Earlier this year, the coronavirus pandemic forced Disney to cancel its annual D23 expo, where the studio normally shares big news regarding its upcoming film and TV projects. But today, Disney revealed plans for a virtual replacement that will also carry the D23 banner. The studio has announced that the weeklong D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration will launch next Monday.
According to the event’s official website, fans can expect to see virtual panels highlighting several Disney properties. Naturally, the Marvel and Star Wars universes will have a presence there as well. On Monday, members of Disney’s Theme Park Merchandising team will offer a new behind-the-scenes glimpse at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This panel will offer new insight into how they created the world of Batuu and “explore the rich storytelling that goes into the exotic and authentic imports” of the new theme park.
The following day, viewers will also get an early look at the new Marvel’s 616 docuseries coming to Disney+. Executive producers Sarah Amos and Jason Sterman, along with directors Clay Jeter and Brian Oakes, will talk about their work on the series, which premieres on November 20. Later on Tuesday, another panel will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Captain America. And on Friday, Disney will conclude the event by exploring the worldbuilding process for its major franchises.
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Overall, it doesn’t sound like we should expect to hear new announcements about Marvel Studios or Lucasfilm’s respective production slates. But this might be for the best, since it would be pretty hard for Marvel to top their 2019 presentation. At last year’s D23 event, the studio announced new Disney+ shows featuring Moon Knight, She-Hulk, and Ms. Marvel.
The D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration kicks off next Monday, November 16 and runs all the way through Friday, November 20. You can view the full programming schedule here. The studio previously confirmed that the in-person D23 expo will return in 2022.
Are you excited to check out Disney’s virtual event next week? Let us know in the comments down below!
Recommended Reading: Marc Davis in His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks
