Disney’s Live Action “Beauty and the Beast” to Hit Theaters March 17, 2017

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

collagedscsdcsdcdsc

Hot off the heels of the successful debut of Disney’s live action “Cinderella,” Disney has officially announced that the release date of their upcoming live action version of “Beauty & The Beast” will be March 17, 2017.

Official Press Release:

Disney will release Beauty and the Beast in 3D on March 17, 2017. The beloved tale will be retold for the big screen with a modern live-action lens and the help of transformative CG magic. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens will star as Belle and the Beast/Prince respectively, and Luke Evans will play the role of Gaston. Emma Thompson has joined the cast as Mrs. Potts and Kevin Kline as Belle’s father, Maurice.

Eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards for the 1991 animated classic, will score the film, which will feature new recordings of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice. Bill Condon will direct from a script by Stephen Chbosky, and the film will be produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production begins in May at Shepperton Studios in London.

The Cast:

Emma Watson as Bellecollagecccc

Dan Stevens as The Beastcollagesdssddsdssd

Luke Evans as Gastoncollagezsdfdfdfd

Josh Gad as Lefoucollagedscvdsscd

Emma Thompson as Mrs. Pottscollagedcdscdscscs

Kevin Kline as Mauricecollageecdsccwsc

D23 Expo Japan Returns in 2015

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

disney-d23-expo-japan-2015-poster

Click to enlarge image

 

The popular D23 will be making its return to Japan for three days in 2015. D23 Expo Japan 2015 will take place from November 6th to November 8th in Maihama, Japan (Tokyo Disney Resort).

Ticket and program information is available on the Disney Japan website starting in April.

Themed around “the power of story,” D23 Expo Japan 2015 will bring together fascinating tales from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel.

– Business Wire

This is very exciting news, I wonder what they have in store for Disney fans here in Japan (Maybe talk about the expansions at Tokyo Disney Resort). Whatever it is, I am sure it will be fantastic! Here is a quick rundown of some of the items planned.

  • Princess exhibition featuring costumes, artwork, props, and more!
  • Hands-on experience with Star Wars
  • Toy Story 20th Anniversary
  • Tokyo Disney Resort Special Exhibition
  • In addition a Kingdom Hearts fan event will be held on November 3rd at Cinema Ikspiari

D23 Expo Japan made its debut in 2013. Be sure to keep your eyes on TDRExplorer for the latest and up-to-date information!

via TDRExplorer.com

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort East Pool Closing for 8-10 Month Overhaul

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

If you have an upcoming stay booked for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you should be receiving some mail shortly…

FullSizeRender

So, pretty much as soon as work wraps up on the rest of the resort next month, the east pool that was added in 1978 will be completely rebuilt, to be completed in very early 2016. Hopefully the new Lava Pool can accommodate all of the excited guests staying at the brand new Villas and Bungalows…

“Star Wars: Aftermath” Will Be The First Prequel Novel Leading Up To “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

aftermath_new.6.red_-1536x864-986319531640

Last week it was announced that a series of 20 books were coming that takes place in the timeline between “Return Of The Jedi” and “The Force Awakens.” These series of books will be called, “Journey To Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

The books will be a combination of of novels, kids activity books, young adult books, and comic books. The books will all be part of the official “Star Wars” canon and will explain the years leading up to “The Force Awakens.” All of these books will contain hints and clues relating to “The Force Awakens.”

StarWars.com has officially announced that the first novel in the series is called “Star Wars: Aftermath.” It will be the first of a trilogy of novels and it will be written by critically-acclaimed author, Chuck Wendig.

star-wars-aftermath

Here is the official synopsis:

The second Death Star has been destroyed. Rumors are flying that the Emperor and his enforcer, Darth Vader, are dead. A new government is forming to replace the Empire. But the galaxy is a big place, and the fallout of this cataclysm will affect different worlds in different ways. Does everyone accept the fall of Imperial rule? Has everyone even heard the life-altering news? What rushes in to fill the vacuum the Empire has left? And who will try to stop them? Those are some of the themes we’ll be exploring in Aftermath, and as a lifelong Star Wars fan, just writing those words gives me chills. I can’t wait for our first canon glimpse into the state of the galaxy after the Battle of Endor.

