LEGO fan site Brickshow.com has just released some juicy info that LEGO and Disney fans would like to watch out. 2023 marks 100 years of Disney since the media giant was founded by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney in 1923. And for this year, it seems that LEGO is jumping on the festivities bandwagon with a highly rumored new collectible minifigure series said to launch in May of this year.
According to reports compiled by the Brickshow team, we can expect a total of 18 Disney characters – both old and new – to be given the iconic LEGO minifigure treatment. Given the wealth of films that Disney produced during the past century, it is certainly a challenge to boil down the final selections to 18. Here are the Disney characters that are rumored to become official LEGO minifigs.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (from classic Disney shorts)
As it is but a rumor, I strongly advise that you take this with a pinch of salt. It’s surely great to see these Disney characters take center stage as far as LEGO is concerned. We’ll have to wait and see if this rumor turns out to be true. In the meantime be sure, to keep tabs on our blog site for more updates as we celebrate 100 Years of Disney.
Disney and Lucasfilm have released the full trailer for The Mandalorian season 3, which is set to stream on March 1st, 2023 over at Disney+. Din Djarin and Grogu will return and will eventually be reunited as they journey the galaxy once more. In case you missed it, here’s the official trailer.
Lucasfilm also released the official synopsis for The Mandalorian Season 3 last December. The season will follow Din Djarin as he raises Grogu and searches for a deeper purpose in his own life. The official synopsis reads:
The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.
The latest official poster for the lone bounty hunter’s next season has also been revealed and shared across social media.
Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Din Djarin, with Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder donning the Mandalore armor once more. Other returning cast members include Katee Sackhoff as Bo-Katan Kryze, Carl Weathers as Greef Karga, Emily Swallow as the Armorer, Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon, Omid Abtahi as Dr. Pershing, Amy Sedaris as Peli Motto, Christopher Lloyd, Misty Rosas in an unconfirmed role, and Simon Kassianides as Axe Woves, a companion of Bo-Katan.
Jon Favreau will once again be at the helm of the writing for all eight episodes of the upcoming season. Joining him in the writer’s room will be Dave Filoni, who will lend his talents to two episodes, and Noah Kloor, known for his work on “The Book of Boba Fett”. Disney Plus has also revealed the names of the directors who will be bringing the story to life this season. The list includes Rick Famuyiwa, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey, and Bryce Dallas Howard. Each of them will lend their unique vision to the series.
As the season unfolds, audiences will see familiar faces behind the camera, such as Rick Famuyiwa, Carl Weathers, and Bryce Dallas Howard, who have all previously contributed their talents to the series. Joining them is Rachel Morrison, a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinematography, having lent her expertise to films like Black Panther and Mudbound. She is also no stranger to directing having helmed episodes of The Morning Show and American Crime Story. Lee Isaac Chung, the Academy Award-nominated mastermind behind Minari also joins the team together with Peter Ramsey, the visionary behind 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and the upcoming Ahsoka series. Each of them will bring its own distinct perspective, making for an unforgettable grand finale.
The Mandalorian Season 3 will start streaming on Disney+ starting March 1, 2023.
Now that Marvel Studios have finally released its latest, and probably last, official trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, MCU fans now have a clearer idea of how the villainous big-headed baddie MCU MODOK arrives in the Quantum Realm.
MODOK (short for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) gained attention recently after rumors of his inclusion in the MCU Phase 5 film debut, especially when it was confirmed during last year’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Although only a brief glimpse of the mechanical villain was seen in the exclusive SDCC trailer for the sequel, he appears to have a significant role alongside Ant-Man and Kang. In case you missed it, here’s the official IMAX trailer of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.
Last December, it was also officially revealed that a Funko Pop! version of MCU MODOK will be around as part of the film’s many tie-ins. The vinyl collectible features the villain’s distinctive golden color and redesigned face from its comic book appearances. And with the recent trailer for Ant-Man 3 has revealed more details about MCU MODOK and his possible origins.
