As some of you faithful readers know, we were live tweeting from the 2011 D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA today. Well, that is until our correspondent got shut down (i.e. her phone confiscated) right before the big show was supposed to start. After the main morning event ended, she took to twitter to report what she saw. The following is a more fleshed out version of those tweets.
First things first – some of you may be wondering what D23 is. The name “D23″ pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 88-year history. The D23 Expo – The Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and Families – brings the entire world of Disney together under one roof, providing guests with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks.
Now on to the good stuff. The morning began with a montage of Walt Disney and Pixar clips from what we’d seen from the studio in the past AND we were treated to a few snippets from what’s to come from them in the near future: OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, AVENGERS, BRAVE and FRANKENWEENIE clips peppered the opening reel. Studio head and Chairman Rich Ross took the stage tell the fans, “You are the reason we do what we do.” As a kid, the film MARY POPPINS is what inspired his drive to make the best films possible. “Dream big and the possibilities are endless.”
Animation slate was up first and John Lasseter, the studio’s Chief Creative Officer, took the stage to introduce the world to a few of its upcoming features.
DisneyToon Studios’ PLANES – Spring of 2013
It was announced that actor Jon Cryer (TWO AND A HALF MEN) will voice the main character in DisneyToon Studios’ PLANES. He joined Lasseter on stage for the announcement and to introduce the teaser trailer of the film. Cryer joked, “If you ever get a chance to voice a character in a Disney film… it’s awesome!”
Disney’s WRECK-IT RALPH – November 2, 2012
This incredibly creative film is set in the modern world of videogames. Our “hero” Wreck-it Ralph is an 8 bit bad guy (voiced by the perfectly cast John C. Reilly) who sets out to prove that he is a good guy after all. Director Rich Moore welcomed voice talent Jack McBrayer (Fix-it Felix) and Sarah Silverman (Vanelope) on stage where the D23 audience was the first to see the four and a half minute opening sequence. Laughs a plenty from the clips of the opening scene and Ralph’s “Bad-A-Non” meeting with other bad videogame characters (Pac-Man Ghost, Coily from Q*Bert, etc.)
Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE – June 22, 2012
This film represents several firsts for Pixar. It’s their first female main character; first sort of fairytale; first period film. All set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland. Filmmakers Mark Andrews and Katherine Sarafian were joined by actors Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd to present footage from the film. We were treated to a scene where Merida (Macdonald) rides through the forest and spots something scary lurking in the dark recesses. We were also shown early footage from the archery match where suitors compete to win Merida’s hand. Merida, however, has other plans than to follow her mother’s wishes (Queen Elinor, voiced by Emma Thompson) and be married off. Macdonald said of her strong character Merida, “She’s awesome!”
Disney•Pixar’s MONSTERS UNIVERSITY- June 21, 2013
Lasseter intro’d the project by saying, “We do a sequel if it’s original.” And boy does this sound like a fun backstory for these beloved characters. In a special surprise appearance that the crowd went crazy for (and rightfully so), Billy Crystal (who commanded the stage), flanked by Mike Wazowski and Sulley, joined director Dan Scanlon to discuss the film and show some behind-the-scenes footage. The sequel’s premise is that even though Mike and Sulley are best friends now, they weren’t always. When we meet them in this film, it’s grade school and they hate each other. Advance to college and the rivalries really kick in. We get to see Mike – who is smaller and with a retainer – and Sulley – who is shaggy and far less bulked up – during their awkward college years. Dave Foley and Julia Sweeney are new voices added to this world.
To the surprise and delight of the audience (and also cleverly done for some hot press), Lasseter also announced two new Pixar features coming down the pike. They were so new, their official titles haven’t been settled on yet. At least we know what they are about.
UNTITLED PIXAR MOVIE ABOUT DINOSAURS From Director Bob Peterson
Joining Bob Petersen (the voices of Doug the dog in UP and Roz in MONSTERS INC.) was producer John Walker to give fans never-before-released information about the untitled film. Peterson said the film’s inspiration is from when he saw the animatronic dinosaurs at the World’s Fair when he was a kid. Unlike how we know history played out – with an asteroid hitting and causing the dinosaur’s extiction– this new film will explore what would have happened if the asteroid missed Earth and Dinos continued to live. A concept drawing of a small child riding on a brontosaurus at sunset - shown in silhouette - was unveiled to the fans.
UNTITLED PIXAR MOVIE THAT TAKES YOU INSIDE THE MIND From Director Pete Docter
Alongside Pete Docter (UP) was producer Jonas Rivera to provide never-before-released information about their upcoming project. If you have ever questioned yourself, this film will take you inside your mind in hopes to break down why you think the way you do. No concept art to accompany this idea, which left most of us scratching our heads as to such an abstract concept could be fleshed out.
Rich Ross came out to congratulate Pixar on their 25th anniversary. Buzz and Woody wheeled out a cake, confetti went off, and everyone in the audience received their own Pixar ball decorated cupcake (see photo below).
