D23 Expo: Incredible Sequels and Gigantic new films

Expo-goers flocked to Disney’s vaunted Hall D23 for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studio’s presentation, which included a hall full of posters to sequels, and new films.

Old Friends

People who’ve been waiting to hear more of sequels long announced get their fill this year as more details (and absolutely gorgeous posters) surface. Here’s a look at some of them:

The Incredibles 2

While the sequel to 2004’s The Incredibles is something people have been aware of since the announcement by CEO Bob Iger last year, we’ve got definitive proof in the form of a poster at this year’s D23 Expo.

Possible plot details for The Incredibles 2 that have surfaced so far is that Jack-Jack may develop an inferiority complex towards older siblings Dash and Violet, who’ve inherited the task of superheroics from their parents. Creator Brad Bird has stated that he’s playing with several ideas for the film. The poster states “Coming Soon”, so we may see more details in the coming months.

Finding Dory

Ellen Degeneres took to the stage as a surprise guest after a special sneak peek of Finding Dory, and it was also revealed that Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy will voice Dory’s parents. It was also announced that Ed O’Neil is joining the cast as an octopus named Hank.

Other cast members include Albert Brooks – reprising his role as Marlin – Hayden Rolence takes over for Nemo, Ty Burell, and Kaitlin Olsen. The plot involves Dory’s memories of her past, and her own journey of discovery. The movie’s release has been pegged for Summer 2016

Toy Story 4

While Toy Story 3 brought many of us to tears and closed of the story of Andy and his toys, Pixar looks to be bringing everyone back for a fourth installment, which may include more of Bo Peep and Woody’s love story. There was also a guest appearance by Randy Newman, and a rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”.

Further details are scarce, but the poster says Summer 2017, so we can probably expect further plot details next year.

Cars 3

Cars is making a third lap in the movie arena, though no further plot details have been divulged. Like The Incredibles, the poster only says “Coming Soon”

New-ish Stuff

Disney Animation Studios seems to be kicking up its game in the new projects area, with two new animated films presented. Pixar also took the opportunity to reveal more information on its next couple of films, one of which was revealed in 2012.

Gigantic

First served as an upcoming project is a film based on Jack and the Beanstalk called Gigantic, which is to be directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled). The movie looks to have music in the similar vein as Frozen, given that husband and wife team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez are on board.

Plot details thus far are a departure from the usual Jack and the Beanstalk story, as it’s set in Spain in the 15^th century, and various cultures of giants are the norm.

Zootopia

Another new project given focus at D23 is Zootopia, conceptualized world where humans never happened. It’s a comedy, focusing on Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman’s characters – a bunny cop, and a scam artist fox, respectively. The teaser trailer for it was released in June, but the presentation also revealed that Shakira would be joining the cast as Gazelle, Zootopia’s biggest pop star.

This one already has a release date: March 4, 2016.

Coco

Pixar’s upcoming animated film based on the Mexican Dia de los Muertos surfaced with new information at D23, including its title. The plot reveals a young boy named Miguel living in rural Mexico, and setting off a chain of events that leads to a pretty surprising family reunion.

The poster has pegged Fall 2017. The pair of Lee Unkrich and Darla Anderson has reunited as respective director and producer. They last teamed up for Toy Story 3, and we all know how they basically feelsed us out.

The Good Dinosaur

You’ve seen the trailer and you already know that this one’s coming on November 25. At the presentation for The Good Dinosaur, we were treated to a better look at Arlo and some of the dinos that are to appear in the film.

Anna Paquin, Sam Elliot, and AJ Buckley lend their voices to a trio of T-Rexes that Arlo the Apatosaurus and Spot the Human encounter on their journey.

The next few years look to be really busy for both Pixar and Disney, judging by the schedule they revealed. Here’s hoping that trailers for some of these surface in the next year or so, some of us can barely contain our excitement.

 Images courtesy of Endor Express, Slashfilm, Inside the Magic, and IGN