The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CTFOD) board, now in charge of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, has publicized emails that they claim show illegal action by Disney.
Before following Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’s orders to dissolve the district in February, Reedy Creek quietly rushed a development agreement that effectively rendered the board powerless. Beyond municipal maintenance, most of the former board’s power went back to Walt Disney World Resort. CTFOD is forbidden from using Disney-owned trademarks or making significant changes until 22 years after the death of the last current living descendant of King Charles III.
DeSantis bashed Disney in response, promising legal action, threatening increased tourism taxes, and suggesting he would build a state prison just steps from Walt Disney World Resort. Amidst consulting with legal counsel, the CTFOD board leaked emails between Disney lawyers and Reedy Creek board members.
First obtained by FOX News, the emails allegedly show Walt Disney World Resort chief counsel John McGowan attempting to hide The Walt Disney Company’s involvement in the last-minute scheme against DeSantis.
“My name is currently at the top of the document as a drafter,” McGowan allegedly wrote. “And I am comfortable having my name on it, but from an optics perspective that is not ideal and it would be better to have a non-Disney employee be the drafter.”
McGowan’s name was later removed from the document, which DeSantis claimed was “designed to usurp the authority of the CFTOD board.”
During its meeting on Wednesday, DeSantis’s hand-picked board voted to eliminate the former Planning Board and appointed itself to the task. After officially taking over, board members introduced agenda items like forbidding COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates on Reedy Creek property.
Back in 2019, The Mandalorian blasted into homes with the launch of The Walt Disney Company’s streaming service, Disney+. Pedro Pascal stars as the titular Mandalorian, the bounty hunter Din Djarin, and has since gone on to become one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars galaxy.
The Mandalorian also brought “Baby Yoda” into the world. Grogu has captured hearts across the globe, and the relationship between the small green Force-user and Mando has been a fan-favorite element of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s gritty space Western for the last almost four years.
Alongside Din Djarin and Grogu, many new characters stepped into the Star Wars universe, like Carl Weathers’ Greef Karga, Giancarlo Esposito’s Moff Gideon, and Gina Carano’s Cara Dune. There were some familiar faces too, though. The Mandalorian also served as the television show which debuted Nite Owls leader Bo-Katan Kryze and former Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano (played by Katee Sackhoff and Rosario Dawson, respectively) for the first time in live-action. Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan joined Pascal’s Din Djarin in top-billing for The Mandalorian Season 3, even going so far as to prove the popular TV series is not just about the latter anymore.
As for Ahsoka Tano, Dawson will reprise her role as the character in The Mandalorian spin-off and next chapter of the “Mando-Verse”, Ahsoka from Dave Filoni.
**Spoilers ahead for The Mandalorian Season 3, “Chapter 24: The Return”**
In the epilogue of the Season 3 finale, Pascal’s Din Djarin is seen approaching Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) with a request to work for the New Republic on a case-by-case basis. This came after the official adoption of Grogu, now Din Grogu, in an official commencement by The Armorer (Emily Swallow) on Mandalore.
While meeting with Teva, Din Djarin acquires the head of an IG-series assassin droid “for parts.” It is later revealed by Din Djarin in front of Greef Karga and a crowd on Nevarro, that IG-11 has been remade and will serve as the new Marshal of Nevarro — the position previously held by Carano’s Cara Dune.
IG-11 first appeared in The Mandalorian Season 1 as a bounty hunter hired to kill Grogu, then simply called the Child, but later served as an ally for Din Djarin, even being made into a mech, IG-12, for Grogu in the third season of the series.
This is the official debut of Cara Dune’s replacement in the Star Wars universe and will go a long way in sealing the story of Dune’s presence in the galaxy far, far away, as well as the story of Gina Carano in The Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian joins The Book of Boba Fett as part of the “Mando-Verse”, with new Star Wars series additions like Ahsoka and Jude Law’s Skeleton Crew arriving later this year.
