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The ocean calls to 'Moana' in official trailer for live-action film adaptation Disney has released the official trailer for its upcoming live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated film Moana, set to premiere in theaters this summer. The trailer opens with a reprise of the musical's iconic song "Where You Are," performed by Gramma Tala, played by Rena Owen. The scene transitions to Moana, portrayed by Catherine Lagaʻaia, navigating daily life on her island home, Motunui. The trailer introduces key moments from the story, including Gramma Tala’s urgent warning to Moana: “Beyond our reef an evil darkness has found us. Moana, the ocean chose you. Find Maui, restore the heart of Te Fiti and save us all.” Moana’s journey takes her beyond her island, where she encounters Dwayne Johnson’s return as Maui, the demigod who aids her quest. The trailer features Johnson’s character asking Moana, “Are you ready to be the hero?” to which she responds, “Let’s go save the world.” The film’s cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Catherine Lagaʻaia, who portrays Moana, is joined by Dwayne Johnson as Maui, reprising his role from the original film. The project is directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton, and executive produced by Auliʻi Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the animated series. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dwayne Johnson also serve as executive producers. The live-action adaptation follows the original story, which centers on Moana’s journey to restore balance to her world by confronting a mysterious force threatening her people. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 10. Disney, the parent company of ABC News, is behind the production.#disney #catherine_lagaia #dwayne_johnson #thomas_kail #moana

2026 Box Office: The Most Important Movie For Every Studio The 2026 box office landscape is shaping up as a pivotal moment for major studios, with each company facing unique challenges and opportunities. Scott Mendelson, a well-known film analyst, has compiled a list of the most critical theatrical releases for every major studio, emphasizing their significance amid shifting industry dynamics. The analysis highlights how corporate consolidation and evolving audience preferences are reshaping the importance of specific films. Disney, for instance, is grappling with seven years of mixed reactions to its Marvel films. The studio’s ability to recapture audience enthusiasm will be crucial, as its upcoming releases could determine whether the franchise continues to dominate or faces a decline in popularity. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. is testing a new strategy by offering lower budgets but securing wider theatrical distribution. This approach aims to balance cost efficiency with broad reach, though its effectiveness remains uncertain. A24, known for its indie films, is positioning itself as a go-to destination for romance and character-driven stories. The studio’s upcoming projects could solidify its reputation in the genre, potentially challenging traditional Hollywood studios. However, the success of these films will depend on their ability to connect with audiences in a competitive market. The analysis also notes that the importance of certain films has intensified due to ongoing corporate mergers and acquisitions. For example, a film that might have seemed like a minor release in previous years now carries significant weight for its studio, given the stakes of maintaining market share. This shift underscores the unpredictable nature of the box office and the pressures faced by studios to deliver hits.#warner_bros #disney #scott_mendelson #a24 #2026_box_office

Disney Sets 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'Incredibles' Sequels for Summer 2028 Release Disney has announced two new sequels for its summer 2028 film lineup, with a direct follow-up to the 2024 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch set for release in May and Pixar’s Incredibles 3 scheduled for June. The Lilo & Stitch 2 film will open on Memorial Day weekend in 2028, aiming to replicate the $1.03 billion global box office success of its predecessor. The sequel will be directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, who also helmed the 2024 remake, and is expected to maintain the franchise’s commercial momentum. Incredibles 3 will mark a shift in creative leadership, with Peter Sohn, director of Elemental, taking the helm after Brad Bird, who directed the first two films in the series, steps down as director. Bird will remain as a screenwriter and executive producer. The film is set for a June 16, 2028, release, nearly a decade after The Incredibles 2 debuted in 2018. The 2018 film grossed $1.24 billion worldwide, establishing a benchmark for the franchise’s financial performance. The announcement was made during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting by new CEO Josh D’Amaro, who succeeded Bob Iger after 15 years at the helm. D’Amaro, who has spent 27 years with the company, previously led its theme parks and experiences division. His leadership comes as Disney’s film studio increasingly prioritizes sequels and franchises over original content. While the studio is celebrating the success of Pixar’s Hoppers, which has earned $164 million in its opening weekends, its box office potential will not match the billion-dollar runs of films like Lilo & Stitch and Avatar: Fire and Ash. Disney’s focus on sequels is also evident in the continued dominance of animated franchises. Zootopia 2, which became the highest-grossing animated film in Hollywood history with $1.#disney #pixar #lilo_stitch #incredibles #josh_damaro

