D23
As usual, like every year since 2009, Disney’s fan event, which is known as D23 (Which is basically like San Diego Comic-Con, but instead of comic book fans, this event is solely surrounded by the fans of Disney to cater for various announcements and new merchandise) has also successfully occurred in 2024 in the as usual location of Anaheim California.
This year’s fan convention is blessed by multiple new announcements, especially of the films they have been waiting for the continuation. Besides that, they got some sneak peeks of their fav shows; as for those Disney fans who are mainly attracted to the theme parks and merchandise, it is also a good day for them as various new merchandise and theme parks based on multiple classic Disney characters like Jungle Book were unveiled in this particular fan expo of this year.
The history of this fan event.
Bob Iger, the current head of Disney, has been credited as a brainchild of this event as he was the first to introduce the concept of D23 on March 10 2009, at the annual meeting of the company’s shareholders. The first expo occurred in September of that same year; the result of that event was hugely successful, and Disney, seeing the success, announced in 2010 that this particular event would occur twice yearly. In 2013, D23, primarily used to schedule in California for the first time, went international that same year in October. The particular event was hosted in the land of anime, primarily on geographical terms, also known as Japan.
This event is not only for fans of the mouse to see their favorite Disney content, but it also cultivates a stage for them to meet with their favorite celebrities. Every year, this expo is bestowed by the appearance of various prominent celebrities starring popular A-list actors like Nicholas Cage or even famous singers like Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber.
Marvel once again ruled this event like a king.
Marvel, after making history on SDCC by pulling out the biggest casting news and hiring the crown in the jewel director duo back for them, everybody thought that the announcement treasure for this year had been finished for this comic book company. However, they didn’t know this was just the tip of the iceberg and more announcements would arrive on D23.
In D23, Marvel fabulously started their innings by providing the first sneak peek of the upcoming fourth instalment of the Star-Spangled Man alias Captain America, which is titled Captain America: Brave New World, was exclusively presented by Anthony Mackie, who is playing the titular role Sam Wilson whom Steve Rogers the classic holder of the moniker of Captain America passed the torch into in Avengers: Endgame.
The teaser, just like other presentations, has not been uploaded to YouTube or any social media platform by Marvel. However, the footage of these teasers can be viewed on any social media platform because the fans (as there was no restriction on recording in D23) have successfully recorded those presentations on their cellular phones.
In the teaser of Captain America: Brave New World, a massive twist is seen when Isaiah Bradley (The character was introduced in the 2021 TV series Falcon and Winter Soldier and the comics; he goes by the moniker of Patriot ) is seen conducting an attempt to kill the President of USA aka General Thunderbolt Ross. One of the theories already pinned to it is that he might be brainwashed by the Serpent Society Organisation (The main antagonist in this film).
Also, the cast of the most anticipated Marvel film of next year, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will see the return of the first family of marvel to the MCU and is currently in production in the United Kingdom, has sent a special video message to the people who were attending D23.
The next kitty for Marvel in the panel of D23 was the announcement of the release date of Daredevil: Born Again. It has been a couple of years since fans saw the proper action of the protector of Hell’s Kitchen (Besides the minor appearance of the fan-favourite blind lawyer in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk ).
The fans were also sceptical as to what will be the fate of the new show as during the halfway of the production of Born Again the president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige has opted for creative reboot that saw the production being starting from scratch. But finally, all queries are clear, and the Blind superhero is properly returning after eight years, as the series is confirmed to be released on Disney in March 2025.
The following presentation of Marvel in D23 was something different as on the next segment, the cast of the upcoming Disney series Agatha All Along (Which will see the journey of the character Agatha Harkness after the events of Wanda Vision where she was the main antagonist) took the stage to perform the song “The Ballad of the Witches Road” that has been written by the Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez for the show in a musical opera manner.
This was the only content of D23 that Marvel made available from their official social media account. After the musical opera performances, as expected, a new trailer and a poster for the show were announced. Agatha All Along is scheduled to be released on 18 September 2024.
However, not only is the live-action materials of Marvel the only thing that took the spotlight on D23, but the animation department also had its last laugh. In D23, some of the rumours of animated shows like Marvel Zombies and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which were stated by some scoopers that they were being canned, were diminished.
The glimpse of both of the shows shown with The Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man can make a strong connection for the comic book readers as the animation style will take them back to the 1960s era Spider-Man comics, which were drawn by Jack Kirby (As the whole animation sequence as stated by the makers were done on this style which they referred as the Kirby Style).
Also, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man doesn’t occur in the MCU but in an alternate universe whose history mirrors the MCU. In the MCU, spider-man was mentored by Tony Stark; however, in this show, he would be mentored by Norman Osborn (Who in the comics and other media is also known as the supervillain Green Goblin, the arch nemesis of the web-slinger). However, there is no confirmation that he will turn into Green Goblin or not in this show and will emerge as the arch nemesis for this Peter. Also, suppose the reports from some prominent scoopers are correct.
In that case, this show takes place on Earth 838 (The alternate universe first seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) before the events of the Multiverse of Madness events. The voice actors for Peter Parker and Norman Osborn, both also being revealed in D23 as Hudson Thames, who previously voiced the wall-crawler on the Disney+ series What-If on the Marvel Zombies episode, will again provide voice to this character. On the other hand, Colman Domingo will provide the Voice of Norman Virgil Osborn. There is no release date; however, the show was announced on D23.
The footage of Marvel Zombies in D23 is also shown. The Marvel Zombies is the continuation of the What If Season 1 Episode 5, but this time getting its spin-off in a mini-series format with four episodes. The footage shows that Kamala Khan and Shang Chi (The two newest MCU additions) are the main leads, and the show from the teasers looked like a combination of Mad Max and World War Z with superheroes. A release date for this show has also not been announced.
