99/month) and in a bundle with NFL+ Premium that includes NFL Redzone (starting September 3 for $39.99/month).

What happens if I have ESPN through a cable, satellite, or streaming TV package?

That’s great! ESPN will continue to be distributed via Pay TV providers and ESPN is focused on serving fans, whether they subscribe to ESPN networks directly or through a multichannel provider. Just as they have been able to do for years, all fans with a multichannel subscription can authenticate that subscription to the ESPN App and access the networks & content they have through their package. Plus, they will have access to the same enhanced experiences within the ESPN app via their subscription.

There will be some select ESPN DTC-exclusive content which is available only via an ESPN unlimited subscription or via multichannel partners with which ESPN has specific agreements in place. Discussions with other major distributors are ongoing, and we expect the vast majority of the pay-TV universe will have rights to access the exclusive ESPN unlimited content this year.

Offering this choice to fans is true to our mission: To serve sports fans. Anytime. Anywhere.

Can I watch all of ESPN on Disney+ now?

Subscribers to the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle can choose to watch all the ESPN content right inside Disney+ — or they can choose to watch it in the ESPN App (and its enhanced features).

Last December, ESPN+ content was integrated into Disney+ and this launch marks another big step in the evolution of Disney+ as a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination where audiences can watch all of The Walt Disney Company’s entertainment, sports, news, and family programming in one place.

Timed with this launch, Disney+ is also introducing a new “Live” hub to its navigation, letting fans easily find all the sports, news, Disney+ Streams, and other live, in one place, anytime. The Live hub is launching on select platforms initially and rolling out to all major platforms in the coming weeks.

Will current ESPN+ subscribers be migrated automatically? Is ESPN+ going away?

ESPN+ is not going away. Certain aspects of the current ESPN+ brand design may change, but the name “ESPN+” will remain.

Existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become subscribers to ESPN’s select plan and existing Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle subscribers will continue to receive the same content through the ESPN and Disney+ apps.

This week, Disney Publishing celebrated the 20th anniversary of Percy Jackson and the Olympians — an epic young adult saga that follows the adventures of Percy, a young demigod in the present day who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

The franchise that has been both a critical and commercial success since its debut. The first book in the series, The Lightning Thief, was named a Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association in 2006. It launched a seven-book saga that has remained on The New York Times bestseller list for over 780 weeks and inspired two follow-up series.

The franchise has also expanded beyond the page. A hit musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2019, and the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians has earned eight Children’s and Family Emmy® Awards. The show returns for its second season on December 10.

Rick Riordan — author of the book series and co-creator and executive producer of the Disney+ adaptation — recently sat down to discuss the franchise’s enduring appeal across generations, his long-standing partnership with Disney Publishing, and what’s next for fans in both print and on screen.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians has become a multi-platform franchise over the past two decades. It spans seven core novels, feature films, a Broadway musical, and a Disney+ series. What do you think has driven the enduring appeal and adaptability of the story across formats and generations?

I think at its core, it’s because Greek mythology is so universal and digs into so many themes that are inherently human: love, family, anger, revenge, loyalty. What do these things mean? The Greek myths are all about that and being able to explore that in the 21st century with modern day demigods is an idea that is much bigger than me and has really lit the imagination of all the readers out there.

You’ve maintained a long-standing relationship with Disney Publishing, not just from Percy Jackson. What makes Disney such an appealing partner for you?

It’s been really great because over the years with Disney Hyperion as my partner for most of that time, I’ve had all the advantages of a small boutique publishing house with lots of personal attention and lots of great relationships, with the muscle of the Disney Corporation. So it’s kind of been a “best of both worlds” situation.

For parents who want to encourage their children to get into reading, why are your books — and the books that are published alongside you by Disney — a great place to start?

I’m glad that they do work for many kids, and I hope that’s because of my experience in the past as a teacher, that I spent a lot of time in the classroom telling stories, teaching mythology, and trying to make the old stuff relevant to new generations, hopefully with a little sense of humor in there. So that’s my hope and that’s, I think, why they work for kids.

Can you talk more about your next book being published by Disney, The Court of the Dead?

It’s coauthored with Marc Oshiro, and is a follow up on the book we did called The Sun and the Star. It is The Court of the Dead, and it’s about Nico di Angelo, who is a character from Percy Jackson’s world, but is such a fan favorite as the son of Hades and sort of this goth figure, and the readers have loved that he now has his own books going. And it’s been really fun to explore his point of view because it’s so different from Percy’s.

Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is coming to Disney+ in December. What are you most looking forward to fans experiencing?

I am so excited that it’s finally coming out and that we can share it with people because I’ve been reading the scripts and looking at dailies and looking at cuts for so long that it seems incredible we’re finally almost here. The thing I’m looking forward to most is some of the artwork that you’re going to see, bringing the Sea of Monsters as a setting alive. Scylla and Charybdis — the monsters — the ironclad ship that they sail into the sea. Incredible stuff, very cinematic.

ESPN is ushering in a bold new chapter on Thursday with the launch of its standalone direct-to-consumer streaming service. Simply named “ESPN,” the platform offers fans unprecedented access to the full ESPN ecosystem — live games, studio shows, original content, and all 12 networks — without the need for a traditional cable subscription.

To learn more about the launch, we spoke with Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, about what it means for ESPN, streaming, and the future of sports.

You’ve called ESPN’s new DTC service “probably the biggest transition in our history.” What makes this moment so pivotal, and how do you envision it reshaping ESPN’s relationship with its audience?

This is a defining moment not just for ESPN, but for how sports are experienced in the digital age. For the first time, fans will have direct access to the full ESPN ecosystem — live games, studio shows, original content, and our entire portfolio of 12 networks — all in one place. That’s a whole new way in which we can connect with our audience.

What makes this transition so pivotal is the control it gives fans. They’ll be able to personalize their experience — whether that means following specific teams, leagues, or personalities, or curating alerts and highlights that match their interests. It’s about meeting fans where they are, on the devices they use most, and giving them the flexibility to engage on their terms.

This isn’t just a new offering — it’s a strategic evolution. We’ve spent years preparing for this moment: securing rights, investing in technology, and learning from how fans consume content across platforms. It positions us to serve every kind of sports fan — anytime, anywhere.

And we’re not stopping here. This launch is the foundation for a future where ESPN is more interactive, more immersive, and more responsive to the changing rhythms of fandom. It’s the next chapter in our mission to be the most trusted and innovative voice in sports.

How does ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform fit into Disney’s overall streaming strategy alongside Disney+ and Hulu — and what unique role do you see it playing in driving subscriber growth and engagement across the portfolio? 

The ESPN DTC launch complements Disney+ and Hulu perfectly. Each service has its own unique audience proposition, and together they form a powerful portfolio that can meet a wide range of consumer interests. ESPN’s role in that ecosystem is clear — we’re the destination for the most and best live sports rights, paired with world-class storytelling, analysis, and original programming. The ESPN DTC service also opens up exciting opportunities for bundling — whether that’s with Disney+ and Hulu for the incredible value of $29.99 for the first 12 months, or with partners like FOX One and NFL+ Premium — to create even more value for fans. That approach not only drives subscriber growth, it deepens engagement across the Disney streaming portfolio.

The new DTC platform includes integrations for betting, fantasy, and commerce. How are you thinking about personalization and interactivity as part of the fan experience?  