Anticipate a universe of adventures with Ant-Man and family as they protect against evil and push themselves beyond what they believed possible. Add to your Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania collection today https://t.co/gxIkqoYhYj#Funko#FunkoPOP#Marvelpic.twitter.com/ywT6ZthlWz
The recent trailer for Ant-Man 3 provided a glimpse of the MCU version of MODOK, showing that the character will retain its humanoid face, consistent with its comic book appearance. The trailer also confirms that actor Corey Stoll will reprise his role from the first Ant-Man movie as Yellowjacket. It also shows a shot of MODOK with a menacing and metallic face with glowing eyes, indicating how frightening the character will be when he is fully revealed in the Quantum Realm.
The trailer for Ant-Man 3 hinted that MODOK and Kang would collaborate somehow, but it is unclear how that will unfold. The trailer also showed Kang seeking help from Ant-Man as he endeavors to gain control over the multiverse. The last time we saw Stoll’s Yellowjacket character was when he agonizingly shrunk in jarring proportions as his suit malfunctioned. One theory floating around the MCU fandom is that Yellowjacket eventually landed in the Quantum Realm after that incursion with Ant-Man in the first film and was somehow distorted physically and mentally as he was violently sucked into the quantum dimension.
Image credit: Marvel Studios.
If this is the direction Marvel Studios will take in introducing MCU MODOK, then the cybernetic antagonist certainly has a lot to say to Scott Lang. It’s surely exciting to see how this plot unfolds once the film hits theaters on February 17.
While MCU fans can expect Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to be streamed on Disney+ on February 1, we’re in for another treat as its physical media counterpart will be out on February 7. What makes it more memorable is that fans who prefer physical media will have the opportunity to purchase the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Limited Edition SteelBooks in two variants.
The home video release will include bonus content not available on streaming platforms, such as an audio commentary by director and co-writer Ryan Coogler and co-writer Joe Robert Cole. In addition, the release will feature deleted scenes, making-of featurettes, and a gag reel.
Best Buy will offer two limited-edition SteelBook designs for collectors. The first design features the warriors of Wakanda, created by Dorothea Taylor while the second includes characters like Namor, Namora, and Attuma and showcases the world of Talokan. The artwork for the second design, which is inspired by Mesoamerican culture, was created by Orlando Arocena.
SteelBook design by Dorothea TaylorSteelBook design by Orlando Arocena
Taylor and Arocena have this say about the inspiration behind their SteelBook designs. Watch the video below.
Additionally, Walmart will have an exclusive 4K Ultra HD edition available with unique artwork and a limited-edition Black Panther enamel pin as you can see below.
Here are some of the bonus features that you can expect from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Limited Edition SteelBooks:
Gag Reel – Take a look at some of the lighthearted moments on the set of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Audio Commentary – Listen to Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw discuss the film.
Featurettes
Envisioning Two Worlds – Uncover the making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever through the lens and leadership of co-writer/director Ryan Coogler, production designer Hannah Beachler, and costume designer Ruth Carter.
Passing the Mantle – Follow the evolution of the Black Panther through the films. In tracing Shuri, Ramonda, and Riri’s journeys through the film, this featurette explores what legacy ultimately means in Wakanda and how it will resonate with MCU viewers for years to come.
Deleted Scenes
Outside The Scope – Okoye has a shocking standoff with Ayo and the Dora Milaje. Aneka makes a challenging decision.
The Upstairs Toilet – Ross infiltrates the NSA in disguise in an attempt to uncover information.
Daughter of the Border – After a conversation with her Uncle, Okoye is faced with a daunting choice.
Anytime, Anywhere – In Haiti, Shuri and Okoye share a bittersweet moment.
Take note that these bonus features may be different among retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart. Will you be picking up these collectible SteelBooks later on? Let me know in the comments below.
We’re just four months away before we see Disney’s iconic mermaid princess make a comeback. The live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid is scheduled to debut in cinemas on May 26, and it looks like we’re getting a sneak peek at how the live-action Ursula and Triton will turn out on the big screen.
Thanks to what seems to be leaked images of the latest Funko Pops tie-in series for the film, we now get our first look at the live cinematic versions of these two underwater titans. Shared by an Instagram user named J-Luke (@kaihong_11), we now get a pretty cool image of live-action Ursula and Triton. Take a look.
At a glance, the designs appear quite similar to the original. Understandably, not much could be altered due to the simplicity of the designs, but even small details, such as Melissa McCarthy’s interpretation of Ursula, seem to be well-adapted. For example, Ursula still has the characteristic grey-purple skin. However, the tentacles are blue rather than purple. It is possible that some color elements did not translate perfectly into the film.
Javier Bardem will portray Triton, who maintains his recognizable long hair and beard from the animated version. It also reveals Jonah Hauer-King’s rendition of Prince Eric. The initial teaser gives us a promising preview of the live-action adaptation, but we will have to wait longer to see how accurately the designs for characters such as Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Digs), and Scuttle (voiced by Awkwafina) have been adopted. It is possible that a future trailer will provide a clearer view. But for now, we just have to cross our fingers in anticipation and mark calendars on May 26.
The Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania latest poster has been released as the film is slated to hit theaters on February 17, 2023. The poster features our quantum heroes alongside the silhouette of the foreboding Kang the Conqueror. This Kang variant is set to be the main antagonist of this multiversal saga, while this latest offering from Disney’s MCU will herald the beginning of its Phase 5 project.
In the latest installment of the “Ant-Man” series, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) reprise their roles as Ant-Man and the Wasp, respectively, as they team up with Hope’s parents, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer). This film marks the official beginning of phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and follows the heroic quartet as they journey into the mysterious Quantum Realm, encountering strange creatures and challenging their own limitations. Take a look at this latest poster below.
Jonathan Majors will also be joining the cast of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania as the ominous Kang, having previously appeared in the Disney+ series Loki. Peyton Reed will be returning to direct the film, with Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard serving as producers. This battle-ready version of Kang, as seen in this latest poster, is more reminiscent of his comic book version and gives a more sinister feel to this latest MCU villain.
Will be on the lookout since Disney has announced that a brand new trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will be debuting during the College Football Playoff National Championship on ESPN later tonight at 7:30 PM ET. And while waiting for the latest trailer to go live, here’s the first trailer once more.
Just recently, former Chairman Vince McMahon rejoins the WWE Board of Directors to negotiate a potential sale ahead of its media rights renewal in 2024. His latest statements add more weight to the question of whether will Disney buy WWE anytime soon.
CNBC reported that WWE has hired JPMorgan to advise on a potential sale and mentioned that Disney is one of the many companies that may be interested in purchasing WWE. The news of a potential sale caused WWE’s stock price to rise 17% on Friday
Disney and WWE are collaborating on a new reality series featuring superstars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford. In addition, Disney recently signed a short-term extension to keep WWE shows such as “RAW” and “NXT” available on Hulu in the United States until 2024. This deal was made to secure next-day streaming rights for these shows alongside linear media rights
Disney has also entered into other contracts with WWE for content in addition to the US deal with Hulu. One example is the agreement to bring the WWE Network to Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia, which includes access to major weekly shows and premium live events like the upcoming “Royal Rumble”.
Acquiring WWE could be a major advantage for Disney, as the company could use WWE to boost its streaming services such as Disney+ or ESPN+ with new original sports entertainment programming every week. In addition, Disney could expand the WWE brand through its linear business, merchandising, and theme park businesses.
With so much going on between the two media giants, Disney and WWE are already collaborating on bringing wrestling shows to Hulu and Disney+ Hotstar, which demonstrates Disney’s interest in this type of content.
Notwithstanding, there are also plenty of other potential buyers of WWE that may eventually acquire the entertainment company. These include traditional studios such as Comcast, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery, as well as tech companies like Amazon and Netflix. Sporting companies like Endeavor and Liberty Media could also be interested. In today’s media landscape where IP and original programming are highly valued, WWE is likely to be attractive to many major streaming platforms.
So will Disney buy WWE eventually? We need to take this with a grain of salt eventually. Like the four corners of the wrestling ring, it is not yet certain that WWE will be sold, as Vince McMahon has also considered the possibility of taking the company private or simply trying to increase interest in its media rights for 2024. We can expect to learn more about the potential sale of WWE in the future.