Also, not only did the entertainment parts shine in D23 of Marvel, but the gaming part of Marvel was also successful in earning the attention of the fans. Since the film Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel has been in collaboration with the popular online video game called Fortnite, which has led the Marvel characters to appear in the Fortnite world with other Fortnite characters and a mix of Marvel and Fortnite stories has enhanced the experience of the gamers.
Every year, fans speculate about which new Marvel character will enter this game, from Thanos to Guardians of the Galaxy; in the past, all classic characters have made their way here. This year, due to Deadpool and Wolverine having a successful movie running around, fans were sure that both characters would enter into this game. However, it seems like Marvel is on the fever of Fantastic Four as, surprisingly, it announced on D23 that in this season of Fortnite, Doctor Doom and The Fantastic Four will be the newest additions in this game.
Other materials which were shown in this event
D23 of 2024 not only predominantly revolved around Marvel, but also other non-Marvel character projects were announced or shown in the form of teasers or trailers. Some are pretty popular among the fans and have a long-standing legacy compared to Marvel or MCU.
One of the first ones that can be considered is Star Wars. The space opera series looked like the mouse has not been properly handling this particular franchise ever since it acquired the rights of this franchise in 2012; however, this seems to be proven wrong with the recent installment of TV series such as Book Of Boba Fett, Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano and looks like this particular thing will be contributed on the upcoming show Skeleton Crew.
In D23, the teaser was shown by the lead actor of this series, Jude Law (Who is also known for portraying John Watson in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes series). Who will portray the character Jod Na Nawood, and it takes place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi.
Also, a first look at Tron Ares (Which is the third instalment of the cult classic 1980s science fiction thriller Tron that came out in 1982) was shown where the lead actors who are Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters characters were revealed. Jared Leto is playing Ares, Greta Lee is playing Eva Kim, and Evan Peters is playing the role of Julian Dillinger. It is also confirmed in D23 that Jeff Bridges, who played Kevin Flynn, the original film’s main lead, is again reprising his role. This film is scheduled to be in theatres on 10 October 2025.
Meanwhile, James Cameron, who is known for his films like Titanic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Avatar franchise among the worldwide audience, has also provided an update on the Third instalment of the Avatar series (The franchise which held the record for grossing 2 billion dollars in worldwide for two consecutive times) which the fans are waiting since 2022.
The title of the third instalment of Avatar provided by the director is Avatar Fire and Ash. He also showcased some concept art of the film, which includes the lead character Neytiri riding a banshee and the first look of the Ash people of Na’vi seen through the concept art. James Cameron also teased that the audience will see a lot more of the Pandora location that they have not witnessed in the previous two films. Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled to be released on 19 December 2025.
Also, Disney’s various cult classic animated franchises got the nod of approval at this expo, and their fans will once again see their journey. One of them is Toy Story 5; the saga of the Living Toys will continue in theatres on March 2026, with another franchise meanwhile is returning just after one year of the saga of the Toys; it is the journey of the snow queen Anna (The lead character of the household franchise Frozen started on 2013) which is coming with the third part titled Frozen 3 in November 2027 during the winter time which will see our fav snow queen being once again on her snowy adventures after eight years hiatus.
FAQ
Why did Isiah Bradley try to kill President Thunderbolt Ross?
One of the theories already pinned to it is that he might be brainwashed by the Serpent Society Organisation (The main antagonist in this film).
Where is The Fantastic Four: First Step is filming?
It is currently in production in the United Kingdom.
What is the release date of Daredevil: Born Again?
The blind superhero is properly returning after eight years, as the series is confirmed to be released on Disney in March 2025.
Who wrote The Ballad of the Witches Road?
The Ballad of Witches Road,” written by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez, was presented in D23.
When will Agatha All Along be released?
Agatha All Along is scheduled to be released on 18 September 2024.
Does Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man take place in the MCU?
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man doesn’t occur in the MCU but in an alternate universe whose history mirrors the MCU.
Is Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man take place on Earth 838?
Suppose the reports from some prominent scoopers are correct. In that case, this show takes place on Earth 838 (The alternate universe first seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) before the events of the Multiverse of Madness events.
Who will voice Peter Parker in Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man?
Peter Parker’s voice actor is revealed in D23 as Hudson Thames.
Which Marvel character is making their way in this season of Fortnite?
It is announced on D23 that in this season of Fortnite, Doctor Doom and The Fantastic Four will be the newest additions to this game.
Which character Jude Law is playing in Skeleton Crew?
He will portray the character Jod Na Nawood.
When does Skeleton Crew take place?
It takes place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi.
What are the Characters of Jared Leto and Evan Peters on Tron Ares?
Jared Leto plays Ares, and Evan Peters plays Julian Dillinger in Tron Ares.
Is Jeff Bridges returning for Tron Ares?
It is also confirmed in D23 that Jeff Bridges, who played Kevin Flynn, the original film’s main lead, is again reprising his role.
What is the title of Avatar 3?
The title of the third instalment of Avatar provided by the director is Avatar Fire and Ash.
When will Avatar 3 go to release?
Avatar 3 is scheduled to be released on 19 December 2025, as confirmed on D23.
Will there be the fifth instalment of Toy Story 5?
Toy Story 5: The Saga of the Living Toys will continue in theatres in March 2026, as confirmed in D23.
Will there be Frozen 3?
The journey of the snow queen Anna (The lead character of the household franchise Frozen, which started in 2013) is coming with the third part titled Frozen 3 in November 2027 during the winter time, which will see our fav snow queen being once again on her snowy adventures after eight years.