Personalization is at the heart of the new ESPN experience. The enhanced app is built to adapt to each fan’s preferences — from a personalized SC For You, to integrated live stats, to multiview options that let you watch multiple games at once. And for fans who want it, we’re making it seamless to engage with ESPN Fantasy updates, betting through ESPN BET, or shopping for gear in real time during a game via a partnership with Fanatics. ESPN Digital & Social platforms already reach more than 190 million unique fans every month, nearly 70% of the total number of adults in the U.S. The goal is to give fans more ways to connect with the sports they love — whether that’s simply watching, diving deeper into stats, or participating in the action.

How are you positioning ESPN’s DTC service in an ever-growing streaming landscape?  

We’re launching from a position of incredible strength — both in brand and in rights. ESPN has the deepest and most diverse live sports portfolio in its history, spanning 47,000 live events across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, Tennis Majors, PGA TOUR LIVE and Golf Majors, UFC, WWE, international soccer, and more. That gives us a truly differentiated product in the streaming market. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone; we’re here to be everything to sports fans. And while making our networks available directly to consumer opens a new distribution path, the traditional cable and satellite ecosystem remains incredibly important to us. We’re committed to walking parallel paths — serving our cable partners while also making ESPN directly available to any fan who wants it. That combination sets us apart in the industry.

Teaser Features Never-Before-Seen Footage from Marvel Television’s Wonder Man and a First Look at Season Five of Hulu Original Only Murders in the Building

Disney+ has released a first look at its highly anticipated 2025 slate of original series and returning favorites across Disney+ and Hulu, all of which can be streamed via Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.

The 60-second sizzle showcases footage from hit returning series, including new adventures of the demigod Percy in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, everyone’s favorite family, The Hills, in the King of the Hill revival series, and more murder and mayhem in the fifth season of Only Murders in the Building. Fans will also get a look at Marvel Television’s Wonder Man, premiering later this year.

Titles showcased in the new spot include:

• • • • FX’s Alien: Earth* (streaming August 12)
      • All’s Fair* (streaming Fall 2025)
      • Chad Powers* (streaming September 30)
      • King of the Hill* (Season 14) (streaming August 4)
      • Only Murders in the Building* (Season 5)
      • Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Season 2) (streaming December 2025)
      • The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox* (streaming August 20)
      • Marvel Television’s Wonder Man (streaming December 2025)
      • ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires (streaming July 11)

    *Streaming on Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.

    International brand spots also debuted today across APAC, EMEA and LatAm, featuring local originals like BULLET/BULLET, A Thousand Blows, and Quebranto in their respective markets. With groundbreaking Hulu originals and blockbuster storytelling from Disney+, all streaming in one app for bundle subscribers, Disney+ is the ultimate destination for world-class entertainment.

Following the debut of The Bear’s fourth season, which is off to a white-hot start with viewers, FX has picked up the fifth season of the acclaimed Emmy^® Award winning comedy, it was announced by John Landgraf, Chairman, FX. All seasons, including the newly released season four, are available to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ with a bundle subscription domestically and Disney+ internationally.

“The Bear continues to be a fan favorite worldwide and their response to this season — as seen through incredibly high viewership — has been as spectacular as any of its previous seasons,” said Landgraf. “Year-in and year-out, Chris Storer, the producers, cast and crew make The Bear one of the best shows on television, and we are excited that they will continue to tell this magnificent story.”

In the latest season, the series’ fourth, Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are pushing forward, determined not only to survive, but also to take The Bear to the next level. With new challenges around every corner, the team must adapt, adjust and overcome. The pursuit of excellence isn’t just about getting better — it’s about deciding what’s worth holding on to. The series also stars Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas and Matty Matheson, with Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon in recurring roles.

Named an AFI Television Program of the Year in each of its first three seasons, FX’s The Bear most recently won 11 Emmy Awards for its second season, the most wins for a comedy series ever in a single year. The show has also garnered awards nominations and/or wins from the Golden Globe^® Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards^®, Peabody Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Writers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, Producer Guild Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, MPSE Golden Reel Awards, CAS Awards, ACE Eddie Awards and TCA Awards, amongst others.

FX’s The Bear was created by Christopher Storer, who serves as Executive Producer alongside Josh Senior, Joanna Calo, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson, Hiro Murai and Rene Gube. Courtney Storer serves as a Co-Executive Producer and Culinary Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful, the full-length visual companion to Miley Cyrus’ latest album, will launch July 16 on Disney+ and Hulu in the U.S. The film will also be available internationally on Disney+ — streaming July 16 in Canada and July 30 in EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

Miley continues her longstanding relationship with Disney, following her induction as a Disney Legend, by partnering once again for Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful, a one-of-a-kind pop opera fueled by fantasy, featuring thirteen original new songs from the visual album Something Beautiful.

The film is produced by Miley Cyrus, XYZ Films, and Panos Cosmatos in collaboration with Sony Music Vision, Columbia Records, and Live Nation, is directed by Miley Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, Brendan Walter, with cinematography by Benoît Debie.

The visual album premiered June 6 at the Tribeca Festival ahead of its one-night theatrical release in the U.S. and Canada on June 12.

Phineas and Ferb are once again determined to have the best summer ever — and it all starts with two brand-new episodes of Disney Branded Television’s Phineas and Ferb, debuting Thursday, June 5, on Disney Channel and Disney XD, streaming next day on Disney+.

When the five-time Emmy Award-winning animated series returns for Season 5, Phineas (voiced by Vincent Martella) and Ferb (voiced by David Errigo Jr.) will embark on exciting new adventures filled with unforgettable milestones. As they tackle another 104 days of summer, their sister Candace (voiced by Ashley Tisdale) will make it her mission to finally bust her inventive stepbrothers. Meanwhile, Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus, Perry (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker), continues to lead a double life as Agent P, whose sole goal is to prevent Dr. Doofenshmirtz (voiced by Dan Povenmire) from taking over the tristate area.

Phineas and Ferb — the most successful animated series for Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in Disney Television Animation history — hails from co-creators and executive producers Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, who are back at the helm following the success of the Disney+ Original movie Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe in 2020.

Since Phineas and Ferb debuted in 2008, the franchise has grown to include two television movies, a live touring show, and a theme park experience at Walt Disney World Resort — not to mention extensions across every consumer products category on a global scale.

“I think its success has a lot to do with decisions we made early on. We wanted to make a kinder, gentler show than other programs we were watching at the time,” Povenmire said. “None of our characters are motivated by meanness. We don’t go for laughs at the expense of other characters. We took that out of our toolbox and said, ‘Can we make something that is a celebration of positivity and see if we can still make that funny?’ It seems to have worked.”

Over the years — and thanks to Disney+, where Seasons 1–4 are streaming in their entirety — its popularity has only grown. “It’s become a comfort watch for people,” Povenmire said.

So, it came as no surprise in 2023 that fans were thrilled by the news that Disney Branded Television had ordered two seasons of Phineas and Ferb, consisting of 40 episodes in total.

“We’ve always loved these characters and wanted to go back to them,” Povenmire said. “I did a post on social media after the announcement, and the response was overwhelming. People were cheering. People were crying. It made me excited, but also a little worried, because I realized, ‘Oh! We’ve got to live up to these expectations.’ But when I saw the first episode [of Season 5] in color, and I saw the musical number, I knew we had lived up to their expectations. People who loved the original show are going to absolutely adore this.”

Martella agreed, saying, “It picks up like nothing happened.”

“It has the same heart and soul fans know and love,” he continued, “but we also explore characters in different ways that we hadn’t before. That feels really new and really fresh.”

