#disney

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Trailer: Miley Cyrus Back for Special Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Trailer: Miley Cyrus Back for Special Disney has released the trailer for its “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special,” which will debut on March 24, 2026, exactly 20 years after the original series premiered on Disney Channel. The special, announced by Miley Cyrus via a tweet, promises to celebrate the iconic show with never-before-seen footage, recreations of the set, and iconic moments revisited. The event will be filmed in front of a live studio audience and feature an interview with Cyrus hosted by “Call Her Daddy” star Alex Cooper. The original “Hannah Montana” series, which aired from 2006 to 2011, followed Miley Stewart, a teenager living in Malibu, Calif., who doubles as the pop star Hannah Montana. The show became a massive hit with children and tweens, earning four Emmy nominations for outstanding children’s program. It also spawned a film, “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” released in 2009 during the show’s third season. The cast included Miley Cyrus as the titular character, Emily Osment as Hannah’s best friend Lilly Truscott, Mitchel Musso as Oliver Oken, and Billy Ray Cyrus as Hannah’s father, Robby. Other notable cast members were Jason Earles as Jackson, Miley’s brother, and Moisés Arias as Rico Suave, the manager of the local Rico’s Surf Shop. The series also featured high-profile guest stars such as Dolly Parton, Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Larry David, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Kelly Ripa, and Lisa Rinna. The 20th anniversary special aims to honor the show’s legacy by revisiting its most memorable moments and showcasing new content.#miley_cyrus #disney #hannah_monsta #call_her_daddy #alex_cooper

Tim Cook Shares Steve Jobs' Unforgettable Advice on Leadership Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recalled a pivotal piece of advice from the late co-founder Steve Jobs, who urged him to prioritize doing what is right over emulating his own leadership style. The guidance, given as Cook took over the helm of the $3.83 trillion tech giant, emphasized the importance of independent decision-making. “Never ask what I would do, just do the right thing,” Jobs told Cook, a lesson rooted in his experiences at Disney and Pixar. Jobs, who co-founded Pixar with George Lucas in 1986, later became a key figure at Disney after the company acquired Pixar in 2006. During his time at Disney, he observed how the organization often hesitated, overthinking decisions by referencing Walt Disney’s past choices. This “paralysis” of relying on historical precedent, Jobs believed, could stifle innovation. He wanted Apple to avoid such stagnation, encouraging Cook to embrace his own vision rather than being constrained by his predecessor’s legacy. Cook described the moment as a transformative experience, noting how Jobs’ advice lifted the weight of constantly questioning, “What would Steve do?” Instead, Cook focused on becoming the best version of himself, a mindset that shaped his leadership approach. This philosophy aligns with Jobs’ broader emphasis on collaboration and excellence. He believed that combining diverse ideas could yield groundbreaking results, advocating for a culture where debate and shared creativity led to innovation. Jobs also stressed the importance of focus, urging teams to say “no” to countless distractions to concentrate on a single, exceptional goal. This principle of “insanely great” execution became a cornerstone of Apple’s identity, ensuring that every product met the highest standards.#apple #disney #tim_cook #steve_jobs #pixar

Tangled Live-Action Poster Offers Glimpse at Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft’s Roles Fans of Disney’s Tangled can now get a sneak peek at the live-action remake’s potential look, thanks to an unofficial poster created by artist Kode Abdo. The artwork, shared on Instagram, features Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider and Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, capturing their characters with striking accuracy to the original 2010 animated film. The poster shows Flynn smirking at Rapunzel, who glares back, both leaning against a tree covered in his wanted posters—a scene that mirrors the iconic moment from the animated version. The design also includes faithful costumes and settings, giving fans a sense of how the actors might appear in the film. Abdo also released a separate poster focusing on Pascal, Rapunzel’s chameleon companion, depicting the character smiling from the forest floor with a lock of Rapunzel’s hair draped around him. A third poster, potentially featuring Kathryn Hahn as Gothel, is expected to be released soon. These visuals align with Disney’s recent trend of visually adhering to the original animated designs for its live-action remakes, as seen in Snow White and Moana. The approach has been praised for its consistency with fan expectations, though it has also drawn criticism for prioritizing nostalgia over creative reinvention. The Tangled remake was first announced in 2024 but was delayed after the underwhelming performance of Snow White in 2025. However, the project was revived following the massive success of Lilo & Stitch, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Disney confirmed the casting of Croft and Manheim in January 2026, with Michael Gracey set to direct. The film is expected to hit theaters in 2027, joining Moana as another live-action adaptation of a beloved Disney Princess franchise.#disney #milo_manheim #teagan_croft #kode_abdo #kathryn_hahn

