Fans of the highly adored film Moana will be thrilled to know that a sequel is coming this year!
In a shocking announcement during today’s Quarterly earnings call, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger announced that a Moana sequel is coming much sooner than expected. The exciting news has just arrived that the highly anticipated Moana Disney+ series will now transform into a magnificent theatrical film, set to hit the big screens later this year.
This incredible development comes as a delightful surprise to fans, as the previously announced Disney+ series will now take on a larger-than-life form, captivating audiences in cinema halls across the globe. In an announcement that has made waves throughout the entertainment industry, Bob Iger shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re turning what was a Moana TV series into a Moana feature – a theatrical release.”
This decision to reimagine the Moana Disney+ series as a theatrical film speaks volumes about the immense potential and captivating storyline that this beloved animated adventure holds. By embracing the grandeur of the big screen, Disney is providing an even greater platform to showcase the breathtaking visuals, heartfelt narrative, and enchanting characters that Moana has become synonymous with.
As fans eagerly await the release of this extraordinary film, one can’t help but imagine the immersive experience that awaits them in theaters. Thankfully, fans did get a sneak peek thanks to a teaser trailer that was revealed for the film that will be released this November!
The Moana theatrical film venture is set to be a remarkable addition to the storied lineup of Disney animated classics. Building upon the success and adoration garnered by the original Moana film, this adaptation will continue to celebrate the empowering message of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing one’s true calling.
As the release date draws closer, fans can look forward to being transported back to the enchanting world of Moana, where they will once again be swept away by the awe-inspiring adventures of the courageous and determined young heroine, Moana, and her companions. With breathtaking visuals, unforgettable music, and a heartfelt narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages, the Moana film promises to be a cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impact and rekindle the spirit of adventure within us all.
Since its November 2019 launch, Disney+ has created a number of hit shows that fans just can’t get enough of. And a lot of them are coming from Marvel Studios. First, there was WandaVision, followed by The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki. Now, we also have What If…?, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, Hawkeye, She-Hulk, and Echo.
Disney and Marvel also have several series in development, including Secret Invasion, Ironheart, Armor Wars, and Wonder Man.
Sadly, we have learned that one of the crew members working on Wonder Man has died after an on-set accident at the CBS Radford Studios. According to Deadline, the man was working as a rigger and fell from the rafters.
A rigger working at Radford Studios in Studio City died today after falling from a catwalk, Deadline has learned. The male crew member was working on the set of Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man, but the series was not filming at the time.
The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed the man’s death but did not immediately release his name.
Wonder Man was set to begin production next month, after being delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that occurred over the spring and summer of 2023. We do not know if Marvel will delay production further because of the man’s tragic death.
Shortly after news of the man’s death broke, a Marvel spokesperson shared a brief statement:
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident.”
An investigation is underway and is being performed by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as OSHA. OSHA typically steps in when a death occurs at any workplace.
The unnamed crew member was a member of the IATSE union — the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. It is an incredibly large union, which represents those who work behind the scenes on film and television productions.
IATSE also released a statement, saying that they were working closely with OSHA to determine exactly what happened.
“Everyone in the IA family is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We are working to support our member’s family, and his fellow members and colleagues. Safety on set is our highest priority and we will assist Cal/OSHA in their investigation in any way that we can. If you feel unsafe on set for any reason, members can call the IATSE Safety Hotline at 844-422-9273 or use our safety info app.”
Wonder Man is set to star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a stuntman who gains superpowers and transforms into Wonder Man. The series will also star Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, who has also appeared in Iron Man 3 (2013) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Demetrius Grosse will play Eric Williams, Simon’s brother, and Grim Reaper.
It has also been reported that Frozen star, Josh Gad, has been cast in an undisclosed role. The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton, who will also serve as writer and director.
Wonder Man does not currently have a release date.
The internet is an excellent platform for budding Disney chefs to share some stupendous works of art. These awful Disney cakes, regrettably, aren’t.
We’ve compiled some of the most fantastically dreadful Disney cakes from around the internet that are both hilarious and horrifying.
Strap in for some hilariously terrible Disney cakes!
Mickey and Minnie?! What happened to you guys?
We’ll start with two of the most iconic Disney characters out there; the mascot of the franchise, Mickey Mouse as well as Minnie. First, the Mickey cake. To be fair, this cake decorator has got the main features of Mickey down. It’s just the proportions are a little off. At least he’s smiling. This is not a Mickey Mouse that you’d like to hug at The Magic Kingdom, that’s for sure.