Have we seen a potential run for the White House implode before it has even gotten started? We have been tracking this situation very carefully and agree with alot of the sentiment in the following article. While we agree that former CEO of Disney Bob Chapek handled their stance terribly, and that we would love to see Disney stay out of politics altogether, Governor DeSantis’ response has just been anti-free speech and anti-business.
The following article was written on DisDining.com by Jill Bivins and lays out a very common sense and nonpartisan approach to this whole situation between Disney and Governor DeSantis. Take a read and decide whether you agree or not.
“It seems someone forgot to tell Governor Ron DeSantis that buying is wrong. It also seems that someone forgot to tell him that the only thing harder to fight than city hall is a beloved American institution with an army of the best lawyers money can buy. Despite this, DeSantis keeps doubling down on his fight with Disney.
Thus far, Disney has remained in the shadows. They have been making moves without causing a ruckus. Their position seems to be, “We don’t want to fight, but you’re not going to Railroad us.” DeSantis, on the other hand, seems to be intent on destroying Disney at all costs.
When Disney first opposed the Parental Rights in Education Act, DeSantis had a fit. He vowed to make them pay, yet whenever he thinks he has them cornered…they find a way to circumvent him (see: “No Records Exist” Disney Outsmarts DeSantis AGAIN). Rather than accepting defeat with dignity or even acting like the career politician he is and spinning it (“this was my idea all along”), he has publicly melted down.
His latest temper tantrum involves threatening to build a state prison next to Disney. He’s also done everything he can to thwart the company’s growth (see: DeSantis makes Disney’s 5th theme park illegal). These moves are shockingly anti-business and anti-free speech coming from a Republican.
With rumors swirling that he has his eye on a Presidential bid, one would think he would be a little more politically savvy than he has been. It’s hard to say you’re the best candidate for the GOP when you’re actively flying in the face of two of the party’s major platforms. The President is sworn to uphold the Constitution, including freedom of speech, and bringing down the full force of government on a business for daring to disagree isn’t a good look for someone with their eye on the Oval.
While he could be commended for standing by his convictions in the face of opposition to his Parental Rights in Education Act, his reaction to Disney’s stance on it has been entirely uncalled for. He is behaving like a bully, not like a president. This type of behavior won’t go well for him if he hopes to become Commander in Chief. The American people want someone they can rely on to be level-headed and diplomatic in the face of adversity. He is proving himself to lack both characteristics.
There was a time when I was all for a DeSantis presidency. Now…not so much. When you occupy high political office, you look out for your constituents, not your ego. Having a tantrum that threatens the largest employer in your state isn’t looking out for anyone, not even DeSantis himself, because he is committing political suicide.
Is it too late to right the wrongs he’s done and woo back the would-be voters he has lost due to petulance? Perhaps. Only time will tell, but he’d be foolish not to try. He needs to focus on improving his state and leave behind this silly war he will not win. He needs to remember his ego takes a back seat to keeping the citizens of his state employed. He needs to prove he has the maturity required to occupy the position he currently holds, as well as any future position he has his eye on. His temper tantrums make for an amusing spectacle, but in this arena, the Mouse will always outmaneuver him because he is playing a game he is vastly underqualified for. Entertainment is Disney’s wheelhouse, not his.”
MCU “Kang the Conqueror” Actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped by his management team, Entertainment 360, after domestic violence allegations.
Majors has been in some hot water lately after making headlines three weeks ago when he was arrested in New York City on domestic violence charges. Majors’ representatives originally denied the allegations, but have since begun to distance themselves from the Marvel actor.
Prior to his arrest, PR firm The Lede Company also initiated a break with Majors and fashion company Valentino has announced that Majors would not be invited to the Met Gala this year.
