Disney Branded Television revealed new projects and released never-before-seen content for its series and movies across Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior during Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza! at D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California.
The announcements were made by Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis with some help from the cast members and creative teams of current and upcoming series and movies across Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior.
“At Disney Branded Television, we create shows full of magic, adventure, thrill, and heart that resonate with audiences around the world,” said Davis.
“Our announcements today spotlight the breadth and depth of our commitment to entertaining fans of all ages, across animation, live-action series, and movies, unscripted and documentaries.”
DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION AT D23 EXPO
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE (Coming to Disney+ in 2023)
Based on the genre-hopping graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods.
American Born Chinese stars Ben Wang as Jin Wang, Yeo Yann Yann as Christine Wang, Chin Han as Simon Wang, Ke Huy Quan as Freddy Wong, Jimmy Liu as Wei-Chen, Sydney Taylor as Amelia with Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong “The Monkey King” and Michelle Yeoh as Guanyin.
Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Kelvin Yu (Bob’s Burgers, Central Park) serves as executive producer and showrunner. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.
Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Short Term 12) is set to direct and serves as executive producer alongside Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan (both of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. for Disney+ and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level feature films), Erin O’Malley (Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.), Asher Goldstein (Short Term 12, Just Mercy), and Gene Luen Yang.
BIG SHOT SEASON 2 (October 12 on Disney+)
Marvyn’s (John Stamos) latest plan toward relevance is to get his team broadcast on ESPN, and his method is to recruit an unlikely player: Ava (SaraEcheagaray), a gutsy beach volleyball phenom whose public tantrum got her ousted from her own sport.
Between losing their assistant coach Holly Barrett (Jessalyn Gilsig) to a rival school, new friction amongst teammates, sudden and unexpected proximity to boys, and off-the-court disasters that no one could’ve predicted this season, the Westbrook Sirens have even more to prove.
Big Shot stars John Stamos (You, The Little Mermaid Live), Jessalyn Gilsig (Glee), Sophia Mitri Schloss (Potato Dreams of America), Nell Verlaque (Secrets in a Small Town), Tiana Le (Just Add Magic), Tisha Custodio, Cricket Wampler (About A Boy), Sara Echeagaray, and Yvette Nicole Brown (Community).
The executive producers and co-creators are David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey, and Brad Garrett. Bill D’Elia also serves as executive producer. A Disney Branded Television series, Big Shot is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
THE SANTA CLAUSES (Nov. 16 on Disney+ with 2 episodes)
Scott Calvin is on the brink of his 65th birthday and realizing that he can’t be Santa forever. He’s suddenly starting to lose his Santa magic, and, more importantly, he’s got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world, especially his two kids who have grown up at the North Pole.
With a lot of elves, children, and family to please, Scott sets out to find a suitable replacement for Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the pole.
The Disney+ Original series The Santa Clauses stars Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, Devin Bright, Austin Kane, Matilda Lawler, Rupali Redd, and Kal Penn. Award-winning Jack Burditt (30 Rock, Modern Family) is the executive producer and showrunner.
Tim Allen (in addition to starring), Kevin Hench (Last Man Standing), Richard Baker, and Rick Messina will also serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company. The Disney Branded Television series is a production of 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.
NATIONAL TREASURE: EDGE OF HISTORY (December 14 on Disney+ with 2 episodes)
The Disney+ Original series National Treasure” Edge of History is an expansion of the National Treasure movie franchise told from the point of view of a young heroine, Jess – a brilliant and resourceful DREAMer in search of answers about her family – who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover the truth about the past and save a lost Pan-American treasure.
National Treasure stars Lisette Olivera, Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago), Jake Austin Walker (Rectify), Jordan Rodrigues (Lady Bird), Zuri Reed (Flatbush Misdemeanors), Antonio Cipriano (Jagged Little Pill) and Lyndon Smith (Parenthood).