And Martella — who has been with the series since its first season — would know about that. “I have been voicing Phineas for almost 20 years, and I can’t express just how much it means to me to still be playing this character,” he shared. “I don’t know that I will ever again get to work on something with this type of impact… I know it means so much to the fans.”

“We have a really great crew,” Marsh said. “I like to think we’ve done a really good job of creating an environment where they feel encouraged to contribute to the storytelling. It takes the pressure off us, especially because we have a couple of new writers in the room — guys who grew up with the show. It’s led to more ideas than we know what to do with.”

And, according to Errigo, Season 5 of Phineas and Ferb features more running gags than ever before. “Pay attention,” he teased. “Everything means something. It all pays off nicely.”

One of the reasons that Phineas and Ferb was primed for a return is that it had always been “a very open-ended, do anything kind of show,” Povenmire explained. “The characters are super likeable, but they’re also very different from each other. Phineas and Ferb try to do something fun every day, and that’s really what Disney is all about — having fun every day.”

Phineas and Ferb will premiere Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD with two episodes, and the first episode will be available the same day on Disney Channel YouTube. The first 10 episodes will premiere Friday, June 6, on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets, with additional markets to follow later this year. The episodes will also be available to stream on Disney Channel on Demand.

HULU PERKS TO DROP THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

New Programs Unlock Exclusive Access, Special Discounts, and Fan-Focused Experiences

Disney+ announced today the launch of its new, always-on Perks program, offering fans rewards ranging from access to one-of-a-kind experiences and limited-time sweepstakes to everyday savings and special discounts. The program launches today in the U.S., expanding the streamer’s current offerings into an always-on program, with additional international rollouts to follow later this year.

At launch, Disney+ and bundle subscribers will have access to:

• A chance to win tickets to the Freakier Friday World Premiere and be among the first to see the all-new sequel before it arrives in theaters August 8*
• A chance to win a 4-night cruise on the Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale beginning November 2025*
• A 6-month free DashPass membership** from DoorDash
• 20% off on adidas.com and in the adidas app
• 15% off purchases at Funko.com and Loungefly.com
• A 3-month free trial of CLEAR+
• A 2-month Super Duolingo free trial
• Free in-game emoji from Disney Emoji Blitz
• Early access to the closed release of Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs, a monthly Mystery Capsule + until June 26th to claim a $10 Dapper Credit
• Special summer savings at Walt Disney World® Resort! Stay 2 nights or longer at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels and get rates starting from $99 per night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Free MONOPOLY GO! and Star Wars TIE fighter in-game TOKEN

**New to DashPass only. Terms apply.

UNLOCK HULU PERKS THIS SUMMER

Beginning June 2, Hulu will debut its first-ever suite of offerings, complementing the Disney+ Perks program and unlocking even more benefits for Hulu and bundle subscribers. Throughout the summer, new Hulu Perks will drop weekly including:

• Chances to win tickets to Lollapalooza, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and passes to Comic-Con® in San Diego*
• Sweepstakes to win items from and inspired by Hulu favorites like The Handmaid’s Tale, A Complete Unknown, and Only Murders in the Building*
• Exclusive perks from partners like Microsoft, Pure Green, and LG Electronics

“Our fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and Perks are our way of thanking them for subscribing to Disney+,” said Samantha Rosenberg, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Disney+. “Whether it’s access to in-demand experiences that only Disney can offer or everyday savings and special discounts from top brands, we’re building two complimentary programs that are all about celebrating our viewers.”

More than a year ago, Disney+ pioneered the first subscriber Perks program in streaming, and now, joined by Hulu, both platforms are setting a new standard for how streamers reward their audiences, adding ongoing value and delight to the Disney streaming experience.

And this is just the beginning. New Perks will drop regularly, giving fans more reasons to check in, discover something new, and engage with the stories they love. Visit disneyplus.com/perks for additional information and stay tuned to @hulu on social.

Disney+ Perks requires an active Disney+ subscription and enrollment in the program; terms apply. See https://perks.disneyplus.com/en_us/offer-terms for offer terms.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Visit disneyplus.com/perks and hulu.com/perks for the Official Rules for each sweepstakes, including details on how and when to enter, free alternative methods of entry, eligibility requirements, odds of winning, prize descriptions, limitations, and Sponsor details. Void where prohibited.

Today at The Disney Upfront, ESPN and Disney+ announced the development of Vibe Check — a new all-female-led sports-focused studio show set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ in late June.

Streaming new episodes three times a week, the show will deliver fast-paced coverage of every sport with expert analysis, all-access moments, unapologetic opinions and a healthy dose of laughter — all while bringing audiences bold perspectives and unbeatable vibes. Featuring a powerhouse panel of female talent, the program will spotlight ESPN’s most prominent voices, leveraging their expertise, insight, and storytelling to provide a fresh, perspective-driven approach to sports coverage. With a focus on delivering a modern, cross-platform experience, the show will offer dynamic content tailored for digital and social platforms in addition to Disney+.

“We are incredibly excited to launch this new show, which will provide a powerful platform for the brilliant women at ESPN,” said Burke Magnus, President of Content, ESPN. “The voices that will be leading this program have long been shaping the sports landscape, and now they’ll have this additional platform to bring their unique insights to the forefront in an even more impactful way for Disney+ subscribers.”

The show will be ESPN’s second exclusive content offering on Disney+, joining SC+, a new daily edition of SportsCenter, which debuted March 3.

Disney+ standalone subscribers have access to a curated selection of content from ESPN+ and Hulu including live sports events, studio shows, ESPN and Hulu Originals, TV series and films — all in one place. Subscribers to the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle can view the full ESPN+ content offering including more than 30,000 live sports events yearly and a library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content and studio programming.

Lucasfilm’s Andor returns for its highly anticipated second and final season on Tuesday, April 22, only on Disney+. A prequel to the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), the critically acclaimed thriller series tells the story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a key player in the Rebel Alliance.

Andor creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy — who co-wrote the billion-dollar blockbuster Rogue One — once again brings his clear, creative vision to the series, which won a Peabody Award and was nominated for eight Emmys^®, including Outstanding Drama Series.

According to Gilroy, having a previously established ending for the titular character was surprisingly freeing. “It’s having the ending, it’s having the structure, it’s having the boundaries of Season 2 and the leadup to Rogue One that make it possible for the show to be good,” he said. “That restriction, that framework, really allows you to swing within that.”

Whereas Season 1 spanned a single year, Season 2 will cover four years of storytelling. The 12 episodes will release in four “chapters,” consisting of three episodes each, and chart Cassian’s growth into the hero who will eventually make the ultimate sacrifice to steal the plans for the Death Star — paving the way for the events of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977).

An Epic Conclusion

While some characters’ “fates are known,” Gilroy teased, “some are up for grabs.”

What that will ultimately mean for characters such as Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Saw Gererra (Forest Whitaker), Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) remains to be seen. But, Gilroy said, they all have an important role to play amid the Empire’s rise. “All of our characters are so fascinating and they’re so intertwined with one another,” he explained. “They’re all tribally connected, and they inevitably lead to each other, in a way.”

As for Cassian? “It’s interesting, because Season 1 covered just one year of his life, but there’s so much that he witnessed, so much he went through. There is a lot for him to take in, to digest,” Luna said. “In the second season, we’re going to see four years of his life, and there’s still a lot of growth needed for him to get to the point where we see him in Rogue One. One thing that’s very interesting is that he has an awakening, but now he has to find out what he’s capable of. He has to understand what’s going on around him; it’s not an easy moment in the history of this galaxy far, far away to actually understand what’s going on.”