After the confetti had settled, Ross brought out Sean Bailey (the studio’s wunderkind and President of Production) to introduce Disney’s live action slate.
JOHN CARTER – March 9, 2012
Producer Jim Morris and director Andrew Stanton were accompanied by the film’s stars Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe to present never-before-seen footage, introducing fans to the film’s epic characters. Not only did we see the film’s otherworldly teaser trailer, but we were treated to four scenes from the film. The first was the scene Dafoe said made him want to do the film; Carter meeting Tarkas, having just woken up on Mars and discovered his new powers. The second clip was Carter being held captive in a creature nursery, which – quite honestly - we could have skipped altogether and gone into the third most powerful clip shown. Carter speaks with Dejah minutes before she is to marry – made poignant more by what was left unsaid. In the final clip Tarkas and Carter are sentenced to death in the Thark arena. Seamless special effects are utilized in this amazing film. It’s hard to see these clips out of context and judge a whole film on them. Having himself been a fan of the books, Stanton is the perfect person to bring this adaptation to the screen. He joked when he was young, “my girlfriends would call these my romance novels.”
Tim Burton’s FRANKENWEENIE – October 2012
Shot in 3D and in black and white, this feature expands on the things he couldn’t do in the first film. Taking place in New Holland – a town that’s Transylvania meets Burbank, CA – Victor and his dog Sparky are inseparable until Sparky has an accident and Victor decides to raise him from the grave. Producers Don Hahn and Allison Abbate gave fans a sneak peek at what’s to come in next year’s film, including a demonstration of how these fascinating characters come to life through stop-motion animation.
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN – August 15, 2012
Written and Directed by Peter Hedges (WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE, DAN IN REAL LIFE), GREEN tells the story of a childless couple who one magical night wish for a child that they find in their garden the next day. The film’s star Jennifer Garner was on hand to talk about the inspiring, magical film and her experience making the movie.
OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL – March 2013
Unable to join in person as they’re currently filming in Detroit, the film’s director Sam Raimi and stars James Franco, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis and Zach Braff provided fans with a first look at the making of OZ via a taped piece from the set of the film. The piece showcased some of the film’s brilliant and stunning concept art, behind the scenes snippets, and interviews with the cast. Sadly, I have no concept art to accompany this one, but I can tell you the look was art deco meets ALICE IN WONDERLAND style scenery.
Disney’s THE MUPPETS – November 23, 2011
Stars Jason Segel, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy gave fans an exclusive look at never-before-seen footage from their upcoming film. The footage, which got the most applause and laughter from the audience, showed off two key scenes in the film. The first features Segel and Amy Adams driving around LA looking for Kermit’s house. The Muppet’s trademark humor is showcased here when the new Muppet Walter passes out upon seeing his idol Kermit approach him. A choir of angels is heard – you think only on the soundtrack – until a bus filled with a choir singing drives by Kermit’s house. The second clip features Starship’s annoying anthem “We Built This City” and turns into a hilarious scene of the Muppets cleaning up their old theater which they are trying to save. Best shot was Animal rediscovering his drum set; worth the price of admission alone!
Disneynature’s CHIMPANZEE
Walt Disney Studios Chairman Rich Ross presented the next Disneynature film, Chimpanzee. It looks similar in tone and story to the 1988 Jean-Jacques Annaud film, THE BEAR – only this time around an orphaned Chimp hooks up (not that kind of hook up, sickos) with an older male chimp. Not sure if any PROJECT NIM style mayhem will ensue in this as that might scare off a lot of viewers (even though as we all know, this is part of real life for these creatures.)
Marvel’s THE AVENGERS
Finally to end on a highly anticipated note (and answering those rumors of “are they going to appear” or “aren’t they going to appear?”), The Avengers assembled at the D23 Expo, alongside producer and president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige. Stars Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Cobie Smulders and Chris Hemsworth made a very brief appearance to present their upcoming film. We not only got to see this world exclusive footage once, BUT TWICE! The scene we were treated to was Nick Fury (Sam Jackson) talking to a captured and contained Loki (Hiddleston) as the Avengers team look on via monitors. The scene then cuts to Fury in the meeting room at another point in the film, providing the details about the Avenger initiative. He talks about assembling a group of remarkable people ready to come together to fight battles that no one else would be capable of. A quick flashing montage show various battle scenes such as Thor hitting Captain America’s shield and Iron Man and Cap engaged in hand to hand battle. We then see Tony Stark pouring himself a drink behind a bar talking. “Let’s get a headcount,” he says. They have two assassins – quick clips of Hawkeye and Black Widow and a demi-God, Thor with his ever present hammer out; and Cap looking at a locker with his new uniform – “and you, big fella, have managed to piss off all of them.” It’s revealed that Stark is talking to Loki, who responds to the billionaire’s threats saying, “I have an army.” Stark quickly replies, “We have a Hulk.” The screen is filled with a huge, green face that lets out a giant roar. The title card shows up and the crowd went nuts.
So there you have it folks! The end to a lovely and creative event filled escapism with new worlds to explore. And what’s better than an escape to your local cineplex?
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