Milo Manheim to Play Flynn Rider in Tangled Remake, Oscar 2026 Appearance Confirmed Milo Manheim, known for his role in the Zombies franchise, is set to portray Flynn Rider in Disney’s live-action remake of Tangled. The announcement, made just months before the Oscars 2026, has generated significant buzz in Hollywood. Manheim’s casting marks a major career milestone, positioning him as a leading contender in the film industry. The project, directed by Michael Gracey, is expected to deliver a physically demanding and visually stunning adaptation of the beloved animated film. Manheim’s journey to the role began with an intense preparation process. He revealed that Disney informed him of his casting mere minutes before the official announcement, creating a memorable moment in his career. During a recent interview on Live with Kelly and Mark, he shared his excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing the physical and emotional challenges of embodying the iconic thief. His training regimen includes mastering breath control, gymnastics, and acrobatic skills, with lessons in rock climbing and horseback riding to enhance his performance. The Tangled remake features a star-studded cast, with Teagan Croft playing Rapunzel and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel. The film’s screenplay, written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is set for a 2027 release, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. Director Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, brings a wealth of experience to the project, ensuring a musical adaptation that honors the original while pushing creative boundaries. Manheim’s casting as Flynn Rider is a natural progression for the actor, who has previously showcased his talents in musical productions.#disney #milo_manheim #flynn_rider #tangled_remake #michael_gracey

The newest Disney+ and Hulu bundle deal offers three months of streaming for $5 per month If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. The Disney+ and Hulu bundle is available again, providing a discounted rate for new and returning users. The deal allows customers to access both streaming services for three months at $5 per month, totaling $15. This is significantly lower than the usual $13 monthly rate, saving $24 compared to standard pricing. The current offer is not the most substantial discount seen in recent years. Last year’s Black Friday promotion included 12 months of the bundle for $5 per month, which was a more substantial deal. However, such a major discount is unlikely to return before the holiday season. With streaming prices generally increasing, even small savings can be appealing. The bundle includes access to popular shows like Paradise and Tell Me Lies, as well as hits such as Andor and The Bear. Fans of classic content can also enjoy old episodes of The Simpsons or a wide selection of Disney movies. For those with young children, the bundle provides access to family-friendly content like Curious George, which has become a favorite for many parents. Disney is currently integrating all Hulu content into the Disney+ app, but this consolidation is only available through the bundled subscription. The discount has been active for over a week and will expire at 8:59 AM PT on March 24. It’s worth noting that other bundles, such as the Disney, Hulu, and HBO Max combo, are not on sale, nor are any ad-free “Premium” versions of the services. This offer represents a rare opportunity to reduce streaming costs, especially for those who enjoy content from both platforms.#hulu #paradise #disney #tell_me_lies #andor

Disney+ and Hulu Launch Limited-Time 62% Discount for Streaming Bundle Disney is offering a significant discount on its Disney+ and Hulu streaming services for a limited time, providing users with a 62% reduction in price. The promotion coincides with the release of Zootopia 2 on Disney+ and the debut of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 on March 24. Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4 also premiered this week, making the deal particularly appealing for fans of these shows. The discount is especially beneficial for families who enjoy Bluey, as Disney announced new episodes of the popular children’s series. Bluey was the most-streamed program in the U.S. in 2025, with over 45.2 billion minutes streamed, according to Disney+. Additionally, Disney+ is expanding its content lineup with a partnership involving the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team. Through a collaboration with ESPN+, Disney+ will stream 25 Bananas games in 2026. These games will be available on the ESPN app and Disney+, with select matches airing across ESPN networks and ABC, marking the largest distribution deal for Banana Ball to date. Disney plans to fully integrate Hulu’s content into Disney+ this year, as announced by CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston. This integration aims to combine Disney’s extensive library with Hulu’s offerings, including live sports, news, and general entertainment, into a single platform. The move is part of Disney’s strategy to strengthen its streaming services and provide a more comprehensive entertainment experience. The limited-time discount is set to last for three weeks, making it an attractive option for TV enthusiasts. The promotion highlights Disney’s efforts to boost subscriber engagement and expand its reach through competitive pricing and exclusive content.#zootopia_2 #hulu #disney #daredevil_born_again_season_2 #bluey

Five Disneyland employees were hospitalized after being exposed to an unknown odor in the park’s backstage area, according to authorities. The incident occurred on March 11, 2026, when the employees, who were working on the Star Tours ride, reported symptoms such as shortness of breath and dizziness. Police and emergency responders were called to the scene, and the affected workers were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Disney officials confirmed that the odor originated from building materials being used by a contractor at the location. The company stated that the materials were part of a renovation project and that no hazardous substances were intentionally released. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The park remained open during the event, though some areas were temporarily closed for inspection. No injuries were reported among guests, and Disney has not issued further details about the contractor or the specific materials involved. The incident has raised questions about workplace safety protocols in large entertainment venues, particularly during construction or renovation activities.#contractor #disneyland #star_tours #disney #building_materials

Scrubs Revival Achieves Strong Viewership Across Platforms The long-awaited return of Scrubs has generated significant attention, with its premiere drawing 11.36 million total cross-platform viewers in its first five days, according to Disney. This figure includes audiences from the original linear premiere on February 25, as well as subsequent linear broadcasts and streaming on Hulu, Disney+, and other digital platforms. The revival’s performance marks a notable increase compared to the live + same-day broadcast audience of 4.4 million, representing a 158% rise, as reported by Nielsen. The series, which made its comeback after 17 years, also set records as the top-performing ABC comedy episode and the highest-rated ABC series debut on streaming since Shifting Gears premiered. While Disney did not specify the exact number of viewers who accessed the show via streaming services, the overall success highlights the enduring popularity of the medical comedy. The revival introduces new challenges and dynamics for the characters, with J.D. (Zach Braff) and Turk (Donald Faison) reuniting for the first time in years. Despite changes in the medical field and the interns’ lives, their long-standing friendship remains a central element of the story. The series also features returning cast members Judy Reyes and John C. McGinley as Carla and Dr. Perry Cox, respectively, alongside new guest stars such as Vanessa Bayer, Rachel Bilson, and Joel Kim Booster. Produced by 20th Television and executive produced by Lawrence, Jeff Ingold, and Liza Katzer, the revival is a collaboration between Doozer Productions and Disney Television Studios. Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke star and serve as executive producers, with Aseem Batra acting as showrunner.#disney #zach_braff #scrubs_revival #donald_faison #judy_reyes

Zootopia 2 Surpasses Minecraft in Domestic Box Office, But Falls Short of Ne Zha 2's Global Success Disney’s Zootopia 2 emerged as the highest-grossing domestic film of 2025, earning approximately $426 million at the box office. This figure edged out Minecraft, which generated $424 million, marking a significant achievement for the animated sequel. However, the film’s international performance was even more staggering, with earnings exceeding three times its domestic gross. The global total reached around $1.86 billion, a figure that underscores its widespread appeal. Despite this success, Zootopia 2 did not claim the top spot in worldwide box office revenue. That distinction went to Ne Zha 2, which amassed roughly $2.26 billion, with the majority of its earnings coming from international markets. While Zootopia 2 was undoubtedly a commercial triumph, its artistic merit remains a topic of debate. The film is widely regarded as a strong entry in the franchise, but some viewers felt it fell slightly short of the original 2016 film. The original, which grossed $1 billion globally, set a high bar for quality and creativity. This led to anticipation for the sequel’s streaming debut, which offers an opportunity to reassess its strengths and weaknesses. The author expressed curiosity about whether repeated viewings would reveal improvements or confirm initial impressions. The box office success of Zootopia 2 is a testament to its broad appeal, but it also highlights the challenges of meeting the high expectations set by its predecessor. The film’s streaming debut on Disney+ on March 11 will provide audiences with a chance to revisit the movie and determine its place in the franchise’s legacy.#zootopia_2 #disney #minecraft #ne_zha_2

Zootopia 2 Surpasses Domestic Box Office Records in 2025 Disney’s Zootopia 2 emerged as the highest-grossing domestic film of 2025, earning approximately $426 million at the box office. This figure edged out Minecraft, which generated $424 million, marking a significant achievement for the animated sequel. However, the film’s international success was even more staggering. It earned over three times its domestic earnings abroad, bringing its total global revenue to roughly $1.86 billion. While this is an impressive feat, it fell short of the top spot, which was claimed by the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2, which grossed about $2.26 billion, nearly all of it from overseas markets. Despite its box office dominance, the author acknowledges that Zootopia 2 may not fully live up to the acclaim of its 2016 predecessor, which earned $1 billion globally. On initial viewing, the sequel felt slightly less impactful than the original, prompting the author to look forward to its streaming debut on Disney+ on March 11. This opportunity allows for a second chance to reassess the film’s quality, as the massive box office success suggests it may have improved over time. The author also notes that while Zootopia 2 was a commercial triumph, its reception remains subjective. The film’s ability to surpass its predecessor in earnings highlights its appeal to audiences, even if its artistic merits are debated. The streaming release provides a chance to revisit the film with a more critical eye, balancing its financial success with personal evaluation. The article concludes by emphasizing the film’s role in the broader landscape of 2025 cinema, where international markets played a crucial role in determining box office leaders.#zootopia_2 #disney #minecraft #ne_zha_2

Andrew Gunn, Disney Producer Behind 'Cruella' and 'Freakier Friday,' Dies at 58 Andrew Gunn, a prominent film producer known for his work on several successful Disney projects, has passed away at the age of 58. His family confirmed that he died from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition he was diagnosed with in 2024. Gunn succumbed to the illness at his home in Toronto. Throughout his career, Gunn played a pivotal role in developing some of Disney’s most iconic properties. His contributions include projects such as The Country Bears, Freaky Friday, The Haunted Mansion, Sky High, College Road Trip, Bedtime Stories, Race to Witch Mountain, Cruella, and Freakier Friday. These films have left a lasting impact on Disney’s cinematic output, blending entertainment with creative storytelling. Beyond his work on major franchises, Gunn was also dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. In 2001, he launched the Disney Writers Program, an initiative that selected five unproduced screenwriters each year to mentor and develop their work. This program became a launching pad for several notable writers, including David Berenbaum, who later wrote Elf and The Haunted Mansion; Matt Lopez, the writer behind the 2022 Father of the Bride remake; and David DiGilio, a co-creator of The Terminal List. Gunn’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He is survived by his children, his wife Jane Bellamy Gunn, his mother Anne Gunn, and his siblings Hilary Knight, Graeme Gunn, and Cameron Gunn. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Gunn. His passing marks the end of an era for Disney’s creative team, leaving a void in the industry. Gunn’s work continues to influence both the studio’s projects and the broader entertainment landscape.#disney #toronto #andrew_gunn #amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis #disney_writers_program

Andrew Gunn Dead: Disney Producer Was 58 Andrew Gunn, a producer known for crafting a series of Disney comedies in the early 2000s, including the Lindsay Lohan-starring Freaky Friday and the superhero film Sky High, has died. He was 58. Gunn, who had been living with ALS—a neurodegenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease—since 2024, passed away in his home in Toronto, his family announced. Gunn’s career at Disney began with a pitch for Freaky Friday, which he presented to then-studio head Jacobson. Initially hesitant due to concerns about remaking a film that had aired on ABC years earlier, Jacobson eventually greenlit the project. The original cast of Annette Bening, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Tom Selleck fell apart when Trachtenberg couldn’t adjust her schedule for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Gunn and the studio scrambled to find replacements, ultimately casting Jamie Lee Curtis and later Lindsay Lohan. Despite Lohan’s initial audition not impressing, she rose to the top over other contenders like Kristen Stewart and Brie Larson, thanks to her chemistry with Curtis. The film became a commercial success and earned Curtis a Golden Globe nomination. Gunn reteamed with Curtis and Lohan for the sequel Freakier Friday, released in 2024. He also collaborated with Kristin Burr, a former Disney executive who oversaw many of his projects, and Ann Marie Sanderlin, his partner at Gunn Films. The sequel marked a return to his professional “family,” as he also worked with his two adult children, Isabelle and Connor Gunn, on the set. “The best part was my daughter worked in the camera department and got into the union, and my son worked in props,” he wrote in 2025. “I got to see them every day. It meant the world to me.#disney #toronto #andrew_gunn #lindsay_lohan #freaky_friday