The Adventures Continue

When Andor concludes May 13, Luna believes fans will see Rogue One in a different light.

“It has changed the way I see Rogue One; I’m positive of that,” Luna said. “Rogue One is about events, but you don’t get to know the characters, what’s behind their choices. And now you will. You will know what he means when he talks about sacrifice, when he talks about doing terrible things for the rebellion. You’ll understand, because you’ll know what he’s thinking, who he’s dreaming of, who he is thinking of — and what he’s leaving behind.”

Live Sports and Entertainment have always been core to Disney’s streaming offerings. As the marketplace demand for Live has accelerated, so has Disney’s platform. We are expanding our technology to meet advertiser demand to align with these exciting and unpredictable moments. Now more than ever, Live content is a core pillar of our future-forward streaming strategy.In the past few weeks alone, Disney has rolled out two new biddable ad tech advancements to help propel this initiative forward. This includes expanding live inventory into biddable marketplaces through Disney’s proprietary Ad Server and our support of Instant Deals within Google’s demand-side platform, Display & Video 360, in the U.S.“This is a significant advancement in our ad technology,” said Amy Lehman, SVP of Ad Platforms. “Disney is not only making valuable live ad inventory available to advertisers, but also enabling automated workflows to simplify access for buyers.”Let’s take a closer look.

New Biddable Ad Technology Integrations

Live content from Hulu and Disney+, which now includes access to ESPN and ABC News content for eligible subscribers, is now available to advertisers programmatically through biddable integrations. The launch follows the rollout of Disney’s LIVE Sports & Entertainment certification, with Google’s DV360, The Trade Desk, Yahoo DSP, and Magnite among certified platforms that, as Jamie Power (SVP of Addressable Sales) noted, “can confidently leverage spikes in viewership and scale during pivotal live moments.”Additionally, Disney is supporting Google’s Display & Video 360 Instant Deals feature through the Disney Real-Time Ad Exchange (DRAX), allowing buyers to quickly create deals within the Display & Video 360 marketplace. This automated process lets buyers choose Disney ad inventory, apply targeting, and activate deals instantly. Since Display & Video 360 was already integrated with Disney’s marketplace via DRAX Direct, this partnership strengthens efforts to provide advertisers with efficient ways to grow their business.“Our goal hasn’t changed — and that’s to make it as easy and flexible for our clients to buy Disney, across all platforms and marketplaces,” said Power. “By expanding our support for a range of deal types, and expanding biddable capabilities across live sports, streaming and entertainment, we’re laying the foundation for powering biddable automation and outcomes at scale.”

Disney’s Ad Technology Leadership

These are just the latest steps we’ve taken in streaming and ad tech leadership. For years, Disney’s proprietary ad tech stack has actively supported addressable advertising in live programming, which now also enables dynamic ad insertion (DAI) for live events on Disney+ — a game-changing enhancement for live sports content and advertisers. By enabling Live DAI across Disney+, which was already available on Hulu, Disney is driving scaled personalization further — ensuring live viewers see more relevant ads. In the rapidly expanding world of live streaming, this enables more personalized ad experiences at scale, minimizes disruption to the viewing experience, and delivers value to advertisers.“Disney has a leadership position in live streaming thanks to extensive technological expertise, decades of operational experience, and sophisticated global infrastructure,” said Lehman. “Combining that with our leadership in ad technology by building a suite of products that enable personalization and interoperability allows us to meet the demands of the market to drive greater impact.”

The next Descendants movie is officially in production — and today, Disney Branded Television shared a first look at the cast on the set of the music-and-dance-fueled film, which centers around the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and villains.

In the highly anticipated fifth chapter of the mega-popular film franchise, Descendants: The Rise of Red stars Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker reprise their roles as Princesses Red and Chloe, the daughters of the Queen of Hearts and Cinderella, respectively, and Leonardo Nam returns as Maddox Hatter. Also joining the cast of the upcoming film are Liamani Segura as Pink, sister of Red; Brendon Tremblay as Max Hatter, son of Maddox Hatter; Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal, son of Luisa Madrigal; Kiara Romero as Hazel Hook, daughter of Captain Hook; Joel Oulette as Robbie, son of Robin Hood; Zavien Garrett as Felix, son of Dr. Facilier; and Ryan McEwen and Dayton Paradis, twin sons of Mr. Smee.

“The love for the Descendants franchise runs deep, and the incredible response to Descendants: The Rise of Red last year proved just how much fans are invested in these characters and their stories,” Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television, said when the fifth Descendants movie was announced. “Our next movie will build on that legacy and deliver even more of the magic, music, and heart that make Descendants so special—brought to life by an amazing cast and creative team who continue to elevate this world in new and exciting ways.”

Picking up shortly after the events of Descendants: The Rise of Red, the fifth film explores what “happily ever after” is really like for Red and Chloe in the wake of their time-traveling adventures. Set primarily in present-day Wonderland, the sequel delves into the warning from the end of the last movie: “There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time.”

Executive producers Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh return to the Descendants franchise, with Kimmy Gatewood directing and co-producing the fifth chapter, from a script by co-executive producer Tamara Chestna and Dan Frey and Ru Sommer. Emmy Award winner Emilio Dosal is choreographing the music-and-dance sequences, a staple of the franchise.

In an exclusive interview last summer, Davis shared her immense pride in being able to “re-launch the franchise with a new story, new characters, and a new set of talent,” adding, “Our Descendants talent is amazing and has connected with generations of fans by truly embodying their characters and putting their heart and soul into their performances. We have had iconic stars like Kristen Chenoweth, and now Rita Ora and Brandy, and next-generation talent like Dove [Cameron] and Sofia [Carson], and now Kylie and Malia — to name just a few! From singing, to dancing, to acting, they are such stars, and they have cemented their place in the hearts of fans all over the world.”

Fans of all ages can see their favorite stars take the stage when the North American “Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour kicks off this summer, featuring performances by Descendants: The Rise of Red‘s Cantrall, Baker, Dara Reneé, and Joshua Colley and ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires‘ Freya Skye, Malachi Barton, and Mekonnen Knife.

ESPN, Disney+, and Skydance Sports today announced the development of an upcoming ESPN Original Series on the Kansas City Chiefs. Produced by Words + Pictures in association with Skydance Sports, NFL Films, 2PM Productions, and Foolish Club Studios, the six-episode docuseries is expected to premiere later this year on ESPN and Disney+ and will explore the franchise’s indelible and distinctive place in the NFL’s landscape for over more than six decades of history while offering an exclusive, revealing chronicle of the team’s extraordinary 2024 season. The docuseries is directed by Kristen Lappas of Words + Pictures (Giannis: The Marvelous Journey, Full Court Press, Dream On) and produced by much of the team behind The Last Dance (including executive producers Connor Schell, Jason Hehir, Libby Geist and Aaron Cohen, and showrunner Matt Maxson).

“ESPN and Disney+ know that sports fans are interested in stories that take them beyond the X’s and O’s, and this series will explore the legacy of the Chiefs franchise while also showcasing the emotional highs and lows of building a championship-winning team,” said Burke Magnus, president of content, ESPN. “From the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes to the leadership of Andy Reid and the passion of Chiefs Kingdom, this project will showcase the drama, intensity, and heart that make this team a global phenomenon.”