Jerry Bruckheimer, Cormac & Marianne Wibberley, Jonathan Littman, and KristieAnne Reed serve as executive producers on the series alongside Rick Muirragui, who also serves as a writer. Jon Turteltaub is also an executive producer.
Mira Nair is directing and executive producing. A Disney Branded Television series, National Treasure is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios.
MARVEL’S MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR (Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and then on Disney+)
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, based on Marvel’s hit comic books, follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur stars Diamond White as Lunella (aka Moon Girl); Fred Tatasciore as Devil Dinosaur; Alfre Woodard as Lunella’s grandmother, Mimi; Libe Barer as Lunella’s best friend and manager, Casey; Sasheer Zamata as Lunella’s mom, Adria; Jermaine Fowler as Lunella’s dad, and James Jr.; Gary Anthony Williams as Lunella’s grandfather, Pops.
Series executive producer Laurence Fishburne stars in the recurring role of The Beyonder, a curious and mischievous trickster.
Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series is executive produced by Fishburne and Helen Sugland’s Cinema Gypsy Productions (ABC’s black-ish and mixed-ish, Freeform’s grown-ish) and Steve Loter (Disney’s Kim Possible). Rodney Clouden (Futurama) is the supervising producer, Kate Kondell (The Pirate Fairy) and Jeffrey M. Howard (Planes) are co-producers and story editors, and Pilar Flynn (Elena of Avalor) is the producer.
PROM PACT (Streaming soon on Disney+)
It’s the height of prom season, and high school senior Mandy Yang and her best friend and fellow outsider Ben are surrounded by over-the-top ’80s-themed “promposals.” However, Mandy keeps her eyes focused on a different goal: her lifelong dream of attending Harvard.
When she finds out that she has been put on the waitlist, she is determined to do whatever she can do to get herself accepted, even if that means asking for help from the one person she abhors – popular all-star jock Graham Lansing, whose father is a powerful senator and Harvard alum. Once Mandy becomes Graham’s tutor, she begins to realize there’s more to him than she thought and perhaps something more to life than Harvard.
Prom Pact stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Mandy, Milo Manheim as Ben, Blake Draper as Graham, Monique Green as LaToya, Arica Himmel as Zenobia, Jason Sakaki as Charles, Margaret Cho as Ms. Chen, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Alyssa and David S. Jung as Tom.
Jake Kasdan (Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.), Melvin Mar (Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), and Rachael Field (Modern Family) are executive producers on Prom Pact; and Anya Adams (Ginny & Georgia) directed the movie, which was written by Anthony Lombardo (American Housewife).
THE MUPPETS MAYHEM (Coming to Disney+ in 2023)
The comedy series follows The Electric Mayhem Band — Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone, and Lips on trumpet — on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven, young music executive, Nora, the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current-day music scene as they try to go platinum finally.
The Muppets Mayhem stars Lilly Singh (Nora), Tahj Mowry (Moog), Saara Chaudry (Hannah) as well as Anders Holm (JJ) in a recurring role.
The Muppets Mayhem was developed by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta, and Jeff Yorkes based on characters created by Jim Henson. It was written by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta, and Jeff Yorkes; the executive producers are Goldberg, Barretta, Michael Bostick, and Kris Eber. Yorkes is a co-executive producer.
The Muppets Studio’s David Lightbody and Leigh Slaughter are also executive producers. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by ABC Signature, which is part of Disney Television Studios, and The Muppets Studio for Disney+.
The new single “Can You Picture That?” from the upcoming Disney+ series “The Muppets Mayhem” was released here after The Electric Mayhem’s live performance of the musical number.
THE PROUD FAMILY: LOUDER AND PROUDER SEASON 2 (Premieres February 2023 on Disney+)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and includes her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). Of course, it would not be The Proud Family without Penny’s loyal crew: Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez, Zoey Howzer, and Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, among others.
Cast members reprising their roles from the original series and returning for season two are Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron.