Minnie is pure nightmare fuel. The squashed up face and huge, bulging eyes are definitely offputting. However, the “icing on the cake” is that smile. Oh, that smile. That’ll give any kid a sleepless night for sure. Though this is far, far, from what you’d call a perfect cake, it gets worse. Trust us.
Cakes that are NOT fit for a Disney princess
Here we have two Elsas and one Tinker Bell cake. First, Elsa number one. To be fair, I can see the resemblance. It isn’t the kind of cake you’d see at a Disney park, but if it’s a homemade attempt, I applaud it (as with all of these cakes).
Elsa number two, however, is one of the funniest things ever to grace the internet. It’s beautifully hideous. The lips, the massive blue eyes, the red cheek toppings; everything about this cake does not work. And yet that is what makes it so amazing. This cake is the Sharknado of the bakery world. It’s so bad it transcends badness and becomes amazing.
And as for Tink. They tried, didn’t they. But gosh, that cartoonish, meme-worthy face isn’t Tinker Bell. Mind you, the cake she’s sitting on actually doesn’t look half-bad. I mean, I don’t want it as my wedding cake or anything, but it looks decent.
Buzz and Olaf star in these awful Disney cakes
A quick scroll through Google when searching worst Disney cake will usually come up with these fellas. First, Olaf. Ok so the texture is a mess, but actually – it’s a pretty good resemblance. I would argue that of the eight cakes on display here, the Olaf one comes the closest to capturing the actual look of the character. The twig arms and hair actually look pretty good, and this one is far from a wreck.
But Buzz. Oh, Buzz. What did they do to you? Enough said with this one. It ain’t pretty.
This article is completely tongue-in-cheek, and we applaud all of the bakers of these wonderfully terrible cakes. It takes a lot to put your creations out there, so we salute you!
Nearly two years ago, now ex-Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill. The bill was championed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Shortly after Chapek spoke out against the bill, Governor DeSantis began his crusade against the House of Mouse.
Mr. DeSantis and the Republican-led state legislature quickly dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which stripped Disney of its right to self-govern. They then voted to move Disney’s monorail system under state inspection control. The Governor appointed his own loyalists to lead the district formerly known as Reedy Creek. That new board is now having its own issues with the company.
After more than a year of dealing with the Governor, Disney officially filed a lawsuit against DeSantis. The company claimed that Mr. DeSantis had violated its First Amendment rights to free speech when he targeted them. Disney claimed that the governor had waged a campaign of retaliation against them, simply because they said something that he did not like.
Now, a judge has sided with the controversial Governor. Disney’s case against Ron DeSantis has officially been dismissed.
District Judge Allen Winsor said that Disney did not have a claim of retaliation because the laws DeSantis created that targeted the company are “facially constitutional.”
DeSantis’ lawyer had made that claim earlier when asking the judge to dismiss the case. The governor’s legal team said that it “didn’t matter” if DeSantis punished Disney, because the laws he passed looked constitutional. Because the laws appeared constitutional at face value, it doesn’t matter if it was created for a retaliatory reason.
The judge also determined that Governor DeSantis had every right to dissolve Reedy Creek and then appoint a board of his own loyalists.
Disney, however, highly disagreed with the judge’s ruling. Shortly after the ruling, a Disney spokesperson released a short statement:
“This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here. If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with.”
Disney has not said yet if it plans to appeal the judge’s ruling, but its statement appears to indicate such a move.
The ruling is relatively surprising, considering that Governor DeSantis admitted multiple times to going after Disney because they spoke out against him. He even admitted to retaliation in his new book. Many constitutional law experts said that Disney had a very strong case.
A Disney-Apple partnership more than six months in the making will officially go into effect in just a few days, on February 2, per an announcement from Apple Inc. via press release this week.
Since November 2022, just days after The Walt Disney Company’s board of directors removed then-CEO Bob Chapek, replacing him with veteran CEO Bob Iger, media outlets began to overflow with news about a potential merger of The Walt Disney Company, purveyor of theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, TV shows, and films, and Apple, tech purveyor and creator of the Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple TV+, and the iPhone.
Iger’s return was an attempt by Disney’s board to stop the bleed at the company that started in the months following one of the most challenging times in Mouse House history–one that began in early 2020 when unexpected global pandemic that rendered Disney Parks non-operational, and hasn’t let up since that time.