The original documentary series – which was filmed over the course of the 2024 season and includes unprecedented access into the players’ lives on and off the field – details the Chiefs’ journey as the club completed a franchise-record 15-win regular season, captured a third-consecutive Lamar Hunt Trophy as AFC champions, and made a third-straight Super Bowl appearance in New Orleans. The remarkable run builds upon nearly a decade of tremendous success, during which the team made the playoffs every year (2015-24), won the AFC West Division title nine years running (2016-24), appeared in the AFC Championship Game seven years in a row (2018-24), and ultimately made five Super Bowl appearances over the past six years, raising the hallowed Vince Lombardi Trophy three times.

“No team in sports has been more captivating over the last decade than the Kansas City Chiefs. To get the chance to go behind-the-scenes of the team’s modern-day dynasty with its signature stars, and weave that story together with the Chiefs’ history and incomparable legacy of Lamar Hunt, whose imprint on the club and the league is still felt every Sunday, is a remarkable opportunity,” said Connor Schell, executive producer and founder of Words + Pictures. “We’re so excited to be working with ESPN, Skydance Sports, 2PM Productions and everyone at the Chiefs organization on this series.”

Told through the lens of current-day players, coaches, and executive leaders, following them both on and off the field all season long, the series will also weave together tales of the team’s long and celebrated history, its proud culture, as well as the Chiefs’ deeply ingrained place in the Kansas City community and the wider sports landscape.

Along the way, the series will spotlight the 65-year history of the Chiefs franchise dating back to its earliest days in Dallas, Texas, when the team was founded by the legendary sports innovator Lamar Hunt. It will explore the many highs and lows of the club’s iconic path to modern-day dynasty, detailed by countless untold stories and behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped its legacy. With exclusive access to the organization’s extensive and rarely seen photo and video archives, coupled with intimate interviews with players, coaches, and other key figures, the series will offer a fascinating look at the team’s long path to the pinnacle of the sports world.

You asked, and we listened! Today, Disney+ is releasing a much-anticipated global update to its “Continue Watching” set, allowing users to easily remove titles from the row. Whether you’ve already finished a title, added something by accident, or simply want a reset, we’ve got you covered.Where can you find these updates? Here’s what you need to know on how to remove titles from the “Continue Watching” row:How can I remove something I’ve already watched from the “Continue Watching” row on my TV?This depends on where you’re removing it from. Within the “Continue Watching” row itself, you’ll need to navigate to the title you want, press and hold the button on your remote to remove, and then select Remove. However, if you are on the title’s Details page, simply navigate to the Remove icon on the right side and select Remove. Rest assured though, your watch progress will not be deleted, even if removed from the “Continue Watching” row.

What if I’m on a mobile device or on the web?The experience on both mobile and web are similar. From the “Continue Watching” row on mobile, navigate to the tile and tap the three dots, then select Remove. On the web, place your cursor over the tile and click the Remove icon from the top right corner to clear a title from “Continue Watching.”

Why am I not seeing this feature on my device?This update will be available on the web, Apple TV, and iOS devices starting today, with a rollout to additional platforms in the coming weeks.Why am I seeing titles in my “Continue Watching” row that I’ve never watched?This often happens when other members of your household stream on your profile. The easiest way to keep this row organized with the titles most relevant to you is by ensuring that everyone has their own profile. Creating and switching profiles on Disney+ is easy — check out these simple instructions! Each Disney+ account can have up to seven profiles, so everyone in your household can have a Disney+ experience that’s all theirs.Interested in sharing your account with someone outside your household? With Paid Sharing on Disney+, you can add one Extra Member to your account for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can transfer an eligible profile to someone that wants to create their own account.Is there anything else I should know?Keep in mind that live events are not available to be removed from the “Continue Watching” row. Live events will automatically disappear from the set after they conclude. For more details, including specific step-by-step instructions, visit the Disney+ Help Center in your region.

Beginning today, Disney+ will add a new 24/7 always-on Stream for THE SIMPSONS with 767 episodes across seasons 1-35 programmed in chronological order at launch. This means a total of nearly 300 continuous hours with the Simpsons family.

“From day one, the fans have asked for a Stream of THE SIMPSONS, and we’re happy to oblige,” said Gabe Lewis, SVP of Programming & Content Curation, Disney+. “Streams on Disney+ have been a fantastic go-to experience for subscribers looking to sit back and relax with their favorite shows and movies, and we look forward to evolving the user experience and expanding the offering with more Streams, to more subscribers, later this year.”

“THE SIMPSONS Stream will deliver a SIMPSONS marathon all day, every day — no matter when you tune in, this ultimate SIMPSONS binge will be there,” added Matt Selman, THE SIMPSONS Show-runner and Binge-watcher.

THE SIMPSONS Stream, featuring a programming lineup that will be refreshed monthly and accessible to Premium subscribers, adds to a collection of lean-back viewing experiences on Disney+. Additional Streams currently available to Premium subscribers include: HITS & HEROES, delivering a compilation of action-packed stories from marquee brands and franchises; THROWBACKS, a destination for always-on nostalgic pop culture content; and REAL LIFE, offering a lineup of traditional documentaries, biopics, and true stories. Other Streams remain available to all Disney+ subscribers like ABC NEWS, featuring live newscasts, breaking news, live events, and in-depth special reports through their 24/7 livestream, and DISNEY+ PLAYTIME, which includes all-time favorites for younger viewers.

In addition to 35 seasons of THE SIMPSONS, Disney+ is also home to THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, exclusive full-length SIMPSONS episodes, and more than 10 shorts featuring the Simpsons family. Bundle subscribers can also stream the current season via Hulu on Disney+. All these and more will continue to be available on demand to all Disney+ subscribers in THE SIMPSONS collection on the streaming service: https://www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-simpsons.

Moana 2 continues to make waves, garnering 27.3 million views globally on Disney+ in its first five days of streaming. This marks the biggest Walt Disney Animation Studios premiere since Encanto (2021) and the third-largest animated theatrical premiere of all time on Disney+.

The original Moana has now surpassed 1.4 billion hours streamed on Disney+ — that’s like streaming the film over 735 million times or playing “How Far I’ll Go” on repeat for more than 50,000 years. In the lead-up to Moana 2, 2024 marked Moana’s most-streamed year ever* and it’s been the most streamed film on Disney+ since the platform’s debut in 2019.

Moana 2 first set sail at the box office with the biggest Thanksgiving weekend opening ever and the highest opening in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ history. Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s momentum only grew from there, ultimately surpassing $1 billion worldwide to become the third highest-grossing Walt Disney Animation Studios release of all time.

*Source: Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings based on the Nielsen U.S. National Television panel. Total viewing minutes based on Persons 2+. Interval: 01/01/2024-12/29/2024.

On the heels of the successful launch of a new daily sports show, SC+, exclusively on Disney+, we spoke with hosts Gary Striewski and Randy Scott about all the hype, their day jobs and making a daily show that resonates with every kind of sports fan. “It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s everything you love about SportsCenter — but built for streaming,” Scott said.

SC+ just launched exclusively on Disney+ last week. How’s it going? SCOTT: We love it! The energy on the set is incredible and the feedback we’re hearing from fans has been great. It’s still early days but we’re having fun with it.

The show is the latest extension of the iconic, multiplatform SportsCenter brand that’s been on ESPN since the network launched in 1979. How is this a natural evolution of the brand and why Disney+?STRIEWSKI: For over 40 years, SportsCenter has been the go-to destination for sports fans, delivering highlights, analysis, and breaking news across multiple platforms. We wanted to take that brand halo and create a daily touchpoint for sports on Disney+. Who doesn’t want their daily sports news in a fast-paced, streamlined format that they can watch wherever and whenever they want?