What’s more, Aftermath will be the first book in a trilogy that begins to bridge the Star Wars timeline between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. There is so much unknown between the Battle of Endor and the events of The Force Awakens, and we’re excited to take our first step into that space.

JTTFA-1536x864

Other titles coming from the “Journey To The Star Wars: The Force Awakens” book line are:

  • Lost Stars (Disney-Lucasfilm Press)
  • Smuggler’s Run: A Han Solo Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press)
  • The Weapon of a Jedi: A Luke Skywalker Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press)
  • Moving Target: A Princess Leia Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press)
  • Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know (DK)
  • Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens (Marvel Comics)
  • Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens–C-3PO (Marvel Comics)
  • Star Wars: Ships of the Galaxy (Studio Fun International)

Source: StarWars.com

Superstar Television Theater Name to Change as Frozen Sing-Along Moves In; Frozen Event Details Released

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Well, we only had to wait 24 hours for Disney to confirm that “For The First Time in Forever” A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is moving to the Superstar Television Theater this June. The Disney Parks Blog made the announcement moments ago, also stating that the former home of the American Idol Experience will now be called the Hyperion Theater, a nod to the home of the first Disney Studios in California.

MFF807742-613x408-600x399

Disney also announced the full entertainment line-up for Frozen Summer Fun LIVE:

  • Frozen Royal Welcome – Twice each day, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff take part in a festive cavalcade throughout Hollywoodland, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiiers and ice cutters – along with lovable snowman, Olaf. Anna leads the procession in a beautiful horse-drawn sleigh, with Elsa gliding by on a stunning, ice palace float. The entire procession pauses twice along the route in tribute to these visitors from Arendelle, as everyone in Hollywoodland is invited to join in singing “Let It Go!”
  • For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration – Just in time for this year’s “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE event, this popular show moves into the beautiful Hyperion Theater (formerly Superstar Television Theater), located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Royal Historians of Arendelle host a fun and comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen,” plus all-new in-theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff.
  • Olaf’s Summer Cool Down – Several times each day, the Ambassador of Hollywoodland brings Olaf and some of his friends to the Event Stage to have a little fun with everyone “In Summer.” And as temperatures heat up, Olaf happily shares a burst from his personal snow cloud to cool things off.
  • “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party – Once the sun goes down, a dance party takes over the area around the Event Stage, with DJ Chill and some of your favorite Disney characters. Using a special event hashtag, you can share song requests and photos over social media, to be featured onscreen during the party.
  • “Frozen” Fireworks – As the night comes to a close, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together at the Event Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow!

3/19/15 Marvel News Mash-Up (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Spider-Man in Avengers?, New Toys, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

First Look At Marvel Comics’ “Star Wars: Shattered Empire”

Star-Wars-Shattered-Empire-1-700x1062

One of the 20 titles that is part of “Journey To Star Wars: The Force Awakens” book line is the upcoming Marvel comic book, “Star Wars: Shattered Empire.” The above illustration looks to take place right around the end of “Return Of The Jedi” and will continue the adventures of Luke, Leia and Han. Other than this cover, we have no real information in regards to plot or release date. The cover looks great though.

Newest “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” Character Posters Revealed

CAOxhh2UMAIWWvG.jpg large

In the March 6th Mash-Up, I posted character posters for Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Nick Fury, Black Widow and Hawkeye. This last round of character posters includes Ultron, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. We still might get Vision…

Quicksilver-Avengers-Character-posterScarlet-Witch-Avengers-Character-Poster

“Avengers: Age Of Ultron” opens May 1st, 2015.

Danny Elfman Explains Why He Scored Additional Music For “Avengers: Age Of Ultron”

danny-elfman-is-not-putting-his-spider-man-score-i_xars.1920

A few weeks ago I reported that Danny Elfman had scored additional music for “Avengers: Age Of Ultron.” My best guess originally was that Elfman was contributing his “Spider-Man” theme from the Sam Rami “Spider-Man” movies.

Elfman was recently asked about his involvement with “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” and this is what he had to say:

I was doing the same thing actually just last week because I’ve contributed music to the new Avengers movie. I took part of Alan Silvestri’s theme on the original [movie], which I really liked, and I pulled it into a new theme, which became kind of a hybrid. I really enjoyed that.

Sorry, but I’m not buying it. Brian Tyler is the writer and composer of Avengers: Age Of Ultron’s score. Why would Elfman create a new theme and use part of Alan Silvestri’s them from the first “Avengers” movie? Doesn’t make sense at all. I think he is just covering up his real involvement which will be putting together a very small score for “Spider-Man” in the after credits scene for “Ultron.”

If I’m wrong, I’m wrong and it wont be the first time, and most likely not the last. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Source: ComicBookMovie.com

Marvel At Toy Fair 2015

54e4e6197dcc1

Last month the Toy Fair 2015 was held at the Jacobs Javits Center in New York City. As always, Marvel had a huge presence at the Toy Fair displaying all of the toys, statues and action figures that we can look forward to seeing this year. Many toy manufacturers such as Hasbro, Funco and Lego showed off their Marvel line of toys.

Here is a video showing some of the highlights from Marvel’s presence at the Toy Fair 2015:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1MHDNxQNGI]

Source: Marvel.com

Sideshow Collectible Corner

“Black Widow”

902371-black-widow-015

I’m pretty sure that this closeup of the newest Back Widow premium figure from Hot Toys would fool most people into thinking that this was actually Scarlet Johansson herself.

Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles are excited to present the deadly female of the mighty Avengers, the 1/6th scale Black Widow Collectible Figure from Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron!

The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the film and features a newly painted head sculpt with short curly brownish-red real fabric hair, newly tailored costume with leather-like trims and blue highlights, detailed weapons and accessories.

The Black Widow Collectible Figure is currently available for preorder exclusively at ShideshowCollectibles.com. The price is $219.99 and it will be shipping in the last quarter of 2015.

902371-black-widow-013902371-black-widow-011902371-product-silo

Source: SideshowCollectibles.com

That’s it for this week!

RUMOR: Disney Wants J.J. Abrams Back To Direct “Star Wars: Episode IX”

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

jj-abrams-star-wars-episode-7

This story has been making the rounds this week that J.J. Abrams may be returning to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX.”

From Latino Review:

Despite his absence from the production team on the next installment, his commitment to other ongoing franchises and early rumors of disagreements between him and the Disney Team, there’s a good chance that J.J. Abrams will be back to direct Star Wars: Episode IX.

There are enough conversations about J.J. Abrams returning to direct Episode IX that we’ve been able to independently verify it four times that his name is the front-runner for the last trilogy installment.

From Making StarWars:

There was also another rumor going around that Abrams was reviewing Rian Johnson’s work and they were worked out a final outline for the final installment in this trilogy because VIII is getting tighter and more refined (it should shoot with some overlap with Rogue One). That makes sense and it kind of a “of course they would do that” kind of thing. He is the executive producer. There is another rumor that Rian Johnson is not totally out IX but the production timeline makes it seem nearly impossible and from what I have seen that appears to be true about the timeline aspect.

That rumor about Abrams is going around Latino Review reported today. I personally don’t think its really worked out yet. But here’s the big thing for me. J.J. Abrams executive producing the rest of the trilogy might have been agreed upon before he ever signed. But it probably also means Abrams is doing a kick ass job with Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Bob Iger and Kathleen Kennedy are pleased with his work (which is not surprising but still good to hear).

The good thing here, if this is true, is that Disney has seen very early cuts of the film and they are loving what they have seen and they want Abrams back.

My personal opinion is let’s see what Abrams does with the “The Force Awakens” before we get too excited. I’ve been burned before with the promise of a new “Star Wars” movie and probably what affected the movie the most was bad directing by George Lucas. I have no problem saying that I am not a fan of The Prequels. The Prequel Trilogy had many problems but this always bothered me the most. You had actors such as Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L Jackson, Christopher Lee, Brian Blessed and Hayden Christensen (he was OK in “Jumper”) and they were all horrible? This has to be the result of Lucas’ poor directing skills. These are actors that I have seen in many other movies where they have given some great performances. But now you put all of these actors together in a movie trilogy and all of their acting is wooden, boring and lifeless. That’s not the actors fault, it’s the director’s. I know people will debate me on this but they all acted horribly in the Prequels. Even Yoda was bad, and he was great in The Original Trilogy!

My point is that it’s not always a good thing to have the same director doing ever single movie of a trilogy. You also dont want to give one man to much power in which he feels he has free reign to do whatever he wants. I felt that having Peter Jackson direct all of the films in “The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy” worked very well but look what he did to “The Hobbit Trilogy.” To me the best Star Wars movie was “The Empire Strikes Back” and a huge part of it was because Irving Kirshner directed the film instead of George Lucas. If Lucas would have directed that film, it would have been a completely different film. Lucas has said that “Empire” is his least favorite “Star Wars” film.

I really need to see what J.J. Abrams does with his first “Star Wars” movie before I can be excited or disappointed with the thought of his return. And I cant wait….but I hope it’s good!

RUMOR: Disney Looking At Chris Pratt To Be The New ‘Indiana Jones’

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

collagefrdffd

This rumor was originally started by fans after seeing Chris Pratt in ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy,’  but now it seems that Disney is actually listening to what the fans are saying. I admit that after seeing his performance in the opening scene where ‘Starlord’ retrieves the Infinity Stone, it reminded me of the opening scene in ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ where ‘Indy’ retrieves the Idol. Pratt would make a great ‘Indian Jones,’ (see photos below). He just seems to have the confidence and believability to take on that role more than any other actor I could think of.

According to Deadline.com, Disney is starting to turn it’s attention to reviving the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise and that Chris Pratt is under serious consideration.

The signs have been there that Disney is about to do something with ‘Indiana Jones.’ When Disney first acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, ‘Star Wars’ was the big deal and ‘Indiana Jones’ was mentioned as a side note. Paramount still had partial ownership and I believe they were contracted to make two more Indy movies. But back in 2013, Disney and Paramount reached an agreement where Disney would retain full control of the ‘Indiana Jones‘ franchise which included future movies and home video distribution.

I also remember hearing that of the big three from the original cast of ‘Star Wars’, Harrison Ford was the holdout for ‘Star Wars: Episode VII.’ Ford apparently agreed to be in ‘Episode VII’ if Disney agreed to do 2 more ‘Indiana Jones’ movies with him in it. Ford was not happy with ‘Indiana Jones And The Chrystal Skull’ and wanted the character to go out on a high note. So I don’t know if that is still on the table or maybe it is possible for Harrison Ford to pass the reigns on to Chris Pratt. Shia Labeouf played Indy’s son in the ‘Chrystal Skull’ but Shia is now box office poison and has been bad news  for several years in the eyes of the press and movie fans. There is no reason why Pratt couldn’t take on the role as an older version of Labeouf’s character. They seriously have to lose the name of ‘Mutt’ though and called him ‘Indy’, well after the inevitable happens to Ford’s character.

Harrison Ford in ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’:harrison-ford-indiana-jones-idol__index

Chris Pratt in ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’:guardians-of-the-galaxy-chris-pratt3

Top Annie Awards Go To “Dragon 2,” Disney Animation Receives Most Overall

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

HowDraggon2-Up

Dean DeBlois picked up directing honors for “How To Train Your Dragon 2” at Saturday’s “Annies” presented by ASIFA-Hollywood. Dragon 2 also received the Best Feature Animation prize. Images courtesy of ASIFA-Hollywood and DreamWorks Animation.

DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon 2” took Best Animated Feature honors at the 42nd Annual Annie Awards, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, as some of feature and television animation’s brightest stars assembled at UCLA’s Royce Hall on Saturday, January 31.

