Disney announces long-awaited sequels and exciting new productions
Los Angeles, California - Disney fans have every reason to be happy: the entertainment giant made big announcements on December 11, including new Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar projects.
Disney initially struggled to adjust to a pandemic-stricken 2020, as movie theaters and amusement centers have faced lockdowns, but the company came out big on Thursday's Disney Investor Day with a range of exciting news to stir up its streaming competition.
The entertainment mogul announced ten new TV shows in its Marvel and Star Wars franchises over the next few years, including a new series of Disney+'s most popular hit, The Mandalorian, featuring a beloved character known by fans as Baby Yoda.
Another Star Wars show titled Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to begin filming in March 2021. The series will feature the iconic Ewan McGregor, who played the Jedi master in the Star Wars prequels, and Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader. "Those two will have another swing at each other," McGregor said.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced the Star Wars developments during Investor Day.
Wonder Woman director, Patty Jenkins, will leave Marvel for now and go to a galaxy far away, directing a new Lucasfilm production. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is scheduled for release in December 2023.
Kennedy also announced a surprise Star Wars feature directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi, who is best known for making Thor: Day of Decision.
In other news, fans of Indiana Jones will be happy to learn that Harrison Ford will return to the cinemas in his legendary role by July 2022. Shooting for the new film, directed by James Mangold, is set to begin by next spring.
As if the long-awaited Star Wars and Indiana Jones sequels weren't enough, Disney made more exciting comeback announcements:
The company confirmed that a Hocus Pocus 2 sequel to the 1993 classic is underway after years of speculation. The new film will likely feature the iconic trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimi.
Almost 30 years after the first movie, Whoopi Goldberg is returning to the screen as the singing nun Deloris Wilson in Sister Act 3, which will be available exclusively on Disney+. Hallelujah to this news!
Cover photo: imago images / xim.gs