9 a.m. ET live? Absolutely.
11:45 a.m. during someone’s lunch break? No problem. (But don’t tell the bosses.)
7:26 p.m. before calling it a night? For sure.

You both already anchor the 7 a.m. ET SportsCenter on ESPN. In what ways is SC+ tailored for a streaming audience?SCOTT: We constantly hear from fans how much they love the “Top 10” on SportsCenter, so SC+ is built around the most buzzworthy and engaging sports moments right from the start. Unlike our traditional SportsCenter show, SC+ is built for the casual sports fan and everything in between — the show is more direct, dynamic, and digestible.

The show streams live 7 days a week on Disney+ and ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. It’s important to us that fans get everything they need quickly, while still having the ability to watch on demand when it works for them.

But… if you like interruptions, this is not the show for you — because there aren’t any. It’s the opposite of a close game with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and both teams holding all their timeouts. The time flies on this show. If it were any more condensed, it would come in a can labeled “milk.” Yet, at the same time, it’s as thorough and comprehensive as only SportsCenter can be.

How does SC+ appeal to both diehard and casual sports fans?STRIEWSKI: The beauty of SC+ is that it’s built for every type of sports fan.

For diehards, it delivers must-see highlights, key plays, and breaking news in a fast, dynamic way — everything they need in just 30 minutes or less. For casual fans, it’s an easy, daily way to stay informed — whether they watch live, catch up on demand, or just tune in for the biggest moments.

And while the format is designed for a streaming audience, what hasn’t changed is what makes SportsCenter special. There still isn’t another show — not named SportsCenter — that curates the most important highlights and stories from across sports and delivers them in a perfectly digestible package the way ESPN does. That’s what SC+ also does, just in a new way.

At the end of the day, we get the privilege of telling fans what’s important in sports each day — and no one does that better.

Why is Disney+ the perfect platform for SC+?SCOTT: Not only is Disney+ one of the largest streaming platforms in the world, with a massive built-in audience, but those subscribers are already watching and engaging with ESPN content in the app so we knew there was an appetite for it. It also aligns with the way younger audiences consume content — on demand, quick-hit, and highly engaging.

The Oscars® — which took place on Sunday at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood — aired live on ABC, streamed live on Hulu, and aired live in more than 200 territories worldwide. The spectacular telecast was hosted by Conan O’Brien and saw Kieran Culkin take home Best Supporting Actor for Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain.

Here is a brief rundown of the telecast’s viewership and social numbers:

• The 97th Oscars® delivered a five-year high in both total viewers (19.69 million) and adults aged 18 to 49 (4.54 rating).
• Driven by younger viewing, including increases with younger males, the show also rose remarkably over the 2024 telecast in Adults aged 18-34 (+28% vs. 3.05 rating), delivering a six year high.
• “The Oscars” also stand as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast in both Total Viewers and Adults aged 18-49 for the 2024-2025 season.
• The 97th Oscars earned 104.2 million total social interactions, ranking as the No. 1 most social TV program season-to-date, outperforming both THE GRAMMYS® (102.2 million interactions) and The Super Bowl (62.4 million) this season for the first time on record.
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences saw an increase of +82% year over year in social engagement across all platforms, reaching over 64 million likes, comments, and shares.
• Finally, ESPN and ABC’s fourth annual “Oscars” Pick’em contest (1/23/25 – 3/2/25) set game records, including 110,012 unique visitors (+8% year over year) and 122,161 entries (+11% year over year).

Daredevil leaps back into action Tuesday on Disney+ with Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again. In the new series the story of Matt Murdock/Daredevil (played by Charlie Cox) and Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (played by Vincent D’Onofrio) continues in pulse-pounding fashion.

Murdock, a blind lawyer with heightened abilities, is fighting for justice through his bustling law firm — rather than as Daredevil — and former mob boss Fisk is pursuing his own political endeavors in New York. When their past identities begin to emerge, the two men find themselves on an inevitable collision course.

Filled with Daredevil’s signature gritty action and street-level drama, the series features familiar faces, such as Karen Page (played by Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (played by Elden Henson), and Frank Castle/The Punisher (played by Jon Bernthal) — as well as new characters, including former NYC DA Kirsten Mcduffie (played by Nikki James) and therapist Heather Glenn (played by Margarita Levieva), who’s Matt Murdock’s new love interest.

“We’ve all had one goal in common: to do a show that the fans are waiting to see, and we’ve put a lot of effort into doing that,” D’Onofrio said.

Brad Winderbaum, Head of Television, Streaming, and Animation at Marvel Studios, echoed D’Onofrio’s sentiment for producing the new series. “I really approached it as a fan, as something I would want to see,” he said.

Watch Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Brad Winderbaum discuss Daredevil: Born Again

“It’s All Born Out of Character”

Born Again finds the characters having “come up in the world,” as Fisk says to Murdock in the first episode. Cox noted that their come up also means the characters have “a lot more to lose.”

“The idea of losing it can make you feel like you’re backed into a corner,” Cox continued. “That’s when behavior becomes questionable.”

That questionable behavior often reveals itself as one of Daredevil’s signature characteristics — gritty, realistic, hand-to-hand action.

“It’s all born out of character,” Winderbaum said of the stunts and action. “Nothing is done arbitrarily. It’s a violent world, and these are characters that use violence in order to trade power.”

Scenes are written so that action doesn’t come out of nowhere. Rather, characters will interact in a way that creates tension that is wound tighter and tighter.

“And then you have these explosive releases in the action sequences,” Cox said.

That pressure is kept simmering throughout the episodes to ensure that the action is used sparingly, and therefore when it’s most impactful.

“There’s So Much Stuff to Explore”

What drives the narrative to those explosive moments comes from the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

“They’re such layered characters. There’s so much stuff to explore,” Cox said.

Both Cox and D’Onofrio have inhibited these roles for a decade, and the richness of the writing keeps them coming back. “I haven’t gotten bored of playing this character,” D’Onofrio said. “Like, not even a bit.”

While the series is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — which has captivated audiences with heroes saving not just the world, but at times the entire galaxy — Daredevil: Born Again intentionally keeps its preoccupation on the streets of New York City.

“It’s really like the comics where you would pick up an issue of Daredevil and you want to stay in a grounded, street-based ecosystem,” Winderbaum said.

That grounded basis makes space for the series to dig deeper and find the dramatic potential within street-level storytelling in one city.

“It looks at New York as being kind of this medieval kingdom filled with power struggles and deceit and unexpected acts of loyalty. It’s an amazing tapestry that [showrunner] Dario Scardapane and team have built,” Winderbaum said.

Exploring Tones

Working with Marvel Television creates the opportunity for a show like Born Again to capitalize on storytelling that can take risks as well.

“If you look back at the comic books, there’s an array of tones and genres and comedy and drama and action to choose from. But it’s never tonally one thing,” Winderbaum explained. “Being able to explore that darker tone that many of the comics live in is an important part of the storytelling process for the studio, but also something that Disney has really been supportive in helping us explore.”

D’Onofrio concurred that Marvel and Disney have been supportive of ensuring that Daredevil: Born Again was made with trust in their creative partners.

“They really trust us and they’ve been really great with us about everything when it comes to Daredevil. And we couldn’t ask for better people to work for,” D’Onofrio said.

“The Best Part of Television”

With a TV-MA rating, Daredevil: Born Again caters to an older, more mature audience. And as Winderbaum explains, that makes it a fit on Disney+.

“Disney+ has really become a service that has all sorts of content on it,” Winderbaum noted. “To me, it feels like the best part of television where you can sit down and watch anything you want.”