Lilo & Stitch 2, Incredibles 3 Set for Summer 2028 Disney has announced the release dates for the next chapters of two major franchises, with both films set to debut in the summer of 2028. The sequel to the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, titled Lilo & Stitch 2, will premiere on May 26, 2028. This follows the success of the 2025 remake, which became a surprise box office hit with a reported $1 billion gross. Pixar’s Incredibles 3 will follow shortly after, scheduled for June 16, 2028. The announcements were made by incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro during a recent press event. The Lilo & Stitch 2 project will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who helmed the 2025 remake. Chris Sanders, the original co-creator, co-writer, and co-director of the 2002 animated film, will serve as the writer for the sequel. Sanders also voices Stitch in the franchise, a role he has held since the original release. For Incredibles 3, Peter Sohn, the director of Elemental, will take over the helm from Brad Bird, who directed the first two installments of the superhero series. Bird’s departure marks a significant shift for the franchise, as Sohn brings a fresh creative vision to the project. The release dates for both films align with Disney’s strategy to capitalize on the summer movie season, a period traditionally known for high box office earnings. The Incredibles series has been a staple of Pixar’s output, with its blend of action, humor, and family-friendly storytelling resonating with audiences since its debut in 2004. Similarly, Lilo & Stitch has maintained a strong fan base, particularly with its live-action remake rekindling interest in the original animated classic. Disney’s decision to schedule these films back-to-back in 2028 suggests a calculated approach to maintaining momentum in its animated and live-action divisions.#disney #pixar #lilo_stitch #incredibles #josh_damaro

The biggest fantasy hero battle in Hollywood is shaping up over a release date: Dec. 18. While Warner Bros.’ and Legendary’s Dune: Part Three and Disney and Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday have officially claimed the same release date for months, this week’s drop of the Dune movie’s poster publicly declaring the Dec. 18 date seemed to solidify the stand-off as actually happening. Which means that at a time when theaters are starving to fill seats, two of the year’s most anticipated films—perhaps the most anticipated—will arrive on the exact same day. Denis Villeneuve had a new Imax lens hand-crafted specifically for Dune: Part Three, and Rebecca Ferguson admitted to having “a lot of FOMO” after learning she only has one scene in the film. A theater chain representative groaned, “Someone’s gotta move. That’s a level of overwhelm that doesn’t make sense. Especially after the last few years [of theaters struggling]. An Avengers movie and Dune 3 are both sure things.” Unlike the mismatched Barbie and Oppenheimer clash in 2023, these two epic fantasy sequels have significant audience overlap. Dune: Part Two skewed heavily male on its opening weekend at 68 percent, with many ticket buyers over 25. Conversely, Avengers: Endgame saw a 60-40 gender split, with Millennials and Gen Zers dominating. The issue isn’t just about fewer tickets sold due to competition. Big fans of both franchises will likely see both films, though some may save one for streaming. Other films in the marketplace, like Robert Eggers’ The Werewulf, Jumanji 3, The Angry Birds Movie 3, and Jonathan Levine’s untitled John Tuggle pic, will also compete. Awards contenders will further strain the market. “It will be especially bad for specialty distributors because everybody’s going to free up every screen they have for those two films,” says an exhibitor.#warner_bros #disney #legendary #denis_villeneuve #marvel

Disney and ‘Star Wars’ Reportedly Not Releasing ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ as Expected Lucasfilm’s next chapter for its Star Wars universe is taking shape on a much larger stage, but the road there appears to be more complicated than expected. The Mandalorian and Grogu, set for release on May 22, 2026, represents the franchise’s long-awaited return to theaters—yet its arrival comes amid major shifts behind the scenes and within the broader entertainment industry. Since its 2019 debut, The Mandalorian has been a cornerstone of Disney+ programming, introducing Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu to global audiences. The series quickly became one of the defining titles of Disney’s Star Wars era, launching an interconnected slate that included The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew. Originally, these series were positioned as part of a unified narrative often referred to as the Mando-Verse, with plans for a larger crossover event. However, recent developments suggest that long-term vision may no longer be intact. Multiple reports point to a slowdown or reevaluation of projects tied to the New Republic timeline. With leadership changes influencing Lucasfilm’s direction, fans have begun to question whether the expansive streaming-era storyline has been scaled back or reimagined entirely. Currently, only a limited number of New Republic projects remain firmly in development, including The Mandalorian and Grogu and Ahsoka Season 2. Notably absent are confirmations for additional spin-offs or even The Mandalorian Season 4, raising speculation that the studio is reworking its strategy. Adding to the growing list of details, UK cinema chain Odeon has listed the film’s runtime at approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.#disney #pedro_pascal #star_wars #lucasfilm #dave_filoni