But Iger’s reinstatement didn’t bring about instant change–not by a long shot.
Challenges presented by the parks’ extended closures, combined with poor box office returns, less-than-optimal revenue across various divisions of The Walt Disney Company, and a major upheaval between Disney and the State of Florida’s legislature created the perfect storm for Walt’s beloved company, as well as for the Disney CEO–perfect for spelling near-disaster.
And while most Disney fans applauded the board’s decision to remove Chapek from his post and reinstall Iger, they also knew that such a move on the part of Disney’s board meant that things at the House of Disney were likely far more dire than anyone realized.
Perhaps that understanding is what gave way to the instant interest in a buyout of Disney by Apple. One analyst’s claims that Iger had spoken of selling the company, only adding fuel to the fire.
In the days following Chapek’s removal, the media frenzy centered largely on the speculation about plans by the reinstated Disney CEO Bob Iger for Disney going forward. Gone were the days of “business as usual,” of that much, fans were assured. But more questions–followed by even more speculation–followed:
If things are so bad at Disney that the board brought back the tried-and-true Iger, what happens next?
The claims of that anonymous outspoken “insider” seemed like a well-fitting piece of the puzzle.
Shortly after the world ushered in 2023, talk of a potential Apple takeover of Disney was silenced by the events of the time, namely a Disney Company earnings call on February 8 that took even Wall Street’s finest by surprise.
In his first earnings call since his return, Iger took charge of the Wednesday afternoon meeting alongside then-CFO Christine McCarthy. Following Iger’s run-through of Disney’s financials, including information about revenue categorized by divisions at the company, the extent of Disney’s dire straits became glaringly more obvious.
Iger announced a complete overhaul and restructuring at Disney, effective immediately, before delving into the specifics of a cost-cutting initiative, also effective immediately, aimed at trimming $5.5 billion in expenditures at the company. The plan included the layoffs of 7,000 employees, and according to upper management, no one knew who would be let go, and no one was safe.
Only weeks later, Disney’s up-tops were told to compile a list of their “useless” and “replaceable” employees in preparation for the layoffs.
Then, in three lashes of layoffs, one that was referred to as a bloodbath, The Walt Disney Company purged itself of those worthless employees once and for all.
Never did the company seem so ripe for a buyout, and news about Apple’s interest in Disney slowly began to infiltrate the headlines yet again.
In June 2023, Apple and Disney announced an upcoming partnership. It’s the first time a representative from either company had spoken publicly about such a proposition. But the announcement had nothing to do with an Apple buyout of Disney. Instead, Disney had something that Apple needed.
Apple introduced its first virtual reality (VR) project, called Apple Vision Pro, which the company describes as a “spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment.”
Disney would be instrumental to the way people “enjoy entertainment,” per a partnership that would see Disney’s best content available on Apple’s newest $3500 gadget. According to announcements from both companies, Disney+ would be available on the new VR headset from Apple.
For some, the announcement served to peacefully quell the “wonder-ifs” about Apple taking over Disney. But for others, the Apple Vision Pro announcement only bolstered speculation about a takeover, even giving credence to it.
In a press release on Monday, Apple announced the rollout of its Apple Vision Pro VR headset, setting the availability date as February 2, 2024. Pre-orders began on January 19, 2024.
Per the announcement from Apple:
Apple today announced Apple Vision Pro will be available beginning Friday, February 2, at all U.S. Apple Store locations and the U.S. Apple Store online.
Vision Pro is a revolutionary spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment. Vision Pro seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world and unlocks powerful spatial experiences in visionOS, controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible — a user’s eyes, hands, and voice.
An all-new App Store provides users with access to more than 1 million compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS, as well as new experiences that take advantage of the unique capabilities of Vision Pro. Pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro begin Friday, January 19, at 5:00 a.m. PST.
“The era of spatial computing has arrived,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magicaluser interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”
Ah ha! There’s the Disney keyword: magical. Could it be that this Disney-Apple partnership is only the first leg of the journey toward a full acquisition of The Walt Disney Company by Apple? After all, Apple owns the Vision Pro, and Disney’s content will stream on an Apple-owned device, thanks to the new partnership, not the other way around.
For the answer to that question, fans and Wall Street analysts alike will simply have to wait and watch. Things that transpire after February 2, 2024, may tell more of the story, assuming there’s one to tell in the first place.