Disney+, of course, features beloved programming not only for fans of all ages, but also from the most beloved brands in the world — whether that’s Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Hulu, Disney Animation, National Geographic, ESPN, and so much more.

“It’s all this amazing stuff on the service, and there’s all these echelons of content,” Winderbaum said. “And TV-MA content, which we’ve been able to explore as part of the Marvel brand and the Marvel identity.”

This Sunday, The Oscars will air live on ABC and stream live on Hulu at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, the Academy Awards will celebrate every aspect of the arts and sciences of moviemaking and feature showstopping performances, heartfelt tributes, and — if history is any indication — a few surprises. In an exclusive Q&A, Rob Mills, Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television, shares what’s unique about this year’s telecast.

For the first time ever, the Oscars will stream live on Hulu in addition to being broadcast live on ABC. What was the impetus behind that decision?

I think we’ve seen more than ever that we need to meet our audiences where they are. We’ve seen firsthand how Dancing with the Stars has gained more relevancy than it’s had in years by streaming simultaneously on ABC and Disney+. It definitely felt like the time is now to make sure our big event programming is available to all viewers wherever they prefer to watch.

Several of Disney’s nominated films — including A Real Pain, Alien: Romulus, Elton John: Never Too Late, Inside Out 2, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Sugarcane — are currently streaming on Disney+ and/or Hulu. What are the benefits of having these films readily available to stream on Disney platforms before and after the Oscars ceremony?

I think the advantage of having these films available to stream before the ceremony helps give the viewer an added investment in the winner and nominees when they have seen them. The fact that these films can be viewed literally right after the Oscars creates an amazing halo effect across the entire company.

What makes Conan O’Brien the perfect person to host the Oscars?

We are so excited for Conan because in a year that has been so trying for so many people with so much hardship, Conan — as he has done for over 30 years — just wants to make you laugh for three hours and forget your problems. He is also someone who, in addition to being funny, can sing and dance, which we haven’t had from a host in a while.

This year marks Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan’s second time executive producing the ceremony and Hamish Hamilton’s fifth time directing the telecast. What makes them a winning team, and how does their combined experience add value to this year’s Oscars?

I think Raj and Katy, along with Hamish directing, are so incredibly passionate about the show and bring a fresh perspective to the Oscars. I also think they did an incredible job last year but have looked at ways to make the show move faster and be an even better night.

Raj and Katy recently said that this year’s ceremony will “lean into the alchemy of filmmaking” and take audiences behind the scenes. How, exactly, will the show do that?

I think they will help get viewers more invested in filmmaking and by extension the technical awards with various bumpers and clips in and out of breaks as well as with the various presenters in the categories.

The film industry was directly impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. How will the show acknowledge that and/or create an opportunity for people to give back?

We have been impressed with the way other award shows have handled the fires. I thought the GRAMMYS did an exquisite job. I think the theme now that we have gotten a few months past will be one of resilience and hope.

What element of this year’s ceremony most excites you?

The opening performance (which I won’t spoil) and, of course, Conan are the most exciting elements. I also am excited for the unknowns — the winners!

• Sports news, insights and exclusive commentary will stream daily for all U.S. Disney+ subscribers
• Gary Striewski and Randy Scott to host weekdays at 9 a.m. ET, Hannah Storm and Jay Harris on weekends

ESPN will launch a brand new daily SportsCenter show, SC+, on Monday, March 3, exclusively on Disney+. The fast-paced update will highlight each day’s top sports moments, stories, insights and exclusive commentary in a more concise and streamlined format.

SC+ will be built around the highly popular “SC Top 10” daily countdown of sports moments. The program will deliver the most important sports news stories of the day, complemented by insights from ESPN’s top insiders and reporters.

SC+ is the latest extension of the iconic multiplatform SportsCenter brand that debuted with ESPN’s original network launch on September 7, 1979, and has been trusted by sports fans for over 45 years.

“It’s an absolute honor to take one of ESPN’s most-prestigious and historic brands in SportsCenter and infuse it with the energy and creativity afforded by Disney+,” said Mike Foss, Senior Vice President, Studio & Entertainment. “SC+ endeavors to tell the best stories in sports daily in an unforgettable way. This fresh approach, combined with the expansive reach of Disney+, will resonate whether you are an ardent sports fan or looking for something new after your latest series binge.”

“ESPN has long defined excellence in sports programming, and now Disney+ subscribers will have daily access to the most exciting sports news, moments, and stories,” said Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+.

The show will be streamed live weekday mornings at 9 a.m. ET with each day’s edition available on demand on Disney+ for 24 hours. Gary Striewski and Randy Scott will host the weekday editions of SC+ and also continue to anchor the 7 a.m. ET SportsCenter on ESPN. On weekends, Hannah Storm and Jay Harris will host SC+ following their SportsCenter:AM program on ESPN, delivering a fresh and engaging look at the day’s top sports moments.

With the addition of this daily show, Disney+ standalone subscribers will continue to have access to a curated selection of content from ESPN+ and Hulu including live sports events, studio shows, ESPN Originals, TV series and films — all in one place. Subscribers to the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ bundle can view the full ESPN+ content offering, including more than 30,000 live sports events yearly and a library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content and studio programming.

It’s almost time to roll out the red carpet for the 97th Oscars. 

Before Hollywood’s biggest night, get all the details on this year’s ceremony, from the host and the nominees to the presenters and the performers — in addition to all the pre- and post-awards coverage of the big wins, fabulous fashions, viral moments, and so much more.

When are The Oscars airing?

Held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, The Oscars will air live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT — and, for the first time, stream live on Hulu. The ceremony will stream on Disney+ internationally and air on broadcast outlets globally.

How and when can I watch the Oscars pre-shows?

Leading into Oscars weekend, Good Morning America‘s Lara Spencer will be on the ground in Los Angeles Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a preview of Oscars preparations, including a sneak peek of The Governor’s Ball (the official Oscars afterparty) with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. James Longman will join Spencer and GMA‘s coverage Friday. Whit Johnson will also be on-site for special segments throughout the weekend. In addition, Good Morning America will mark its 50th anniversary with a look back at its extensive coverage of the Oscars throughout the years, culminating with the GMA Oscar Monday After-Party, broadcast live from both Hollywood and New York City on Monday, March 3.

Countdown to the Oscars with Robin Roberts: A Special Edition of 20/20 will air Friday, February 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. In this primetime special, Disney Legend Robin Roberts interviews Oscar nominees Jesse Eisenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Coralie Fargeat, James Mangold, and others. The special also includes spotlights on nominees Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña, among others. Connelly also sits down with O’Brien to find out what the first-time host is planning.

ABC News will present a star-studded pre-show, On The Red Carpet at the Oscars, on Sunday, airing across ABC Owned Television Stations and Affiliates as well as streaming on ABC News Live from 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT until the awards show begins. ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Johnson, and Chris Connelly, along with KABC’s George Pennacchio and Variety‘s Clayton Davis will welcome and interview this year’s Oscar nominees and presenters as they arrive, while KABC meteorologist Leslie Lopez, supermodel Roshumba Williams, and fashion expert Joe Zee will be on site to discuss all the night’s best fashions.

Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer will host The Oscars Red Carpet Show, the official lead-in to the 97th Oscars, on ABC Sunday, marking Palmer’s inaugural year and Hough’s second consecutive year doing the honors. The 30-minute special will highlight nominees, performers, and presenters, providing a multi-view experience of the red carpet arrivals.

Who are this year’s Oscar nominees?

