D23 Expo 2017: Announcements and Star Sightings From Disney Fan Convention

Disney, Pixar and Marvel and yes, Star Wars collide

By Corinne Heller Jul 15, 2017 2:13 PMTags

Disney, Pixar and Marvel and yes, Star Wars collide at the D23 Expo, Disney's fan convention, the latest of which is taking place this weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

On Saturday, Disney presented its schedule and casting for its new films, including upcoming live-action reboots of classic animated movies such as Dumbo, directed by Tim BurtonMulan and The Lion King, which were previously announced.

The studio also announced that newcomer Mena Massoud will play Aladdin in the upcoming live-action remake, whose release date has not been announced.

Disney also unveiled new behind-the-scenes footage from its most anticipated movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and footage from Mary Poppins Returns and The Avengers: Infinity War.

In addition, Disney revealed Frozen 2 will also hit theaters in 2019, while The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Mackenzie Foy, is in theaters in November 2018.

Laura Dern and Benecio Del Toro

The Star Wars: The Last Jedi actors took part in Disney's D23 EXPO 2017 in Anaheim, Calif. The film is set to be released in theaters on December 15, 2017.

Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Josh Brolin

The stars of Avengers: Infinity War stand together on stage at D23 in Anaheim, Calif.

John Boyega & Daisy Ridley

Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars are smiley at the Disney event on July 15.

Chris Hemsworth, Paul Bettany, Mark Ruffalo

The studly stars gathered together at D23.

Emily Blunt

The Mary Poppins Returns star was bold and blonde at D23.

Ava DuVernay, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey and Storm Reid

The Wrinkle in Time stars and director took part Walt Disney Studios live action presentation at Disney's D23 EXPO 2017 in Anaheim, Calif. The film, based on the beloved book, will be released in theaters on March 9, 2018. 

John Lasseter

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios' chief creative officer kicks things off with life-size models of Cruz Ramirez and Lightning McQueen from Cars 3.

Bob Iger

The Walt Disney Company CEO makes his opening remarks at the 30th Anniversary Disney Legends Awards Ceremony.

Anika Noni Rose

The Princess and the Frog star performs "Go the Distance" from Hercules.

Mark Hamill

The Star Wars actor recalls how Disney "provided me a tutorial of how I could make my dreams come true by lifting the curtain."

Whoopi Goldberg

The surprise inductee proudly shows off her Minnie Mouse heels.

Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey & Mark Hamill

The Wrinkle in Time director—surrounded by two of this year's honorees—has a prime seat.

Julie Taymor

The Tony-winning Lion King director shares an emotional story about the power of the theater.

The Lion King Cast

After Taymor accepts her award, the ensemble gives a surprise performance.

Jenna Johnson & Val Chmerkovskiy

The dancers pay tribute to Marvel's Lee and Jack Kirby.

Stan Lee & Mickey Mouse

Lee says Walt Disney has been an "inspiration" since childhood.

Wayne Jackson & Mickey Mouse

Jackson is honored for his pioneering work on the Disney Parks' Audio-Animatronics.

Oprah Winfrey & Mickey Mouse

The best part about working for ABC/Disney is that they "let me be me," Winfrey says.

Chadwick Boseman

The Black Panther actor signs autographs for fans.

Alan Horn

Walt Disney Studios' chairman introduces what's in store for the rest of 2017 and beyond.

Kristen Bell

The actress, reprising her role as Anna from Frozen, teases the upcoming short Olaf's Frozen Adventure.

Phil Johnston, Sarah Silverman & Rich Moore

The team behind Wreck-It Ralph 2 announce Taraji P. Henson has joined the cast.

Jodi Benson

The Little Mermaid actress makes a surprise appearance during the Wreck-It Ralph 2 panel.

Auli'i Cravalho, Linda Larkin, Paige O'Hara, Jodi Benson, Mandy Moore, Anika Noni Rose & Kelly Macdonald

Surprise! Disney's princesses—including Moana, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Rapunzel, Tiana and Merida—will appear in Wreck-It Ralph 2.

Brad Bird

The director announces the sequel, due out in 2018, will pick up immediately after the events of the 2004 film.

Samuel L. Jackson

The actor confirms he will return as Frozone in The Incredibles 2.

Dan Scanlon

The untitled Pixar feature is set in a humanless world of elves, trolls, sprites and "pretty much anything that would be on the side of a van in the '70s." It follows teenage brothers and their "quest through this mundane, modern fantasy world to somehow find a way to spend one last magical day with their [deceased] father."

Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina & Darla K. Anderson

The team behind Coco shares two heartwarming scenes from the movie.

Benjamin Bratt

The actor performs a number from Coco.

Coco Dancers

Backed by Bratt, the performers tease a number from the movie.

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View More Photos From Disney's D23 Expo 2017: Star Sightings

On Thursday, a large-scale model for the Star Wars-themed lands being planned for the Disneyland Resort in California and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida were unveiled.

On Friday, Star Wars' Carrie Fisher was honored posthumously with the Disney Legends Award, the highest honor the Walt Disney Company can bestow on an individual. The late star's daughter, actress Billie Lourd, penned an emotional acceptance letter on her behalf, which was read aloud by Disney Chairman Bob Iger.

Fisher's co-star Mark Hamill received the same honor, as did The View co-host and EGOT recipient Whoopi Goldberg, Marvel legend Stan Lee and Oprah Winfrey

"The super cool space sis I have in Carrie Francis Fisher. I loved her. And we were like siblings. The good and the bad!" Hamill said. "What a great thrill it was to come back in The Force Awakens. At that time in our lives, we were comfortable with each other. I know if she would here today, she would have flipped me the bird at least twice already."

The D23 Expo continues throughout the weekend with major reveals, in the form of teasers, trailers and other sneak peeks, expected for upcoming movies such as Star Wars: The Last JediThor: RagnarokThe Black Panther and A Wrinkle in Time.