Top 10 Disney D23 Expo 2022 Reveals

A live-action remake of Disney’s first full-length animated feature has been in talks since late 2016. We know Marc Webb signed on to direct, and Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida wrote the screenplay. In 2021, Rachel Zegler was announced for the titular role, while Gal Gadot was slated to play the Evil Queen. The pair arrived at D23 to unveil a first look at the upcoming remake in a brief teaser trailer. Zegler hinted that her Snow White is a princess for the modern age. Meanwhile, Gadot stated that this character was “very different from everything I’ve ever done before.” The teaser trailer isn’t the only preview audiences apparently got. Gadot also demonstrated her best witchy cackle.

The upcoming live-action “Peter Pan and Wendy” cast gave audiences a first look at the film’s poster. They also shared a teaser trailer, in which we see Neverland shortly after Wendy and the boys arrive. It also provides the audience with their first glance at newcomer Alexander Molony as Peter Pan and Jude Law as the villainous Captain Hook. Apparently, this adaptation will dive into the pair’s tempestuous backstory and possibly reveal an unlikely friendship. Ever Anderson, who plays Wendy, also shared that her character and Peter share a more equal role in this version. Also in the cast are Alyssa Wapanatâhk as Tiger Lily, Jim Gaffigan as Mr. Smee, and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell. The film will be released on Disney+ in 2023.

“Iwájú” marks Disney’s first collaboration with an outside studio in a century. The animated series introduces us to Tola and Kole, two kids from opposite ends of the track in a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria. The duo, and a trusty animal sidekick, embark on a sci-fi adventure that addresses class disparity and shakes up the status quo. Disney described the series as a love letter to Nigeria and said they wanted to show off the city’s unique qualities. Audiences were shown a clip that has yet to be made available to the wider public; however, the artwork we’ve seen looks stunning. We’ll definitely be tuning in when “Iwájú” drops on Disney+ sometime in 2023.

If you’re a fan of Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” ride, you’re in luck! A new film based on the ghostly attraction will be haunting our screens in the near future. Director Justin Simien shared that this dark comedy will have plenty of nods to its source inspiration. Those lucky enough to be present watched a trailer that previewed the titular mansion and revealed a mysterious hallway. It also teased sightings of Danny Devito, Owen Wilson, Winona Ryder, Dan Levy, Hasan Minhaj, and more. We can’t wait to see the trailer when it’s finally shared with the rest of us. Knowing that its release is scheduled for March 10, 2023, really lifts our spirits.

Fans of the "Percy Jackson" franchise will be thrilled to know that a Disney+ series is well on its way! And the first trailer was unveiled at the D23 Expo. In it, we see Walker Scobell, who you'll know from "The Adam Project," in the titular role. As he heads to Camp Half-Blood, he issues an eerie warning to spectators. Joining Schobel in the principal cast are Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. The series is based on Rick Riordan's best-selling books about a 12-year-old demigod half-blood embarking on an epic mission to recover Zeus' lightning bolt. While we're still waiting for an exact release date, we know that it will likely be sometime in 2024.

Pixar gave us a lot to look forward to, from “Elio,” an intergalactic adventure, to “Win or Lose,” a baseball-themed series. They also revealed “Elemental,” a film that celebrates diversity from the same creative minds as “The Good Dinosaur.” The fiery Ember, voiced by Leah Lewis, and go-with-the-flow Wade, voiced by Mamoudou Athie (mom-uh-doo AWchay), grow close despite their differences. Director Peter Sohn (SONE), the son of Korean immigrants, divulged that he was inspired by his parents’ story. Meanwhile, producer Denise Ream (deneesh) said it’s about “anyone who’s ever made a sacrifice or taken a risk... but with a twist.” They also shared some concept art and a teaser trailer for the movie, which is set for a theatrical release on June 16, 2023.

Amy Poehler crashed the end of the Pixar section of the expo with the joyous announcement that “Inside Out” is getting a sequel. The film will reunite us with a now teenaged Riley and her emotions. Poehler reprises her role as joy, who will be joined once more by sadness, disgust, anger, fear, as well as some new faces. Pixar’s head honcho Pete Doctor added that the film, which is still in early production, will be directed by Kelsey Mann. They’re yet to divulge which new emotions Riley will be grappling with, but they did say that we can expect to meet them in the summer of 2024. This reveal brought all our emotions rushing out at once.

In celebration of its centennial, Disney announced a new animated movie exploring the origins of its famous wishing star. Yes, that one. The film follows Asha, voiced by Ariana DeBose, a strong, optimistic young lady who resides in The Kingdom of Wishes, where wishing on a star works. Disney's legendary good-luck charm, Alan Tudyk, also joins the cast as Valentino, the goat. This fantasy adventure ties together the "wishes come true" motif that connects many Disney classics. It will also honor Disney's innovative animation style by combining old-school watercolor and modern CG. DeBose surprised D23 audiences and sang "More of Us," one of the film's songs written by Julia Michaels. We wish its exact release date in 2023 will be shared with us soon.

Can you believe it’s been almost 15 years since we last met Giselle and the gang? But guess what? They’re back! And based on the exciting new trailer we just saw, we’re in for one magical adventure. When we last left them, Giselle had brought a little fairytale magic to the Big Apple. Now, that sparkle has faded, so she casts a spell to get it back. Only, it doesn’t quite go to plan. The cast introduced the trailer, which teased epic song and dance numbers plus new characters, including Maya Rudolph, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jayma Mays as the film’s villains. We can’t wait to be enchanted by “Disenchanted” this November on Disney+.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Strange World” (2022)
If you love classic sci-fi movies and have a soft spot for Disney’s action-adventure genre, this intergalactic epic should tick all your boxes.

“The Santa Clauses” (2022)
Santa Claus Is Coming to Disney+ on November 16, 2022

“National Treasure: Edge of History” (2022)
If You’re a Fan of the Movies, Be Sure to Check Out This Series When It Drops on Disney+ on December 14!

“Hocus Pocus 2” (2022)
The Newly Released Trailer to the Highly-Anticipated Sequel Looks Utterly Bewitching!

“Mufasa: The Lion King” (2024)
We’re heading back to the Pridelands, and this time Mufasa’s gonna be the mane event.

Things haven't always been smooth-sailing for this live-action remake. Production was delayed, filming was paused due to the pandemic, and casting choices sent the internet into a frenzy. But, "The Little Mermaid" made waves once more by dropping its first teaser trailer at D23. The graphics are breathtaking, the orchestrations are mesmerizing, and Halle Bailey's voice at the end — chills, just chills. While the trailer doesn't tell us much, it shows that Bailey's casting is sublime. And now we can't wait to see the rest of the star-studded cast in character! The film's slated for release on May 26, 2023, and we can't wait to be "Part of [that] World."