The star-studded presentation included highlights from an upcoming theatrical slate featuring titles from Disney Live Action, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and 20th Century Studios.
The Walt Disney Studios thrilled last week’s CinemaCon 2023 attendees with an exclusive look at an upcoming theatrical slate absolutely brimming with big films. The company is celebrating 100 Years of Wonder as it enters its second century.
Alan Bergman, co-chairman Disney Entertainment and Tony Chambers, executive vice president and head of theatrical distribution, took to the Colosseum stage at Caesar’s Palace to share a look at the Studio’s upcoming exclusive theatrical releases, including casting news and content sneak peeks. This year, Disney will be releasing films from all its famed production studios (Disney Live Action, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures) for the first time since 2019.
Up first, the audience was treated to an exclusive clip from Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which opens in the U.S. and Canada on May 5. The new installment is directed by James Gunn and features an all-star cast led by Chris Pratt. The brand-new trailer for The Marvels, opening November 10, was screened as well. The sequel to Captain Marvel stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.
Looking ahead to one of the most anticipated releases this holiday season, Chambers announced that Chris Pine (Into the Woods, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) has joined the voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wish as King Magnifico, opposite Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) as Asha. Blending beautiful watercolor style with groundbreaking CG animation, Wish is an original, animated musical adventure that draws inspiration from the classics. An exclusive scene featuring “This Wish,” one of the film’s original songs performed by DeBose, was unveiled. Wish opens in theaters nationwide November 22.
Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Can You Ever Forgive Me?), who plays Ursula in The Little Mermaid, joined Chambers onstage to introduce an exclusive first look at her performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the film. Tickets for the film are on sale ahead of its May 26 debut in theaters.
CinemaCon attendees were then treated to a special look at Disney Live Action’s Haunted Mansion, which highlighted the mythology and scope of the film that hits theaters July 28. Up next, 20 minutes of exclusive footage from Disney and Pixar’s Elemental was screened in 3D for the audience. A story about finding connection, celebrating differences, and discovering your place in the world, Elemental features stunning visuals from the artists at Pixar, who continue to push the limits of both animation and technology. The film will premiere in its entirety at the upcoming Cannes International Film Festival before opening in theaters nationwide June 16.
An exclusive reveal of the trailer from Searchlight Pictures’ Next Goal Wins was next. Directed by Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), the film follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy. In theaters November 17, 2023.
The first footage from 20th Century Studios and New Regency’s The Creator was also screened exclusively in the room, showcasing its ambitious scope and cinematic visuals. The epic sci-fi action thriller directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One, Godzilla) starring John David Washington (Tenet) and Gemma Chan (Eternals) opens in theaters September 29.
Chambers then shared a special greeting from the star of Lucasfilm’s eagerly awaited Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford, who introduced an action-packed clip just for CinemaCon. The film, which also stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen and is directed by James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari) will premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival before hitting theaters June 30.
The Studio closed out the presentation with an exclusive screening of 20th Century Studios’ The Boogeyman in DolbyVision and Dolby Atmos. The horror-thriller from the mind of Stephen King, which is directed by Rob Savage, opens in theaters June 2.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
