What’s New From Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios

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There are so many great things happening now at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. John Lasseter introduced the upcoming slate of animated films at the 2015 D23 EXPO surrounded by the stars…and a handful of green army men.

 

RILEY’S FIRST DATE?

If you’re a fan of Inside Out, you’ll be excited to know that Riley, her family and all of the emotions are coming back in a new short. We caught the premiere at D23 EXPO, but  you’ll be able to check out Riley’s First Date when Inside Out arrives digitally on October 13, 2015 and on DVD and Blu-Ray November 3, 2015.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur arrives in theaters on November 25, 2015.

The Good Dinosaur introduces Arlo, an Apatosaurus with an unlikely human friend named Spot.  The extended clip screened at D23 EXPO had more than a few people in tears. I absolutely teared up. So will you. Just so you know when you see it in November, it’s the scene about family with the sticks in the sand. All the tears…

ZOOTOPIA

There just aren’t enough movies featuring bunnies. That will change on March 4, 2016, when Ginnifer Goodwin voices Judy Hopps in Zootopia. She’ll be joined by Shakira, the voice of Gazelle. Shakira will also be providing the new original song, “Try Everything.”

FINDING DORY

Everyone has been waiting for it, and at D23 EXPO we finally got an early look at Finding Dory!

Ellen DeGeneres is back as Dory. This time she’ll be joined by Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell, Kaitlin Olson, Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. Finding Dory answers the important questions: Where is Dory’s family? Will this overly-optimistic fish with short-term memory loss ever be able to find them again? Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

MOANA

OK, so I hate to play favorites, but I’m going to play favorites. I’m excited about everything on the Disney Pixar slate. But if pressed I would have to pick Moana as the film I’m the most excited about. First of all, it stars Dwayne Johnson as the voice of demi-god Maui. His excitement at D23 EXPO was contagious.

Second of all,  Lin-Manuel Miranda is part of the musical team. I love him. LOVE him.

At the expo we saw a clip of Moana that was literally the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Really, not exaggerating. I can’t wait for Moana to sail into theaters on November 23, 2016.

TOY STORY 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Pixar Animation Studios celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Toy Story this year. What better way to party than with more news about Toy Story 4!  Rashida Jones and Will McCormack will write the script, with John Lasseter directing. We also learned that the story will be a romance between Woody and Bo Peep!

Toy Story 4 buzzes into theaters on June 16, 2017.

GIGANTIC

Early in the production process is Disney’s Gigantic. Gigantic is a unique take on Jack and the Beanstalk featuring music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Disney’s Gigantic will follow Jack as he discovers a world of giants in the clouds. He’ll partner with Inma, a 60 foot tall, 11 year old girl to help her find her way home. Gigantic stomps into theaters in 2018.

COCO

Coco is the upcoming Disney·Pixar film based on the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. We got a peek at an early test clip, and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous.

Of course this is just the beginning… posters from The Incredibles 2  and Cars 3 were on display at D23 EXPO!

Follow my full coverage from the D23 EXPO!