Recurring new voices that will also return include Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto as Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, EJ Johnson as Michael Collins, Asante Blackk as Kareem, Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins, Bresha Webb as CeCe and Aiden Dodson as BeBe.
The series, a critically-acclaimed revival of Disney’s groundbreaking The Proud Family, is executive produced by its creator Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar. Calvin Brown, Jr. (Moesha) is a co-executive producer and story editor. Jan Hirota (Big Hero 6 The Series) is the producer. Eastwood Wong (Carmen Sandiego) is the art director, and the directors are Latoya Raveneau (Rise Up, Sing Out), Rudi Bloss (DC Super Hero Girls), and Tara Nicole Whitaker (Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure).
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS (Streaming soon on Disney+)
Based on Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series (See on Amazon) by award-winning author Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), who’s just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt.
With help from his friends Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri) and Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries), Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.
Riordan and Jon Steinberg will serve as writers of the pilot, and James Bobin will direct. Steinberg will oversee the series with his producing partner, Dan Shotz. Steinberg and Shotz serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe, Anders Engström, Jet Wilkinson, and The Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and D.J. Goldberg.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a Disney Branded Television series produced by 20th Television.
NEW UNSCRIPTED HOLIDAY SPECIALS
BEST IN SNOW (This holiday season on Disney+)
Best in Snow is a festive holiday special hosted by Tituss Burgess, featuring teams from around the world transported to a magical snowy village, Snowdome, and thrown into a spirited competition to compete for the title of Best in Snow. With the help of Snowdome’s finest carvers, teams will transform their 10-foot, 20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful creations inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios, and The Muppets Studio.
The teams will take family favorites such as Moana, Coco, and The Lion King and bring the characters to life in a way you’ve never seen before – in the snow! Spectacular snow sculptures and lively musical performances from Tituss Burgess, Kermit the Frog, and DCappella make this an action-packed winter event for the entire family.
Produced by Six West Media and Milojo Productions. Executive producers are Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Steve Ascher, Albert Bianchini, Allie Breslin, Jessica Conway, Josh Greenberg (and showrunner), and Tabitha Hanson-Obtulowicz. Michael Halpern is a producer, and the special was directed by Sam Wrench.
The cast includes Tituss Burgess as Mayor Frostifer von Fjord, Kermit the Frog, and Disney’s DCapella as the Town Carolers.
PENTATONIX: AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE HOLIDAYS (This holiday season on Disney+)
Superstar, a capella group Pentatonix is struggling to find inspiration for their annual holiday album, and the clock is ticking. To make matters worse, their well-intentioned but misguided manager mistakenly locks them in a magic mailroom. But with the help of some Disney magic, we’re soon on a whirlwind tour around the world, discovering holiday traditions and inspiration from Pentatonix fans all around the globe: from Tokyo to Grenada, Ghana to Mexico, and Iceland.
The fun-filled journey leads the group to realize that wherever we find ourselves, the holidays offer the perfect opportunity to discover how much we have in common and that it really is a small world, after all!
Produced by Done+Dusted, executive producers are Ashley Edens, David Jammy, and Katy Mullan.
The cast includes Pentatonix – Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, and Nico Santos as the manager.
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER (This holiday season on Disney+)
Run-D.M.C.’s Rev Run brings us along for a hip-hop reimagining of The Nutcracker ballet set in New York City. It’s the night of the annual New Year’s Eve block party, and Maria-Clara’s (Caché Melvin) mom and pop (Allison Holker Boss and Stephen “tWitch’ Boss) aren’t getting along … and it’s bringing her down. Maria-Clara embarks on a holiday adventure to bring her parents back together, finding help along the way from the magical toymaker, Drosselmeyer (Comfort Fedoke), and the Nutcracker (Du-Shant “Fik-shun” Stegall), whom she brings to life.
