Disney Shuts Down Multiple Movies Amid Hollywood Strike

Posted on June 13, 2023June 13, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Some of the most highly-anticipated new Disney movies have been shut down.

The Walt Disney Company is known for being a media giant and producing some of the most beloved films and television shows of all-time. Disney is home to several different studios and branches of entertainment, including Disney Pixar, Walt Disney Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, ABC, ESPN, 20th Century Studios, and much more.

Though the brand has developed a cult-like following from many, that hasn’t stopped Disney from being in the midst of several controversies. The last two animated Disney movies to be released, Pixar’s Lightyear and Disney’s Strange World, were both met with several controversies, leading to them becoming massive box office bombs. Disney has been forced to lay off thousands of employees and executives due to budgeting problems, including the Director of Pixar’s Lightyear film, Angus MacLane.

Now, Disney is in the midst of another controversy, but this time it’s not with fans. It’s with writers.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) — representing 11,500 writers — and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has been on strike since May 2, 2023. Writers have demanded better pay from their studios, and this has led to several shows and major movies being put on hold, shut down, or even canceled. Though the Directors Guild of America just recently reached a deal, the WGA is entering its sixth week of being on strike, and no deals have been reported as of yet.

Amid the strike, Disney has been forced to shut down several projects. Disney Dining recently covered that Spider-Man 4 had been shut down indefinitely. Tom Holland, the actor who plays Spider-Man / Peter Parker, confirmed this in an interview, where he shared that the meetings had been paused.

“I can’t talk about that, but I can say that we have been having meetings,” he said. “We’ve put the meetings on pause in solidarity with the writers…There’s been multiple conversations had, but at this point, it’s very, very early stages.”

Now, it’s been confirmed that three more projects have been shut down due to the ongoing strike.

Marvel Studios has shut down Mahersala Ali’s Blade, Thunderbolts, and the anticipated Disney+ series Wonder Man. Both Blade and Thunderbolts were anticipated films expected to be a part of the MCU’s Phase 5.

Thunderbolts was initially set to be released in July of 2024, but the strike could push the film to the later portion of the year or even into 2025, depending on how long the strike continues before the studios and writers come to an agreement.

Magic Kingdom Attractions: Experience the Thrilling Tron Lightcycle Run

Posted on June 13, 2023June 13, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is known for its immersive and innovative attractions that transport visitors into magical worlds. Among the many exhilarating rides, one of the most anticipated additions to the park is the Tron Lightcycle Run. Inspired by the iconic film franchise, Tron Lightcycle Run promises to take guests on an unforgettable journey filled with adrenaline-pumping excitement. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking attraction.

Tron Lightcycle Run is a high-speed roller coaster situated in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park. It is based on Disney’s “Tron” films and brings the neon-lit world of the Grid to life. The ride’s centerpiece is its unique Lightcycles, futuristic two-wheeled vehicles that guests board for an electrifying adventure.

As riders embark on Tron Lightcycle Run, they are instantly immersed in the pulsating energy of the Grid. Accelerating rapidly, the Lightcycles zoom through darkened tunnels, with illuminated neon lights guiding the way. The cutting-edge technology behind the ride creates an illusion of speed and heightens the sensation of being part of the Tron universe.

The Tron Lightcycle Run experience is a perfect blend of storytelling, technology, and heart-pounding thrills. The ride’s innovative design incorporates synchronized audio and visuals, captivating riders with stunning landscapes and dynamic scenes from the Tron films. The intricate attention to detail in the attraction’s theming ensures a fully immersive experience from start to finish.

What sets Tron Lightcycle Run apart is its innovative ride system. As guests straddle their Lightcycles, they lean forward into a streamlined position, replicating the iconic pose of Tron characters. This unique riding posture adds an extra layer of realism and enhances the feeling of being part of the Grid’s futuristic world.

Tron Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World is a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers and fans of the “Tron” films alike. From the moment riders board their Lightcycles to the exhilarating rush of the high-speed journey, this innovative roller coaster delivers an unforgettable adventure that will leave guests wanting more. With its cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling, Tron Lightcycle Run solidifies Disney’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and providing guests with unparalleled experiences. So, get ready to buckle up, hold on tight, and embrace the thrilling ride of a lifetime!

Young Rhino Dies At Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Cast Members at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando sadly revealed the passing of Dugan, one of its white rhinoceroses. Dugan moved to Animal Kingdom in 2018 and lived a five-year residency in view of Disney Parks Guests. Animal Kingdom Cast Members take the care of their animals very seriously, and they worked to give Dugan the best life possible while also helping to repopulate the white rhino species.

White rhinos were endangered, but according to the World Wildlife Fund, “After more than a century of protection and management, they are now classified as Near Threatened.” Approximately 18,000 live in protected areas and reserves, and luckily white rhinos are the only rhino species not considered endangered.

Disney’s commitment to nature and the environment is contributing to keeping the white rhino population up. Before Dugan passed away, he fathered three offspring named Logan, Mylo, and Ranger. This was possible through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, where animals are managed away from the wild to establish and achieve population goals. The overall goal is to create biologically sound populations for animals that are struggling.

Animals like Dugan help create a discourse about environmentalism, conservation, and the different creatures of the world. During his time at Animal Kingdom, Dugan helped Guests learn facts about white rhinos, such as they are Earth’s second-largest land animal, come from Africa, love savanna areas in grasslands, and that a group of rhinos is called a herd or a crash.

