D23 Expo 2019 unveils Disney+

Category: Television and Streaming

The D23 Expo has come and gone. This fifth Expo (every other year) did not disappoint the thousands of guests that came from all around the world. With panels, signings, demonstrations, merchandise, exhibits, and more, the Anaheim Convention Center was filled with Disney fans who were willing to wait in long lines, spend out their hard earned cash, and enjoy everything Disney related. And remember, Disney now includes Fox so the Simpsons and others made their debut at the Expo.

One of the highlights (among many) was the addition of Disney+, a new streaming service. It seems like streaming services are the wave of the future when it comes to entertainment.

“Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+,” said Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International.
Original series and films announced for the streaming service included Lucasfilm’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series starring Ewan McGregor. Marvel Studios will offer Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk.  There will be a short-form series starring The Muppets.

Excited fans learned about the rebooted Lizzie McGuire series with Hilary Duff returning as the iconic Disney character.

Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian is from executive producer Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. It is about a new droid, IG-11. The series is set after the fall of the Empire and before the First Order. It follows a lone gunfighter in the outer edges of the galaxy.

And High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (what a title!) is set for a 10-episode scripted series.

Noelle stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner. Kendrick plays Kris Kringle’s daughter in this holiday film.

Actor Jeff Goldblum has a 12-episode series, and the cast of the high school musical films comes together in “Encore,” where they will recreate their original performances. There will be some new animated shorts from Pixar and a slew of other new shows will launch on Disney+ like the upcoming Monsters At Work that takes place in Monstropolis.

There were plenty more announcements about Disney+ programming. With Marvel, Pixar, Disney, Fox, ABC, National Geographic, and Star Wars, there are plenty of themes from which to pull original programing for the new streaming service. It will debut November 12. There will be no commercials (what a refreshing idea) and the App allows viewers additional content.  Disney+ has a monthly price of $6.99 or an annual rate of $69.99.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.