Maria-Clara’s journey takes her from the streets of New York to fantasy worlds where she battles with mice and toy soldiers (Viktor White, BDash, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis”), and back in time to the Land of Sweets in order to find the key to unlock her holiday wish. Will it be enough to rekindle her parents’ lost love before the clock strikes midnight? The special features best-in-class dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tiler Peck, KidaTheGreat AKA Kida Burns, the Jabbawockeez as magical snowflakes, and more.
Produced by Done+Dusted, executive producers are Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, Jennifer Weber, Eva Price, and NappyTabs. Choreographers include NappyTabs, Hokuto “HOK” Konishi, Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman, Luther Brown, D-Trix, and Jennifer Weber.
Nikki Parsons is the director. The Disney+ Original special The Hip Hop Nutcracker is inspired by the live stage phenomenon touring America this holiday season.
ADDITIONAL UPCOMING TITLES
DOOGIE KAMEALOHA, M.D. SEASON 2 (Coming soon to Disney+)
After spending the summer apart, Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) is finally reunited with Walter (Alex Aiono), although he’s not the same boyfriend she said goodbye to months before. Their relationship has shifted, and they’re no longer on the same page. Her head is spinning, even more so when she meets a new patient, Nico (Milo Manheim).
Lahela’s life is full of decisions – Walter, Nico, and choosing her medical specialty. In the end, who or what will she choose? Luckily, she has her family, coworkers, and best friend (Emma Meisel) to support her along the way.
UNDER WRAPS 2 (Sept. 25 on Disney Channel, Sept. 30 on Disney+)
Under Wraps 2 picks up as Marshall, Gilbert, and Amy are getting ready to attend Amy’s father’s Spooktacular Halloween-themed wedding. However, plans soon go awry when the three friends discover their mummy pal Harold and his beloved Rose may be in danger.
Sobek, an evil mummy with a 1,000-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned-bitter-rival, Harold, is unexpectedly awakened and out for revenge. With help from his hypnotized lacky Larry, Sobek kidnaps Rose. Amy, Gilbert, Marshall, Buzzy, and Harold must use their skills once again to save her and get back in time to attend the wedding.
Under Wraps 2 stars Malachi Barton (Marshall), Christian J. Simon (Gilbert), Sophia Hammons (Amy), Phil Wright (Harold), Melanie Brook (Buzzy), Ryla McIntosh (Rose), Jordan Conley (Larry), T.J. Storm (Sobek), Claude Knowlton (Pop), Antonio Cayonne (Carl) and Adam Wylie (Beuller).
Produced by MarVista Entertainment, Alex Zamm returns as director of Under Wraps 2, with Todd Y. Murata and Fernando Szew also returning as executive producers for MarVista Entertainment. Josh A. Cagan is the writer for the sequel, based on the original movie written by Don Rhymer.
STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES (Premieres 2023 on Disney Junior and Disney+)
Set during the High Republic era, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures will follow a group of Younglings as they embark on missions where they will help people in need, discover exotic creatures, clash with villainous pirates, train with their masters, and ultimately learn the valuable skills needed in order to become Jedi: compassion, self-discipline, teamwork, patience, and friendship.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures stars Jamaal Avery Jr. (“Abbott Elementary”) as Kai Brightstar, a Jedi Youngling who hopes to follow in the footsteps of his hero, the great Master Yoda, and become a Jedi Knight; and Emma Berman (Pixar’s “Luca”) as Nash Durango, a pilot who befriends Kai and his friends and joins them on their adventures across the galaxy.
Produced by Lucasfilm for Disney Junior and Disney+, the series is executive produced by Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes. Michael Olson (Puppy Dog Pals) is the showrunner and executive producer.
Elliot M. Bour (Elena of Avalor) is a co-producer and supervising director; Jeannine Hodson (Puppy Dog Pals) is the producer; and Lamont Magee (Black Lightning) is a consulting producer.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills to cover the latest streaming, movie, TV, and game news.