Marvel’s new X-Men cast made their debut at the Disney Entertainment Showcase during D23. This event took place on Friday night, marking a significant moment in superhero cinema. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige ended his segment by introducing Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. Her role in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was previously undisclosed. Director Jake Schreier and the cast were also on stage. The cast includes Kit Connor as Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, and Maya Boyd as Storm. Adam Driver, in a recorded video, announced his role as Nathaniel Milbury, also known as Mr. Sinister. The “X-Men” movie is set for release on May 5, 2028.
The Disney Entertainment Showcase, hosted at the Honda Center, is a highlight of the three-day D23 fan event. Here, different branches of Walt Disney Studios, like Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Disney Animation, unveil their future projects. This year’s showcase featured appearances from Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro and was led by “Zootopia 2” stars Ke Huy Quan and Ginnifer Goodwin. Among the stars promoting their upcoming films were Anne Hathaway for “Princess Diaries 3,” the Jonas Brothers for “Camp Rock 3,” Benjamin Bratt for “Coco 2” and “Kingdom Hearts IV,” and Kathryn Hahn for “Tangled.” Celebrities like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Ryan Gosling, and the “Frozen III” cast also appeared.
Marvel’s TV Shows: Uncertainty Ahead
While fans expected more TV announcements, Marvel Studios focused on “VisionQuest,” starring Paul Bettany and James Spader. This Disney+ series follows Vision post-“WandaVision” as he explores deeper questions about his identity and humanity. With its premiere on October 14, it was the sole TV show highlighted. The absence of further announcements and the recent “Wonder Man” Season 2 cancellation raise questions about Marvel’s TV direction. During the presentation, a clip from “Avengers: Doomsday” and a mention of the “Marvel’s Wolverine” game were included.
Star Wars’ Lasting Appeal
Lucasfilm’s segment featured “Ahsoka” Season 2 and “Star Wars: Starfighter.” Fans greeted Hayden Christensen warmly as he joined Rosario Dawson and Eman Esfandi on stage. Christensen shared insights into Anakin Skywalker’s role in advising Ahsoka. “Star Wars: Starfighter,” directed by Shawn Levy, introduces Ryan Gosling as Kade Auberon, a Starfighter pilot. Set after the sequel trilogy, this standalone film explores uncharted Star Wars territory.
Nostalgia at Disney
Nostalgia played a prominent role in the showcase. “Romy and Michele 2” sees Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino reprising their beloved roles. Anne Hathaway confirmed efforts are underway for “Princess Diaries 3.” The Jonas Brothers introduced “Camp Rock 3” with new stars. A teaser for the live-action “Tangled” showed Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel. Jon Favreau presented “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit,” a live-action and animated miniseries arriving on Disney+ in February. Pixar announced “Incredibles 3” and “Coco 2,” while Disney Animation shared updates on “Zootopia 3” and “Frozen III.” “Coco 2” will revisit a teenage Miguel’s journey into the land of the dead. “Frozen III” will follow Anna and Kristoff’s wedding and introduce a character with ice magic. “Ice Age: Boiling Point,” “The Bluey Movie,” and a “Kingdom Hearts” anime were also teased.
Original Animated Stories
Pixar and Disney Animation continue to prioritize original animated films. “Hexed,” releasing on November 25, is a magical adventure about a girl discovering her witch identity. Disney Animation’s “Clay,” set for 2028, tells a mentor-student story featuring characters Flip and Mushi. Jared Bush emphasized the importance of new stories for Disney Animation’s future. Pixar’s “Ghost Market,” slated for 2028, follows a young content creator in Hawaii encountering ghosts. “Gatto,” by “Luca” director Enrico Casarosa, is planned for 2027.