The Best Feature, and the directorial award to the film’s Dean DeBois, are timely for artists and technicians the creative staff of the financially beleaguered studio, especially since the Annie Awards are considered something of a bellwether of the Academy Awards which will be held on February 22. The firm also picked up awards for feature character design (Fabio Lignini), for storyboarding (Truong “Tron” Son Mai) and for music (John Power, Jonsi).

Various Disney animation units picked up the most awards, including nine for Disney Television Animation alone and 11 in total. Disney Television Animation’s “Gravity Falls” won for television/broadcast production for a children’s audience. “Disney Mickey Mouse” picked up the most individual Annies, including direction in a TV/broadcast production (Aaron Springer), writing (Darrick Bachman), editorial (Illya Owens), music (Christopher Willis) and voice acting (Bill Farmer.) “Wander Over Yonder” also took awards in character animation (Justin Nichols), character design (Benjamin Balistreri), and “Mickey Shorts”  also won for production design (Narina Skolova).

Leslie Iwerks and Richard Sherman present The Walt Disney Family Museum at the 42nd Annie Awards™ with a Special Achievement Award for its unique and significant impact on the art and industry of animation. Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law and the president of The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Board of Directors attended the ceremony to receive the honor. Images courtesy of ASIFA-Hollywood.

Leslie Iwerks and Richard Sherman present The Walt Disney Family Museum at the 42nd Annie Awards™ with a Special Achievement Award for its unique and significant impact on the art and industry of animation. Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law and the president of The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Board of Directors attended the ceremony to receive the honor. Images courtesy of ASIFA-Hollywood.

“The Lego Movie” from Warner Bros. Animation received one award for writers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Close watchers of the Annies might have possibly predicted the so-called snub from the slate of nominations. “How To Train Your Dragon 2” had 10 nominations, in comparison to 6 for “The Lego Movie.” “The Box Trolls” actually led the Best Feature nominations with 13.

“Dragon” will compete with “Big Hero 6,” “The Boxtrolls,” “Song of the Sea,” and “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.” It has already won the Golden Globe.

The Annies have a consistent history of matching the Academy Award winners every other year except 2006 when Happy Feat was the Oscar winner. The Annie that year went to “Cars.” Last year’s Annie winner, “Frozen,” went on to win the Oscar.

Play Along as WDWNT March Madness Begins Tonight (01/29/15) on WDWNT: The Radio Show

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

radio_show_post_logoTonight, on WDWNT: The Radio show, look ahead to 2015 at the Disney Parks. We will discuss what we know is coming to Walt Disney World as well as all our speculations… and invite yours as well. We also have all the latest breaking news about the Disneyland 60th Anniversary celebration that will be taking place this year.

Also, we have the debut of a brand new game show! Join us for Disney Parks Pursuit and win some great prizes from Theme Park Connection. We are looking for some contestants to play. Here are the details:

  • This is a pre-show sign-up for Tonight’s (Thursday 01/29/15) game show contestants.
  • Send an email to contactnickl@gmail.com with your name, hometown and phone number you can be reached at.
  • The game is played entirely over the phone. We will call you when it is time to play.
  • You need to be available on Thursday, December 29 from 9-10 EST. You need to be available the whole time although we will not have you on the phone the entire time.
  • You need to be a Disney fan who wants some great prizes from our wonderful sponsor, Theme Park Connection!
  • Contestants will be chosen randomly from all entries received. Not everyone who sends an email will appear on the show, but everyone who does appear on the show will win a prize from Theme Park Connection. And the better you perform, the more you win.

Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, the live radio talk show on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando focuses on the latest news and current trending topics at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. WDW News Today: The Radio Show can also be streamed live at www.1520wbzw.com or on your TuneIn and iHeartRadio apps, just search for WBZW. WDW News Today the Radio Show debuted in August of 2013 as a 1 hour broadcast on Saturday evenings and has grown into a 2-hour program by popular demand.

To interact with the hosts during the show, listeners can call in at (407) 774-8255, tweet @WDWNT using #WDWNTRadio, or use the new LIVE chat that will be available at Listen.WDWNT.com.

The show begins at 8PM EDT Thursday night, don’t miss it!