While white rhinos can live up to 40 – 50 years, Dugan lived only to the age of 28. Before coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he was born at the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee, and later moved to the Erie Zoo in Pennsylvania. He passed away on the morning of June 1.

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Through the Species Survival Plan, including animal nutrition, endocrinology, vet care, and animal care/training, Disney Parks is doing its part to assist the responsible breeding of in-need animal species. Thanks to animals like Dugan, Guests can continue to enjoy the beautiful white rhinoceros and learn about keeping the population alive for future generations of people as well as animals.

Disney Finally Breaks Silence, Reveals Johnny Depp’s Future as Captain Jack Sparrow

Posted on June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Johnny Depp may not be done as Captain Jack Sparrow, after all.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has served as a $4.5 billion money-maker for The Walt Disney Company. The franchise, which has five total movies, has all starred Johnny Depp as the lead protagonist, alongside others like Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann Turner) and Orlando Bloom (Will Turner). The last film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released in 2017, and a lot has happened since then.

Disney reportedly turned its back on Johnny Depp amid allegations from his ex-wife Amber Heard saying that the actor had physically and emotionally abused her. The ex-couple underwent two different defamation trials, one in the U.K. and then one in the United States. The defamation trial in the United States concluded last summer and resulted in a resounding victory for Mr Depp over Ms Heard. Though Amber Heard vowed to appeal the decision, she eventually settled with Johnny Depp outside of court, paying the actor $1 million this past December.

Some fans have held out hope that Johnny Depp would return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but the actor revealed during the defamation trial that he wouldn’t return to Disney “for $300 million,” and he has since moved to Europe and is exploring both his music and acting career overseas, with a new movie titled Jeanne Du Barry that was just released at the Cannes Film Festival a couple of weeks ago.

Of course, the elephant in the room has been the question of a reunion. Even though neither side has come out and said that they want to reunite, they both understand that fans want to see it happen. Johnny Depp has made appearances for select fans using his Captain Jack Sparrow persona, but there’s a big difference between bringing out the character every now and then, and actually returning to Disney for a movie.

Disney has finally broken the silence on what we could expect in the future for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, including Johnny Depp’s status.

In an interview with the New York Times, Disney Studios Motion Picture Production President Sean Bailey shared that they are excited about the next stages of the franchise.

“We think we have a really good, exciting story that honors the films that have come before but also has something new to say,” he said.

When asked about the status of Johnny Depp for the film, Bailey said that Disney was “noncommittal at this point.”

This is an interesting phrase from Disney, to say the least. The comments do not close the door on a potential return, but they also don’t point to anything guaranteed at this point. Pirates of the Caribbean Producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared in the past that Disney had developed two scripts, neither of which would likely involve Johnny Depp, but that’s to say that the story couldn’t be adjusted or changed, if the two parties were to come to an agreement in the future.

Downtown Disney Announces Delicious New Experiences

Posted on June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

We have several tantalizing and tasty new updates to share with you from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! This dynamic destination offers something for everyone and will continue to evolve with several exciting new additions. Take a look at what’s new and what’s coming!

Now Open! Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Beignets Expressed

For more than two decades, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has been revered for its warm hospitality, French Quarter flair, bold flavors, and famous, hot beignets! Building on this rich tradition, the iconic restaurant has evolved with a fresh new look, new name and new menu! The location is celebrating its reopening as Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, a modern, casual and fun celebration of the Gulf and Pacific coasts, and Beignets Expressed.

The restaurant’s all-day menu features long-time fan favorites alongside new selections such as Lobster & Crawfish Sliders, Chile-Spiced Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, Gumbo LA-LA filled with succulent seafood, the Grilled Open Faced Lobster BLT Po-Boy and the Reef & Beef, a delectable entrée of grilled shrimp and braised short ribs. This contemporary menu pairs perfectly with a newly expanded wine list from California vintners, and seasonal, seaside-style cocktails.

And let’s not forget the famous beignets! Beignets Expressed is a fast, friendly, and fun counter-service spot, bestowing the much-loved New Orleans confection served classically (fried and topped with heaping mounds of powdered sugar) and the specialty glazed beignets, dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled in infinitely delicious flavors. Signature and seasonal glazed selections include Snickerdoodle, Fruity Crunch and Bananas Foster.

New! Clyde’s Hot Chicken

Have your clients had a chance to taste Clyde’s Hot Chicken yet? It’s a new cart located in the district near the Disneyland Monorail that serves scrumptious Nashville hot chicken on a stick, handmade fresh daily and available in three different heat level seasonings. If guests really want to turn it up a notch, they can try the Hot as Cali with cayenne and habanero spices! Wowza!

Coming soon: The Alley!

The courtyard next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes is being transformed into an exciting space — The Alley — with interactive games, live music, lounge areas and seats for dining. This summer, your clients can relax, play games and create memories in this fun new spot, and enjoy all the delicious food and beverage offerings from Splitsville.

Shopping is always on the menu in the district! Disney Home and WonderGround Gallery have recently reopened with unique selections of Disney décor. Down the way, guets can pop in to Lovepop for the coolest 3D pop-up cards, and Pelé Soccer for the latest in soccer gear and apparel.

It’s an exciting time as Downtown Disney District continues to be reimagined with new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, along with long-time favorites throughout the promenade. Future plans for the district also include the addition of Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the oh-so-yummy California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe.