Disney unveils new entertainment projects at D23

The Disney Entertainment Showcase, a centerpiece of the three-day D23 event, drew a sold-out arena on Friday for exclusive first looks at the company's most anticipated upcoming releases.

Josh D'Amaro, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, speaks at the Disney Entertainment Showcase during D23 in Anaheim, California, United States, Aug. 14, 2026. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Josh D'Amaro took the stage for the first time as chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, opening the evening and welcoming fans to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. He highlighted Disney's connection with fans across generations and around the world.

"Right now, nearly half a million people are in our parks and on our cruise ships. Millions more are watching our stories in theaters or at home. Someone right now is seeing 'The Lion King' on Broadway for the very first time," D'Amaro said. "When you add it all up, Disney has something no other brand on Earth can claim."

He continued: "Not just a customer base, not just an audience, but an actual connection. A connection that reaches every single corner of the globe, spans every age and every background, and becomes part of people's lives and the memories that they carry with them. A connection with more than 4 billion fans. That's half the world's population who don't just look to us for entertainment; they look to us for inspiration."

Disney storytellers, stars, filmmakers, creators and performers appeared at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, for the showcase. Hosted by voice actor Ginnifer Goodwin and Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, the evening featured surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive footage, musical performances, major announcements and first looks at projects spanning Disney's film studios, television brands, streaming platforms and live stage productions. Most are set for release within the next two years.

Ke Huy Quan, Ginnifer Goodwin and Jared Bush reveal that "Zootopia 3" is in development at the Disney Entertainment Showcase during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, United States, Aug. 14, 2026. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Notable highlights included Disney Animation Chief Creative Officer and Oscar winner Jared Bush, who was joined on stage by Goodwin and Quan, the voices of Judy Hopps and Gary De'Snake, revealing that "Zootopia 3" is officially in early development at the studio. They also screened a sequence made exclusively for the D23 audience.

The franchise is hugely popular in China, where "Zootopia 2" grossed 4.59 billion yuan ($651 million) on its way to $1.86 billion worldwide. Shanghai Disneyland also has a Zootopia-themed land. News of a third installment drew immediate excitement from fans in China and around the world.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige appeared with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell to unveil footage from "Avengers: Doomsday," in which heroes from three distinct universes are set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they have encountered.

The highly anticipated film is set for release in December and is eagerly awaited around the globe. Its predecessor, "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), was a staggering phenomenon, grossing 4.25 billion yuan in China and $2.8 billion worldwide.

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell and Kevin Feige promote "Avengers: Doomsday" at the Disney Entertainment Showcase during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, United States, Aug. 14, 2026. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The showcase moved quickly from one reveal to the next. The new X-Men cast drew cheers, as did Stitch and his pink co-star Angel in "Lilo & Stitch 2." Fans also saw sneak peeks of the live-action "Tangled" and the family of Supers back in action in "Incredibles 3." Disney confirmed the return of the "Ice Age" franchise and showed new concept art from "Coco 2" featuring Miguel as a teenager.

Director Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling promoted "Star Wars: Starfighter." Other projects on display included "Hexed," "Ghost Market," "Gatto," "Clay" and "Oswald," a live-action and animation hybrid series based on Walt Disney's classic character.

"Frozen 3" cast members Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad closed out the first day. Bell and Menzel performed a new version of "Frozen Heart," and Gad sang a new love song, "Ooooh, Samantha." The three also unveiled an animation clip featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, hinting at a new villainess whose powers rival Elsa's.

Thousands of fans gathered in Anaheim earlier in the day for the start of D23. The expanded show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center offered hands-on experiences and exclusive first looks, and the day also featured panels on shows such as "The Simpsons," as well as anniversary celebrations for "Enchanted" and "Beauty and the Beast."

Fans in cosplay costumes pose for a group photo in front of the Anaheim Convention Center, where D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is held in Anaheim, California, United States, Aug. 14, 2026. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Disney and Formula 1 also extended their "Fuel the Magic" collaboration through 2028, adding a full season beyond the original plan. Disney said it will bring D23 Asia to the Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, June 25-27, 2027, the first time the event will be held in the Asia-Pacific region. Mundo Pixar also announced its first U.S. tour, launching in 2027.