So what do you think of these developments? Do you think the buyout will eventually happen? Is this good for both Disney and WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Disneyland Resort will unveil World of Color-ONE on January 27th as part of their Disney100 celebration. This new nighttime show, produced by Disney Live Entertainment, celebrates the storytelling legacy of Walt Disney and will be presented at Disney California Adventure park. In honor of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary in 2023, the Disneyland Resort will also host the premiere of the Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular at Disneyland park, among other special events and experiences.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from this newest Disney California attraction:
The virtual queue for the viewing areas of World of Color-ONE will be accessible exclusively through the Disneyland app. The complimentary virtual queue will be open for distribution at noon each day, subject to availability, for guests who have entered Disney California Adventure park for the day or have a Park Hopper ticket for admission to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks.
As the curtain rises for multiple showtimes, the virtual queue for additional performances will open up immediately after the first show ends. Guests who have secured a virtual queue selection should make their way to the Blue or Yellow entrance points for their designated viewing area about 30-45 minutes before showtime. For more guidance on navigating the virtual queue system, visit Disneyland.com.
If the virtual queue for becomes fully booked, you can still snag a spot for the show by checking in with a cast member at the Paradise Bay viewing area just before the performance begins. While joining the virtual queue is not a requirement, it is highly recommended as walk-up viewing options are limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out on this spectacular show and make sure to secure your spot, either through the virtual queue or by showing up early for walk-up options.
There are plenty of new movies and series that are set to be released this year and will expand the Marvel universe, both within and outside of the MCU. In 2022, Marvel Entertainment made its mark once again with the release of three movies (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), three Disney+ series (Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and She-Hulk), and Marvel Studios’ first two Special Presentations (Werewolf by Night and GOTG Holiday Special). However, the Marvel brand has also produced new content across various forms of entertainment over the past year. And this time around, as we enter Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in February, let’s take a look at all the Marvel 2023 movies and series that will rock MCU to its core this year. This also includes two new Spider-Man movies from Sony Pictures and a documentary tribute to the person who started it all.
Here they are in their expected order of release, as we know them. Some of these were already made official by Disney and Sony, while others are still kept under wraps.
Marvel 2023 Movies / Theatrical Releases
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – February 17
Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly will begin Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, in which Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne delve deeper into the Quantum Realm. The film features an excellent cast, including Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang, and will introduce the main version of one of the Multiverse Saga’s biggest villains, Kang the Conqueror (played by Jonathan Majors).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – May 5
The highly-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will finally be released in theaters after a six-year delay. The film follows the Guardians as they search for the version of Gamora from Avengers: Endgame and confront a new, formidable villain played by Chukwudi Iwuji, the High Evolutionary.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – June 2
After numerous delays, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will finally be released in theaters. This will be the second adventure for Miles Morales (played by Shamiek Moore) and Spider-Gwen (played by Hailee Steinfeld). The first film, Into the Spider-Verse, released in 2018, was a huge success and received widespread praise. Fans and crew members alike are hoping that the sequel will be just as successful.
The Marvels – July 28
The plot of The Marvels is largely unknown, but it is rumored to be connected to the Multiversal storyline in the Multiverse Saga, specifically involving Kamala Khan’s origins and powers. In the last episode of the Ms. Marvel series, we saw Kamala transported by her bangles to an unknown place and in turn, also transported Carol to the home of the younger hero. There are still plenty of unanswered questions as to the nature of Kamala’s super-powered bangles so hopefully, all of our speculations will be put to rest once the film is released in July.
Kraven the Hunter – October 6
Sony Pictures will release a live-action Spider-Man Universe movie featuring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter. This will be Taylor-Johnson’s second Marvel role, having previously played Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The film also features a notable cast, including Russell Crowe (from Thor: Love and Thunder) and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story).
Marvel Series and Documentary
What If…? Season 2 – 2023
What If…? will be the first Marvel Studios Disney+ project to be renewed for a second season, continuing the adventures of our Marvel multiversal heroes in an animated format. The first footage from Season 2 was previewed at Marvel’s panel at San Diego Comic-Con, and nearly a dozen actors who appeared in live-action roles were confirmed to reprise their roles in this animated series.