Jonathan Major has already shot the second season of the Disney + series “Loki” where he reprises his role as Kang the Conqueror. He is also set to reprise his role as Kang the Conqueror in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” but that won’t begin filming for a while. At this time Disney and Marvel have not dropped Majors from the MCU or commented publicly on the allegations he faces.
Currently starring in “Creed III” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”, Johnathan Majors was arrested in New York City over the weekend for assaulting a woman, according to TMZ.
“Law enforcement sources tell us the actor was booked Saturday morning on charges of strangulation, assault and harassment. We’re told cops responded to a call for service around 11 AM ET near the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
We’re told the alleged victim in this case, a female, relayed to police that Majors had gotten into a dispute with her and proceeded to attack her. Their exact relationship is unknown.
Our sources tell us the alleged victim had visible injuries — including a laceration behind her ear, redness and marks to her face. She was taken to an area hospital and is in stable condition. As for Majors … he was cuffed and taken to jail on the spot, as police felt there was enough evidence for probable cause. We’re hearing he is currently out of custody.“TMZ
He is expected to appear before a judge on May 8 as he faces multiple counts of harassment and assault. Evidence, including video footage and witness testimony, allegedly points to Majors, a rising star within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, involved in a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old woman. The woman was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor head and neck injuries.
Major’s criminal defense attorney Priya Chaudhry made a statement to Deadline:
“Jonathan Majors is completely innocent and is probably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows…We are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the District Attorney with the expectation that all charges will be dropped imminently.”
The criminal defense attorney added that the “evidence includes video footage from the vehicle where this episode took place, witness testimony from the driver and others who both saw and heard the episode, and most importantly, two written statements from the woman recanting these allegations.”
Major’s attorney also released a set of text messages to the press. They were redacted to protect the woman’s identity, in which she takes blame for the fight:
“Please let me know you’re okay when you get this. They assured me that you won’t be charged. They said they had to arrest you as protocol when they saw the injuries on me and they knew we had a fight. I’m so angry that they did. And I’m sorry you’re in this position. Will make sure nothing happens about this. I told them it was my fault for trying to grab your phone. I only just got out of the hospital. Just call me when you’re out. I love you.”
At this time, Majors still remains represented by WME.
A Three Caballeros Minnie ear headband has arrived at Walt Disney World as part of the Disney100 Decades 1940s Collection. We found it in Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Three Caballeros Minnie Ear Headband – $39.99
This Minnie ear headband is pink and yellow, with the Three Caballeros — Panchito Pistoles, Donald Duck, and José Carioca — on the ears and bow. While Donald is a plastic piece at the bow’s center, Panchito and José are embroidered on to each ear. The bow and ears are also embroidered with flowers and leaves.
Affixed in the center of a yellow bow, Donald is passionately playing two maracas. The ears actually make maraca sounds when they shake. Listen to our TikTok video below from wdwnt.
“The Three Caballeros” premiered in Mexico City in 1944 before receiving a wide release in 1945. It was the seventh Walt Disney Animation Studios film and was the first appearance of Panchito Pistoles, the third caballero. Panchito Pistoles, a Mexican rooster, appears on one ear holding his guitar with one hand while extending his other over a floral frame.
José Carioca, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, had already appeared with Donald in “Saludos Amigos.” He appears with his guitar framed with embroidered flowers.
A plaque for the Disney100 Decades Collection is on the side of the headband.
The ears are rimmed with yellow balls and the backs are embroidered with Latin American designs.
Guests of Walt Disney World will, of course, recognize Donald, José, and Panchito from their appearance as the “Three Caballeros” in the Epcot boat ride, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. The boat ride attraction features The Three Caballeros as they plan to perform a concert in Mexico City. Donald Duck goes missing, prompting his pals to go on a search for their missing friend.
The previous Disney100 Decades 1920s Collections were inspired by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and “Steamboat Willie.” The 1930s Collection featured merchandise for “The Band Concert,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the Three Little Pigs, and Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar. The 1950s collection is set to include merchandise from “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