Reese Witherspoon's Birthday Celebrated as Disney Star March 22, 1976, marked the birth of actress, producer, and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon. Born in the United States, she gained early recognition for her work in film and television, including her role in Disney's "A Far Off Place" and her appearances in "Sweet Home Alabama" and "A Wrinkle in Time." Witherspoon also made a notable guest appearance on ABC's "The Muppets," showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her breakthrough role came with the 2001 film "Legally Blonde," where she portrayed Elle Woods, a character that became iconic in popular culture. This role earned her widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Later, she received critical praise for her performance as June Carter Cash in the 2005 biographical film "Walk the Line," which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Beyond her acting career, Witherspoon has been a prominent advocate for children's and women's issues. She has used her platform to support various charitable causes, including education and healthcare initiatives. Her dedication to these causes has earned her recognition as a influential figure in global affairs. In 2006, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by "Time" magazine, a title she later received again in 2016. Her impact on entertainment and social advocacy continues to shape her legacy as a multifaceted entertainer and activist.#disney #reese_witherspoon #a_far_off_place #sweet_home_alabama #wrinkle_in_time

‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ Release Date Confirmed for May 12 Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of Frank Castle returns in A Marvel Television Special Presentation: The Punisher: One Last Kill, which will premiere on May 12, exclusively on Disney+. The series marks the vigilante’s latest outing after his appearance in Daredevil: Born Again last year. Bernthal shared the release date and a teaser poster for the project on his Instagram account earlier this week. The announcement highlights the continuation of Castle’s story as a lone wolf operating in the shadows, a role Bernthal has embodied with intensity. The series is positioned as a standalone event, emphasizing its thematic focus on the character’s final mission. Fans are encouraged to follow updates as the project approaches its streaming debut, with Disney+ serving as the sole platform for the release. The promotional content also includes teasers about other Marvel-related developments, such as the return of “Wonder Man” in a future season and the release of new comics featuring Spider-Man, Punisher, and Hulk. However, the core of the article centers on the confirmed premiere date and Bernthal’s involvement in the series, underscoring its significance within the Marvel Television lineup.#disney #marvel_studios #jon_bernthal #marvel_television #the_punisher

Punisher: One Last Kill Special Sets Release Date After Daredevil End Jon Bernthal’s character, Frank Castle, returns in the Marvel Special Presentation Punisher: One Last Kill, which is set to premiere on May 12. This release follows the conclusion of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, which ends on May 5. The eight-episode Season 2 of Born Again debuts on Tuesday, with most episodes airing weekly, except for Episodes 2 and 3, which both premiere on March 31. Bernthal’s return to the Marvel universe marks a significant moment for his character, as he reunites with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil in Daredevil: Born Again. The series, which premiered on Disney+, was the first M-rated Marvel show and has been renewed for a third season. Bernthal’s involvement in the project also ties into his broader role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where his Punisher character is set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day alongside Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Other MCU figures, including Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and Michael Mando’s Scorpion from Spider-Man: Homecoming, will also reappear in the film. The Punisher: One Last Kill special was announced as part of Marvel’s efforts to expand its television offerings, following the success of Daredevil: Born Again. The release date of May 12 was strategically chosen to follow the conclusion of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, allowing for a seamless transition between the two projects. The special will be available exclusively on Disney+. Bernthal’s return to the Punisher role comes after his Netflix series, which ended in 2025, and his subsequent appearances in Marvel films and TV shows. His character’s journey continues to intersect with other Marvel heroes, reflecting the interconnected nature of the MCU.#disney #charlie_cox #daredevil_born_again #jon_bernthal #punisher_one_last_kill

Jon Bernthal Confirms New Punisher Special Set for Disney+ Jon Bernthal has officially confirmed that a new Punisher special is in the works, with details about the project finally emerging after months of speculation. The actor, known for his iconic portrayal of Frank Castle in the Netflix series The Punisher, has long been associated with the character despite the cancellation of the original series. Bernthal’s return to the role marks another significant chapter in the character’s cinematic journey, with the new project set to debut on Disney+ in May. Bernthal’s career spans a wide range of high-profile roles, including his performances in The Accountant, Fury, The Wolf of Wall Street, and King Richard. However, his most enduring role remains that of the Punisher, a character he first brought to life in the Netflix series Daredevil and its spin-offs. The character’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a topic of discussion among fans, particularly following the release of Daredevil: Born Again, a revival of the Marvel series that brought back stars like Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio. The new Punisher special, titled One Last Kill, will air on Disney+ on May 12, one week after the Season 2 finale of Daredevil: Born Again. Bernthal shared the first poster for the project on his Instagram account, signaling the official launch of the project. While plot details remain undisclosed, the release of the first trailer is expected to provide further insight into the story. The special is part of Disney’s broader efforts to expand its Marvel content, with the Punisher’s story continuing to evolve within the franchise. The project also highlights Bernthal’s growing role as a writer and producer, as he is credited with co-creating the special.#disney #marvel_cinematic_universe #jon_bernthal #punisher #one_last_kill