The Walt Disney Company received 15 Oscar nominations across The Walt Disney Studios, content brands, and platforms (Disney+ and Hulu). That includes eight for Searchlight Pictures’ A Complete Unknown, two for Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain, one for 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus, one for Disney Branded Television’s Elton John: Never Too Late, one for Pixar Animation Studios’ Inside Out 2, one for 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and one for National Geographic Documentary Films’ Sugarcane.

For a detailed list of Disney’s nominations, click here. To see all the nominees, click here.

Where can I stream Disney’s Oscar-nominated films?

A Complete Unknown is in theaters and available to rent or purchase on premium VOD platforms (PVOD). Visit D23.com to find out where to stream A Real Pain, Alien: Romulus, Elton John: Never Too Late, Inside Out 2, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Sugarcane.

Who is the hosting the 2024 Oscars?

As announced in November 2024, Emmy Award-winning television host, writer, producer, and comedian Conan O’Brien will host The Oscars, marking his first time doing the honors.

“Conan is a preeminent comedic voice whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective,” Craig Erwich, President, Disney Television Group, said when O’Brien’s involvement was announced. “He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars.”

Who is performing at the Oscars?

Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, LISA of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and RAYE will participate in showstopping performances celebrating the filmmaking community and some of its legends. The Oscars also will feature a special appearance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The producers will continue to announce talent joining the show leading up to the ceremony.

Who is presenting at the Oscars?

Joe Alwyn, Dave Bautista, Halle Berry, Sterling K. Brown, Penélope Cruz, Disney Legend Miley Cyrus, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., Elle Fanning, Disney Legend Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Cillian Murphy, Connie Nielsen, Amy Poehler, Margaret Qualley, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, June Squibb, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone, Miles Teller, Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey, Bowen Yang, and Rachel Zegler are confirmed to present during the show.

How do I play Oscars Pick ‘Em?

Oscars Pick’em is a free to play game on ESPN.com/ABC.com, the ESPN App, and the ESPN Fantasy App that serves as a second screen experience for movie and gaming fans alike. Players compete by predicting who they think will win in all 23 categories. During the live broadcast, their selections will be scored in real time as each winner is announced. The grand prize is a trip for two to Los Angeles for the 2026 Oscars Watch Party and $5,000, and 10 first prize winners will receive an Oscar prize pack. (See complete rules for details.)

How can I follow along on social media?

Chicken Shop Date‘s Amelia Dimoldenberg will serve as The Academy’s official social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent, after first holding the position in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Amelia as our social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent to provide viewers with exclusive access to the Oscars,” Jennifer Davidson, The Academy’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, said in a statement. “Amelia’s widespread appeal and unique approach resonated with global audiences, and we are looking forward to her affable and engaging perspective on the Oscars experience.”

Fans can also follow along via ABC’s official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X accounts.

GoodMorningAmerica.com — as well as GMA‘s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X accounts — will provide live coverage of the red carpet and award show starting at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. ABCNews.com will also publish real-time updates on Oscars Sunday.

Who is on the Oscars production team?

The team behind this year’s ceremony includes executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor; executive producer Katy Mullan; co-executive producer Rob Paine; producers Taryn Hurd, Sarah Levine Hall, Jeff Ross, Mike Sweeney; director Hamish Hamilton; production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley; music director Michael Bearden; supervising choreographer Mandy Moore; and lighting designers Bob Dickinson and Noah Mitz. Joining Conan O’Brien as a writer are Amberia Allen, José Arroyo, Josh Comers, Dan Cronin, Jessie Gaskell, Skyler Higley, Berkley Johnson, Ian Karmel, Brian Kiley, Laurie Kilmartin, Carol Leifer, Jon Macks, Matt O’Brien, Agathe Panaretos, and Mike Sweeney.

What happens after the Oscars?

During the Oscars, Disney Legend Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will be waiting in the wings to speak with winners the moment they walk offstage. Overnight, the Live with Kelly and Mark team will create the fan-favorite “After the Oscars Show” special, featuring the best moments with the biggest Oscar winners and, of course, the night’s most fabulous fashions. Come Monday morning, Ripa and Consuelos will walk onto the stage — ready or not — to talk to special guests, introduce a show-stopping musical performance, and more.

Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker Return To Star in the Disney Channel Original Movie Sequel to Descendants: The Rise of Red

New Descendants from Alice in Wonderland and More to Join Franchise

Today, Disney Branded Television revealed that the next chapter of the beloved Descendants movie franchise is officially in the works for Disney Channel and Disney+, with production on a fifth installment set to begin soon. The newly greenlit Disney Channel Original Movie will expand the music-and-dance-fueled stories centered around the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and villains. Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker will reprise their roles as Princesses Red and Chloe, the daughters of the Queen of Hearts and Cinderella, respectively. The film’s official title will be announced at a later date.

Picking up shortly after the events of the 2024 hit film Descendants: The Rise of Red, the next chapter explores what “happily ever after” is really like for Red and Chloe, following their return from their time-traveling adventures. Set primarily in present-day Wonderland, the sequel delves into the warning at the end of the previous movie: “There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time.”

In addition to Cantrall and Baker, Leonardo Nam returns as Maddox Hatter. New descendants to the franchise include: Liamani Segura as Red’s sister Pink, Brendon Tremblay as Max Hatter, Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal and Kiara Romero as Hazel Hook. Additional characters to be confirmed as casting continues to unfold.

Kimmy Gatewood (The Baby-sitter’s Club, Girls5eva) is set to direct, with a script by co-executive producer Tamara Chestna (Sneakerella) and Dan Frey and Ru Sommer (Descendants: The Rise of Red). Returning to the franchise are executive producers Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh. Gatewood also serves as co-producer. Emmy® Award-winning choreographer Emilio Dosal (Wicked, Sneakerella) will bring the brand-new music-and-dance sequences, which have become a beloved hallmark of the Descendants franchise, to life.

“The love for the Descendants franchise runs deep, and the incredible response to Descendants: The Rise of Red last year proved just how much fans are invested in these characters and their stories,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “Our next movie will build on that legacy and deliver even more of the magic, music and heart that make Descendants so special — brought to life by an amazing cast and creative team who continue to elevate this world in new and exciting ways.”

A powerhouse franchise in youth entertainment, each premiere telecast of the first three Descendants movies ranks as the most-watched cable movie of the year (2015, 2017 and 2019) among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. The latest installment, Descendants: The Rise of Red, debuted on Disney+ in July and was last year’s most watched original movie across all streaming among Kids 6-11 and Girls 6-11.* Following the release of Descendants: The Rise of Red, the Descendants social handles reached over 10 billion impressions** and garnered over 11 million followers across X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. “Red” was also a #1 top-selling Halloween costume in 2024.***

To further extend the storytelling, the first two movie soundtracks are certified gold, with the third and fourth movie soundtracks hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtrack chart and Children’s Album chart. Additionally, more than 57 books inspired by the Descendants worlds and characters have been published, including a four-time New York Times bestselling series. This summer, the North America-wide “Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour” will celebrate the music from the popular Descendants and Zombies franchises.

Available now on Disney+: Descendants: The Rise of Red, the first three Descendants movies, animated spinoff series Descendants: Wicked World, animated special Descendants: The Royal Wedding and several Descendants-inspired music videos.

*Source: Nielsen, SCR, 1/1-12/29/24, based on total hours of streaming for all movies.
**Source: YouTube Analytics. Lifetime subscribers and impressions of Descendants YouTube Channel – Lifetime through 2/19/25.
***Source: Party City