For those of you who weren’t able to make it down to D23, fear not. My dear sister, Nurse Static, attended the function and reported back as much as she could. We have one whole photo from the event, the new light cycle from “Tron Legacy.” Why? Because most everywhere you went your phone and cameras were taken from you. To build on Shannon Barnson’s Comic-Con joke about “what’s this the line for?” …Most of the time, those lines were to get your stuff back! Attending everything that she possibly could and messaging it back, we have notes about Disney related material from parks to films and more.
WARNING: Before you read on, please be advised there is some spoiler material below, so you read at your own risk. And on top of that, yes, we know, some of this is already on the internet. The point of this post is to tell you what Disney was hyping at the event. If they chose to rehash what’s already been put out, its not our fault, so bare with us as we recap.
The Muppets had the most amount of news this year:
*New film on the way to be titled “The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made.”
*Muppets.com finally being created, going through a redesign to look like Facebook for the characters.
*New Muppet cooking show on the way for Food Network, due to co-star the Sweedish Chef and Cat Cora.
*More YouTube exclusive videos being made, including a performance of Bohemian Rapsody.
*“Muppets Letters To Santa” finally hits DVD, along with other old releases.
*Planned 2010 ABC Halloween show.
*Tons of new toys including plushes and better Halloween costumes, plus the Whatnot Workshop (where you can create your own Muppet at FAO Schwartz) will be coming to Disney parks.
*Remaking the Muppets Disney ride in Digital 3D.
*New book on the way called From The Balcony featuring Statler & Waldorf.
*Muppets Apps on the way for iPhone and Blackberry.
*Season 4 DVD on way as well with Gonzo on the cover.
*And a new eco-friendly “Green & Loving It” campaign in the works.
Nicholas Cage came to chat about Sorcerer’s Apprentice with photos, but no footage of the film. Why must you taunt us with subway pictures, sir?
The 4th Pirates film is a go with Depp on board, currently titled “Stranger Tides.” Speaking of Depp, he’ll be in the new Lone Ranger film… as Tonto. …Why?
As mentioned by Swankmotron on Saturday, Star Tours closing down 10/11/09, being torn apart and remaking it to a 3D attraction with Podracing included. Physically, the ride’s seats look to be getting an overhaul, but in what form is unknown. Here’s hoping they’re individually spaced with harness seating!
For those of you who care about the park itself, a remodeling of Fantasy Land in Disney World is coming, updating everything including the castle. Also “Cars Land” based off the film will be added to California Adventure, they’ll be adding the town Radiator Springs.
Speaking of Cars… Cars 2 due in 2011. A new Aston Martincharacter named Finn McMissile (no actor assigned yet) will challenge Lightning McQueen to a race around the world. Aside those who died, many of the original cast are due to return.
Tim Burton showed up to chat “Alice”, but just showed the same footage from Comic-Con. So nothing new other than the chance to say “look, it’s Tim Burton as a Disney event!”
Tron Legacy! Showed the trailer again, along with a special night screening of what appeared to be an enhanced version of the original. Displayed the light cycle and more props from the film. A closer look shows the bikes are now designed like newer bullet bikes to go in any pattern they choose, meaning we’re probably going to get one hell of a chase scene in the next film beyond what the trailer showed.
Strangest news to come out of D23… a new version of the Beatles “Yellow Submarine” movie is set to be made. Robert Zemeckis will take the lead to do motion capturing, aiming for a 2012 release. Makes you wonder who they’ll grab to impersonate the Fab Four.
A full viewing of the new “Princess & The Frog” film was shown with animation artists on hand to display techniques they used to animate it while it played. (The assumption was made by Disney that no one cares much about 2D and standard computer animation anymore, so they made this one extra special for those who attended.)
“Toy Story 3” hits June 18th! Storyline given out so far, Andy goes to college. We get to see what happens to his toys as he leaves, there is a possibility he donated them to a pre-school. New toys to be introduced! Barbie meets Ken who will be voiced by Michael Keaton. A German toy in lederhosen named Mr. Prickle-Pants, voiced by Timothy Dalton. Other names on board to do voices… Jeff Garland, Ned Beatey, Bonnie Hunt and Whoopi Goldberg.
A new Winnie The Pooh film being made, and will actually get a theater release instead of going straight to DVD. Due in 2011.
Disney’s 50th animated film will be… Rapunzel! Due in 2010. A new take on it as well, she will portray a fighter-like princess with 70-foot long hair. Mandy Moore voices Rapunzel, Zachery Levi voices the leading man.
Prep & Landing, a 30 minute computer animated Christmas special to air on ABC. Revolves around two dumbfounded elves who prepare the homes for Santa before he arrives.
And the big NON-NEWS… There was absolutely no talk about Marvel whatsoever. No posters, no promotional material, nothing! Many questions were apparently passed on due in part to the deal not being finalized yet.
Tron Legacy: Light Cycle