Secret Invasion – Spring 2023
In early 2023, Marvel Studios will release its first crossover event, Secret Invasion, starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos. The plot centers around a group of renegade Skrulls who have infiltrated Earth, raising the possibility that any MCU character could potentially be an imposter.
Loki Season 2 – Summer 2023
Loki will be the first live-action show in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to be renewed for a second season. The God of Mischief, played by Tom Hiddleston, will return to the small screen alongside the Time Variance Authority. The entire cast from Season 1 will return for Season 2, which will push the limits of interdimensional storytelling in the MCU further than ever before.
Ironheart – Fall 2023
Dominique Thorne, who made her MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will star in her own Disney+ series, Ironheart. In the series, Thorne will reprise her role as Riri Williams and will have the opportunity to showcase her genius as she builds new versions of her suit and improves her technology. However, she will also face significant threats.
X-Men ’97 – Fall 2023
Fans will certainly welcome Marvel Studios’ very first X-Men property to the MCU with X-Men ’97, a revival of the classic 1990s animated series X-Men: The Animated Series. The new series will use the same animation style as the original and will pick up where the story left off. This will be the first opportunity to see what the X-Men might be capable of within the MCU.
Echo – Late 2023
Echo, a Disney+ series set to release in 2023, has faced numerous challenges. Despite this, the series is expected to add exciting new material to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Alaqua Cox will star as Echo, a deaf hero who revisits her Native American roots. The series will feature the return of both Daredevil and Kingpin, and will introduce a new hero following Echo’s appearance in Hawkeye.
Agatha: Coven of Chaos – Winter 2023
Kathryn Hahn, who gained a large following for her role in the popular Disney+ series WandaVision, will star in Agatha: Coven of Chaos. The show will also feature an impressive supporting cast, including Joe Locke, Aubrey Plaza, and Emma Caulfield Ford, as Agatha (formerly known as Agnes) demonstrates her magical abilities.
Stan Lee Documentary – Unknown 2023
To honor the 100th birthday of the late Stan Lee, Marvel Studios and Disney+ announced a documentary titled Stan Lee. The trailer, released on Disney+’s official YouTube channel, features a look back at some of Lee’s most iconic MCU cameos and celebrates his reputation as the ultimate cameo master in film history.
The Marvel universe has much in store for 2023, and it is possible that not all of the listed Marvel Cinematic Universe projects will be released by the end of the year. For now, it seems likely that all projects on this list except for Echo and Agatha: Coven of Chaos will be released within the next 12 months, providing new content for viewers to enjoy almost every month of the year.
Marvel certainly has a wide range of projects in the works for 2023, ensuring that there will be something for all fans to enjoy. Which Marvel 2023 movies and series are you most excited about? Let’s talk about it n the comments below.
Lucasfilm and Disney are on a roll with a variety of Star Wars-related projects for the latter’s streaming platform. Projects that are officially in the works are Lando, Skeleton Crew, The Acolyte, and a second season of Andor. To top it off, the Star Wars The Mandalorian franchise is set to grow even bigger this year with the release of the third season of the show and its spinoff series, Ahsoka. But it looks like there’s more in store for the world of the Mandalorian. Entertainment insider Daniel Richtman has reportedly revealed that a new Star Wars The Mandalorian spinoff series is in development, which will be connected to the “MandoVerse.” This rumored spin-off series could potentially tie in with Ahsoka as part of the expanding Mandalorian franchise.
This new project is reportedly being referred to by the code name Ghost Track 17, a potential reference to the iconic spaceship The Ghost, from the animated show Rebels. The show introduced several characters created by Dave Filoni, who is also involved in The Mandalorian series.
Obviously, things are kept under a tight lid as far as this new series is concerned and there are no details or hints from Disney or Lucasfilms either.
The closes that we can consider as a clue is during the Star Wars Celebration 2022 event in Anaheim, California when Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni hinted at the possibility of a crossover event involving all of the Disney+ series that they have created. If this is the case, then perhaps we can hear more news about these crossover projects (which may include Ghost Track 17) when Disney launches this year’s Star Wars Celebration London this April.
Do you think there is some truth in this rumored new Star Wars The Mandalorian spinoff? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
