Disney drops the mic: 10 magic moments that stole the show at D23 2024.
Since its inception in 2009, the D23 Expo has become Disney’s own exclusive Comic-Con, a place where the House of Mouse unveils its biggest news, showcases upcoming projects, and celebrates its diverse fandoms. This year’s showcase was nothing short of colossal, featuring blockbuster title announcements, live-action reveals, and thrilling sequel sneak peeks that left fans buzzing with excitement. Here are the ten biggest revelations from this year's D23 expo:
The Rock gears up for Monster Jam adventure
Dwayne Johnson is set to direct and star in Disney’s new movie Monster Jam, a wild ride all about monster trucks with minds of their own! Johnson took the stage with Disney Entertainment's Alan Bergman to reveal the project, showing a quick clip that teased the action. Johnson shared his excitement for the upcoming project, “I’m a pickup truck man. I love motor sports, I love monster trucks, and we’re bringing that passion to life with a fun, live-action adventure from the POV of these crazy, eccentric trucks and their drivers.”
Avatar 3 ignites with official title reveal
James Cameron, the mastermind behind Titanic and Avatar, made a surprise appearance at D23 to reveal the official title of Avatar 3—Avatar: Fire and Ash. While no footage was shown, stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington offered fans a first look at concept art, as the team gears up for its release on December 18, 2025.
The toys take on tech in Toy Story 5
Pixar is returning to the Toy Story universe with Wall-E and Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton at the helm for Toy Story 5. While details are scarce, Stanton teased that the gang's job gets exponentially harder as they go up against what kids love now: electronics. The film, featuring our beloved characters like Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, is set for a 2026 release, promising another thrilling adventure in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Pixar unveils new original “body-swap” comedy Hoppers
Amid their busy slate of sequels, Pixar is venturing into new territory with Hoppers, an original animated movie set to hit cinemas in 2026. Directed and written by We Bare Bears creator Daniel Chong, Hoppers is a body-swap comedy featuring the voices of Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda. The story follows a young girl who agrees to have her mind inserted into a robotic beaver to infiltrate the inner workings of the animal world. Along the way, she befriends a regal beaver (voiced by Moynihan) and must sabotage the plans of the villainous Mayor Jerry (voiced by Hamm).
Incredibles 3 is in the works
Pixar’s beloved superhero family is suiting up for Incredibles 3, officially announced at D23 as the biggest surprise of the event. With franchise veteran Brad Bird at the helm, the third installment is already in development, promising a new mission to save the world. While details are still under wraps, fans can expect more updates on Incredibles 3 soon.
Zootopia 2 introduces Ke Huy Quan to the cast
Zootopia 2 footage was unleashed at D23, revealing exciting new elements like Gary, a viper played by Everything Everywhere All at Once star Ke Huy Quan, and a semi-aquatic area called Marsh Market. While the finer details about the sequel’s narrative still remain under wraps, the anticipation is already building for the highly awaited return to the city of anthropomorphic animals on November 27, 2025.
Frozen 3 first look and fourth installment tease
Disney is hard at work on Frozen 3, and while it will be quite some time before it releases in 2027, fans at D23 were treated to a first look at concept art. Walt Disney Animation Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee explained why the team is pursuing a third—and potentially fourth entry in the beloved franchise. “Coming out of Frozen II, we still have some questions,” Lee said, referencing the many fan queries. “A lot of questions, actually. Now you see why it takes two films to answer them.” The concept art revealed Elsa, Anna, and Olaf riding separate horses across a river, promising another magical adventure in Arendelle.
Friday is about to get Freakier
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back for their body-swapping sequel, Freaky Friday 2 now officially titled Freakier Friday, set to release in 2025. The duo reunited on stage to unveil the film’s new title and share a handful of early pictures, much to the delight of a loud and appreciative audience. “It feels like no time has passed,” Curtis said, expressing her excitement about returning to these beloved characters. “We love these characters, we love working together. We both get to play mums and it’s great! Obviously, I’m a grandma [now].” Lohan echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’ve stayed in touch through the years, and it feels like we’re picking up where we left off.” Fans can expect more of the duo tampering with powers beyond their control when Freakier Friday hits cinemas next year.
Lilo & Stitch get a live-action makeover
Disney is continuing its trend of live-action adaptations with Lilo & Stitch, set to crash into cinemas in 2025. While The Lion King aimed for realism, this film is keeping Stitch’s iconic puppy-like appearance, enhanced with some furry new details. Although specific information about the movie remains under wraps, this reveal gave fans their best look yet at the project. The announcement was made in true Stitch fashion, as the beloved blue troublemaker "crashed" into the Honda Center via the video wall to share the exciting news. Get ready to see Stitch take over Hawaii once again next year.
Tron: Ares cast unveils exclusive footage and Nine Inch Nails collab
The first trailer for Tron: Ares was unveiled at D23 2024, giving fans an exciting glimpse into the highly anticipated sequel to Tron and Tron: Legacy. Jeff Bridges took the stage to share new insights about the film, expressing that it's a "beautiful time" to revive the iconic franchise. “AI is omnipresent in all our lives, and what a perfect time to have this amazing world visit us because that’s what happens in this movie,” Bridges remarked. Building upon one of Disney's oldest live-action film franchises, Tron: Ares introduces a new technological villain determined to conquer the real world. Set to premiere in 2025, the film will also feature a soundtrack composed by the legendary industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails.