The fate of Marvel’s Black Widow has finally been revealed after Disney released some big news relating to whether or not the film would be brought to streaming versus remaining a big screen exclusive release. Black Widow will now be released simultaneously via Disney+ as well as mainstream theaters this summer through Premier Access.
For Marvel fans across the globe, the news does not come as a surprise, but after a hard hit year due to the coronavirus pandemic, it makes perfect sense that the highly anticipated standalone feature would make its way into the streaming game after Hollywood delays and nationwide theater closures prevented it from its original 2020 debut.
The film will be joining the ranks of Raya and the Last Dragon, as well as Pixar’s Academy-Award nominated feature, Soul, on Disney+ Premier Access. For international movie fans where Disney+ is not yet available, future dates will be announced for the films’ debuts overseas.
Black Widow will be available on July 9 , before that, Disney’s new live action tale, Cruella, starring Emma Stone, will premiere on May 28. Disney also revealed other release date shifts, including the comedy adventure, Free Guy, starring Deadpool alum, Ryan Reynolds.
Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” is now set to Release Exclusively on Disney+ on June 18 and will be included with the streaming service.
Take a look at the full release date reveals below!
2021 Film Slate
5/28/21 Disney CRUELLA
7/9/21 Disney BLACK WIDOW
7/16/21 Searchlight NIGHT HOUSE, THE
7/30/21 Disney JUNGLE CRUISE
8/13/21 20th FREE GUY
8/27/21 Disney BEATLES: GET BACK, THE
9/3/21 Disney SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS
9/24/21 Searchlight EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, THE (Limited)
10/15/21 20th LAST DUEL, THE
10/22/21 20th RON’S GONE WRONG
10/29/21 Searchlight ANTLERS
11/5/21 Disney ETERNALS
11/24/21 Disney ENCANTO
12/3/21 Searchlight NIGHTMARE ALLEY (Limited)
12/10/21 20th WEST SIDE STORY
12/22/21 20th KING’S MAN, THE
2022 Film Slate
1/7/22 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
1/14/22 20th DEEP WATER
2/11/22 20th DEATH ON THE NILE
3/11/22 Disney TURNING RED
3/25/22 Disney DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS
4/8/22 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
5/6/22 Disney THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
5/27/22 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
6/10/22 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
6/17/22 Disney LIGHTYEAR
7/8/22 Disney BLACK PANTHER 2
7/29/22 Disney UNTITLED INDIANA JONES
8/12/22 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
9/16/22 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
10/7/22 Disney UNTITLED MARVEL
10/21/22 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
11/4/22 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
11/11/22 Disney CAPTAIN MARVEL 2
11/23/22 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION
12/16/22 20th AVATAR 2
12/23/22 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
2023 Film Slate
1/13/23 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
2/17/23 Disney UNTITLED MARVEL
3/10/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
3/24/23 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
5/5/23 Disney UNTITLED MARVEL
5/26/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
6/9/23 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
6/16/23 Disney UNTITLED PIXAR ANIMATION
7/14/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
7/28/23 Disney UNTITLED MARVEL
8/11/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
9/15/23 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
10/6/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
10/20/23 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
11/3/23 Disney UNTITLED MARVEL
11/10/23 20th UNTITLED 20TH CENTURY
Wed 11/22/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION
12/15/23 Disney UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION
12/22/23 Disney ROGUE SQUADRON
2024 Films
12/20/24 20th AVATAR 3
2025 Films
12/19/25 Disney UNTITLED STAR WARS
2026 Films
12/18/26 20th AVATAR 4
2027 Films
12/17/27 Disney UNTITLED STAR WARS
2028 Films
12/22/28 20th AVATAR 5
When we last saw Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes at the finale of Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, they were speaking with an old Steve Rogers after he had successfully returned the infinity stones and lived out his life with Peggy Carter. Steve hands his shield to Sam and tells him to try it on. “How does it feel?” Steve asks. “Like it’s someone else’s,” Sam replies. Steve looks at him, with a slight grin – “It isn’t.” And thus, the mantle of Captain America is handed off to someone else…or so we thought.
Marvel Studios’ The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is the second MCU series to hit Disney+, though it was actually the first to begin production. After several months of delays due to the pandemic, the limited series is finally here. Although it takes place at the same time as WandaVision, it is thematically very different. And like the Captain America films, it starts off with a bang.
Returning to the title roles are Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan respectively. The show seeks to explore the personal lives of our heroes as they struggle to adjust to a post-Endgame society. With half of humanity gone for 5 years, the chaos left in its wake can’t be overlooked. New extremist groups have emerged, regular people who survived the blip have fought for their livelihoods, and those that returned are looking for their place back in the world.
Sam Wilson feels he is unequal to the task of becoming Captain America. Despite Steve’s wishes, he chooses to give the shield to the Smithsonian as a part of the Captain America exhibit and wants to continue life as a private citizen. As a former soldier, Sam feels he owes it to his country to continue serving and assist the military with dangerous missions. He also checks in with his sister Sarah down in Louisiana, who is trying to pull her life back together after the effects of the blip.
Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes is struggling to come to terms with decades of being an assassin for Hydra. Although he was rehabilitated in Wakanda and received a pardon by the government for his crimes, Bucky attends therapy sessions in an effort to move on from his dark past as the Winter Soldier. He lies about the nightmares he has and tries to secretly make amends with those he inadvertently harmed. But he cannot shake the guilt he feels.
Although the show is certain to be action-packed, it also feels deeply personal. Until now, the audience has known nothing about Sam Wilson’s life beyond his time as a soldier. This series gives us an opportunity to interact with his family and see how real people struggled during the blip to make ends meet.
And through the trailers, it’s clear we’ll also see Sam rethink his decision of turning down the Captain America mantle. For Anthony Mackie, who is actually from Louisiana, it gives him a unique chance to inject his real background into the character.
For Bucky Barnes, we get to see him as a normal person for what feels like the first time. His appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger was relatively brief and since then, we’ve mostly experienced him as the Winter Soldier or in the midst of an epic battle. Now he’s grappling with PTSD, trying to start anew and figure out who he wants to be. It’s a rare opportunity for a character to get a second lease on life and an essentially clean slate. Sebastian Stan has always been great at the intense but conflicted duality of Bucky / Winter Soldier. His moments in therapy are intimate, and really allow his acting chops to shine.
Returning from the MCU as supporting characters are Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter and Daniel Brühl as Helmut Zemo. And there are some exciting newcomers as well, including Adepero Oduye as Sam’s sister, Wyatt Russell (Lodge 49), and Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story). And there will surely be some additional surprise cameos along the way.
For me, the first episode was an exciting return to form. While WandaVision was an undoubtedly excellent series, its unique storytelling approach may not have been for everyone. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is sure to be more in-line with what Marvel fans come to expect. It feels like the previous Captain America films, which in my opinion were the strongest of the MCU solo films. And given the buddy cop vibe between Sam and Bucky that we’ve seen, it will surely be action-packed, but full of heart and humor.
Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Premieres on Disney+ on Friday, March 19.
In preparation for the debut of Marvel Studios’ The Falcon and the Winter Soldieron Disney+, Kelley Carter from ESPN sat down with the cast and crew for insight and questions related to the production. In attendance were Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, director Kari Skogland, head writer Malcolm Spellman, and Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier picks up shortly after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Steve Rogers, presumed dead to the world but secretly retired after living out his life with Peggy Carter, has handed over the shield and Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson, aka Falcon (Mackie).
Feeling unequal to the title, Sam chooses to give the shield to the Smithsonian and make it part of the Captain America exhibit. Sam continues to participate in military missions and do his duty for the country.
Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier (Stan) is struggling to come to terms with decades of being an assassin for Hydra. After his rehabilitation in Wakanda and recent pardon by the government for his crimes, he attends therapy sessions in an effort to move on from his dark past. But his previous actions continue to gnaw at his conscience as he tries to live a normal life.
These two characters have been through a lot together, and not always positive. Sam has had to fight against Bucky when he was still the Winter Soldier, but also (begrudgingly) fought with him as part of Team Cap in Civil War. The link between these two characters was always Steve, and with him now gone, we get the opportunity to see a new relationship develop and also learn a bit more about them individually.
Originally intended to be released in late summer 2020, the series was delayed due to the pandemic. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige mentioned the fact that it was actually their first project before WandaVision started filming, which posed new personal challenges: “It’s really meant to prove…that just because it’s on TV, doesn’t mean it’s not going to be as big…as a movie. This first episode…really starts off with a bang. If we’re going to do a series with Falcon and the Winter Soldier, then we need to start off with the best possible action.”
In discussing how to approach the “buddy-cop” dynamic of the show, writer Malcolm Spellman found the opportunity to be a blessing: “What we loved about them is the range tonally; you can go from as gritty as 48 Hours to as comedic as Rush Hour. But in between, there’s sort of like that first LethalWeapon and Bad Boys, and what we liked about it was, it allows it allows Sebastian and Anthony to do what they do and create that magic. But also allows the broader creative to…take on real issues or if you need to get into something very Marvel-y, it’s a very durable form of storytelling.”
In talking about some of the more serious tones like PTSD, Sebastian Stan discusses the commonality between both main characters: “The whole subject of PTSD and the experience that they both share as soldiers, as men who have served, is one of the things that brings them together and there’s sort of a bit of an honor code between them. Even though they come from different…ideas or opinions about things, there’s mutual respect. And as everybody knows PTSD is…something that one has to continue to grow with and to become better at dealing with. Obviously, it’s a major part of our show and it grounds both of these characters in very realistic ways.”
On the differences between making a 2-hour film vs a 6-hour series, director Kari Skogland highlights the breathing room she was afforded: “It’s a lot more work….you know what is terrific I’ve been calling the movies…the snack and this is like the meal. You really can get involved with the characters in a way in 6 hours that you’re just not able to in a film, particularly because the films are often very…high octane already and they’re immersed in some world-saving event. So it’s very hard to…go off on a little tangent with the character. But on a series, you’re able to meander a little bit and we’re able to get inside the lives of our characters.”
In regards to stunt work on the show vs the movies, Anthony Mackie explains new ways they looked at fighting: “The great thing about what we were able to do with this was nothing was jeopardized or watered down. The same stunt guys we work with on the films are the same guys who choreographed and did all of our stunts on the show. Because of that, the stunts are really amazing. Taking the idea of weaponry away so it’s more hand-to-hand combat, it’s more physical, it’s more assertive. It’s more of us utilizing our strengths instead of something else.”
All in all, the cast and crew are excited for the opportunity to dive deeper into these characters. From learning more personal backstory of Sam Wilson to seeing Bucky Barnes adjusting to a new life, to some of the repercussions of Endgame and the effects it had on everyday people. Stay tuned for our full review of the first episode.
Marvel Studios’ The Falcon and the Winter Soldier debuts March 19th, only on Disney+.
Magic returns to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, as the theme parks plan to reopen April 30, 2021. Guests will once again be able to experience unforgettable attractions, see beloved Disney friends, shop for the latest merchandise, savor the world-famous food and drinks and cherish special magical moments at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. For the most current information, guests should visit Disneyland.com often. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
The joy and laughter and magical moments of the Disneyland Resort will soon return to its theme parks as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity.
“The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”
The dreams of being immersed in these theme park experiences will soon come to life, with unforgettable attractions, seeing beloved Disney characters, shopping for the latest Disney merchandise, savoring the world-famous food and drinks, and capturing fun photos. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time.
Once again, guests will experience the thrills of exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, embarking on a treacherous voyage on Pirates of the Caribbean, setting sail with children from around the globe on “it’s a small world” and zipping along Route 66 on Radiator Springs Racers. They may discover the joy of waving to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, finding the perfect Mickey ears, dipping into a DOLE Whip® and staying in the middle of the magic at a Disney hotel.
In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests after more than a year of closure.
The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also plan to welcome guests once again, with a phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.
More details about this new reservation system will be available soon. In addition, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.comfor the latest updates as they become available for theme park tickets, hotel booking and vacation packages, dining reservations and activity reservations such as Droid Depot.
The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. Just as the Downtown Disney District reopened at Disneyland Resort on July 9, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Cast members throughout the resort will be dedicated to assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/updatefor the most current health and safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.
A Touch of Disney, the limited-time ticketed experience which has sold out, will go on as planned at Disney California Adventure from March 18 through April 19.
Disneyland Resort Additional Info:
Classic and favorite attractions will begin to open at both parks – from epic experiences like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.
At Disneyland, the fun awaits on Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and King Arthur Carrousel, to name a few, and new magic is coming to Haunted Mansion. At Disney California Adventure, guests will be immersed in the stories and adventures of the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania!, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and more.
Guests will discover a newly reimagined attraction in Fantasyland – Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. The timeless tale comes alive in dazzling new scenes, including a dancing figure of Snow White joining the dwarfs in their cottage as the scent of a baking pie wafts through the air. Vibrant new shadow projections show the dwarfs as they march off to the mine happily singing “Heigh Ho,” and the new lighting, glittering jewels and shimmering effects make the mine sparkle. Guests then travel through the Queen’s den to see a new library of spell books, glowing potions and bubbling flasks, toward the famous magic mirror. In the end, Snow White and her Prince ride joyfully into a golden sunset to live happily ever after.
On the “must-do” list for many guests will be a journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park. Guests are transported to a galaxy far, far away at the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where they can take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The newest attraction in the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opened in January 2020. It takes guests aboard a full-size transport shuttle before they are captured by a Star Destroyer, finding themselves in the middle of a climactic battle between the dark side of the First Order and the light side of the Resistance, including BB-8, Rey and Chewbacca.
Avengers Campus, a completely new land where guests can live their Super Hero dreams, will open at a later date at Disney California Adventure.
Characters are part of the magic
From to surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from dozens of favorite Disney and Pixar stories will entertain and delight guests across both parks. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing.
At Disneyland, guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving from the train station, or Disney Princesses such as Mulan appear at the Royal Theatre to wave and pose at a distance for guests taking selfies. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar pals may wave from the bandshell at Pixar Pier, and guests can share a laugh while taking photos with Mater and Lightning McQueen along Route 66 in Cars Land.
Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.
Themed dining and world-famous food and drinks
Tasty, tantalizing and ready for social media, Disneyland Resort snacks and dishes are a food-lover’s fairytale wishes come true. Park favorites such as the DOLE Whip®, corn dogs and churros are fun treats offered alongside memorable dining experiences that include lobster nachos and novel drinks at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace and Mediterranean-California fare at Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining. The parks offer a multitude of food and drink options, from uniquely themed candy apples and specials like Walt’s Chili to the always popular Plaza Inn fried chicken.
At several locations around the resort, mobile ordering* on the official Disneyland app now is the primary way to order food and drinks. Dining reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants.
Check in to the magic at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
After playing in the theme parks, guests may relax with an overnight stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where they are surrounded by the Craftsman-style architecture and the tranquil feel of redwood forests. Guests are treated to genuine hospitality and legendary service, just steps from the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort theme parks. The enchanting Disney magic includes well-appointed accommodations, sparkling pools and a chance to request a wake-up call with greetings from some favorite Disney characters.
Guests with valid theme park admission who are planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel will need to also book theme park reservations in advance, as a hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation. Hotel capacity will be limited. Guests may soon book hotel stays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a nearby Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, by visiting Disneyland.comor contacting a travel professional.
Digital tools help guests make the most of their visits
To make the most of a visit to the Disneyland Resort, guests will have digital tools right at their fingertips with the Disneyland app. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the Disneyland app to plan ahead and utilize mobile ordering* for food and beverage purchases from select locations, as well as to check park hours, make dining reservations, and view maps and other important resort updates. Mobile waitlist (subject to availability) and mobile check-in options will be available for table-service dining at select locations. Disneyland Resort also recommends cashless transactions such as electronic payment to reduce contact.
Check Disneyland.com for the latest updates
For everything they need to know about their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.comregularly for the latest information, including upcoming details about ticket sales and reservations, and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.** Guests also are also encouraged to follow the Disney Parks Blog for reopening details.
The plans to open Disneyland Resort are phased and subject to change, to align with guidance released from time to time by health authorities and appropriate government agencies. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available, and the status of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Hold on tight for a rush of pulse-pounding thrills, breathtaking stunts, and unexpected romance in a film you’ll want to see again and again. Keanu Reeves stars as an L.A.P.D. SWAT team specialist who is sent to defuse a bomb that a revenge-driven extortionist (Dennis Hopper) has planted on a city bus.
But until he does, one of the passengers (Sandra Bullock) must keep the bus speeding through the streets of Los Angeles at more than 50 miles per hour – or the bomb will explode.
A high-octane chase of suspense, nonstop action, and surprise twists, “Speed” is a joyride sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Jan de Bont’s action thriller “Speed” races to 4K Ultra HD™ for the first time on May 4, including a limited-edition SteelBook® found only at Best Buy.
Disney+ has shared the trailer and key art for “Earth Moods” from National Geographic. “Earth Moods,” a visual and soundscape experience, takes viewers on the ultimate retreat—transporting them to a vast array of colorful and calming corners of the world. Viewers travel to blue glaciers, arid deserts, lush rainforests and pulsating metropolises to escape from the cacophony of everyday life.
With an original score produced by Neil Davidge, known for “Massive Attack” as well as collaborations with Snoop Dogg and David Bowie, each “mood” gives the audience an opportunity to relax and reset as the sound of music and the natural world washes over them.
Disney+ Earth Moods
All five episodes, will be available on Disney+ on Friday, April 16. Episodes include “Frozen Calm,” “Night Lights,” “Tropical Serenity,” “Desert Solitude,” and “Peaceful Patterns.”
“Descendants: The Royal Wedding,” an animated special that invites viewers to Auradon’s epic social event—Mal and King Ben’s wedding—will premiere this summer on Disney Channel. “Descendants,” “Descendants 2” and “Descendants 3” rank as the #1 cable movie among kids and tweens for 2015, 2017 and 2019, respectively.
All three “Descendants” soundtracks reached #1 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart, and the “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” soundtracks are gold-certified.
Reprising their popular roles are Dove Cameron as Mal, Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Mitchell Hope as Ben, Sarah Jeffery as Audrey, Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother, China Anne McClain as Uma, Jedidiah Goodacre as Chad, Anna Cathcart as Dizzy, Dan Payne as Beast, Bobby Moynihan as Dude the Dog and Cheyenne Jackson as Hades.
The absence of the character Carlos, played by the late Cameron Boyce, will be acknowledged in the storyline and Boyce’s memory will be honored in the telecast.
Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television, said, “‘Descendants’ introduced a fantasy world of stories and characters anchored in Disney mythology. For the past six years, it captivated young viewers and grew to become among Disney Channel’s biggest entertainment franchises ever.
It had the benefit of immensely talented stars, who we now welcome back for this animated ‘Royal Wedding’ special that will bridge the audience to what we hope will be a new chapter of compelling ‘Descendants’ stories and characters yet to come.”
“Descendants: The Royal Wedding,” by Sara Parriott & Josann McGibbon and Ricky Roxburgh, is based on the “Descendants” movies by Parriott and McGibbon (“The Starter Wife,” “Runaway Bride,” “Descendants,” “Descendants 2”, “Descendants 3”). Produced by Le Cube, Salvador Simó is set to direct.
Following its debut on the 2021 GRAMMY Show, The Walt Disney Company has released a new sneak peek plus three additional still images from its all-new live-action feature film “Cruella,” starring Academy Award®-winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, directed by Craig Gillespie. The film will be released on Friday, May 28.
Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinema’s most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets.
One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly Haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) and produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone and Michelle Wright (“Baby Driver”) serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own.
After careful planning and discussions with the City of Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific has announced that the entire Aquarium will be fully open at 25 percent capacity to the public on Tuesday, March 16, and to Aquarium members on Monday, March 15, with safety protocols and advance reservations.
“We have survived, and our animals have thrived the last year only because of the support of our donors, help from the City of Long Beach, and dedication of our staff. With our reopening, we can continue to give back to our communities through our educational programs and provide an experience for visitors that embodies spring and recovery. A weight has been lifted. Our mischievous sea otters, beautiful lorikeets, endearing penguins, sleek sharks, and my favorite –Groot, our giant pacific octopus awaits you,” said Dr. Peter Kareiva, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.
Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Guests can now journey into the Aquarium’s three main galleries, which have been closed to the public since summer 2020. In the Southern California/Baja Gallery, you can meet giant sea bass, leopard sharks, eels, seals, sea lions, white abalone, and other animals found locally or in Baja. Then, visitors can explore the cold-water habitats of the Northern Pacific Gallery to meet playful sea otters, diving birds, sea jellies, giant spider crabs, and a giant Pacific octopus. Guests can then travel through the Tropical Pacific Gallery to see colorful fish and other species that inhabit those warm tropical waters.
In the Aquarium’s Pacific Visions area, they can also explore an art gallery, orientation gallery, Honda Pacific Visions Theater, and the Schubel Family Culmination Gallery, which features interactive displays, educational game tables, and live animal exhibits. Pacific Visions is the Aquarium’s newest expansion, which opened to the public in May 2019. “The theater will be operated at reduced capacity, and the two-story, 300-seat stadium seating design allows for plenty of room for social distancing,” said Nicole Meek, Aquarium of the Pacific director of visitor operations. Pacific Visions also has features developed last spring that most members of the public have never seen before such as the Paint a Fish interactive multimedia exhibit.
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As part of its safety protocols, the Aquarium is limiting the number of visitors, requiring advance timed reservations for everyone, and managing traffic flow to ensure appropriate social distancing. The Aquarium also requires masks for everyone age two and older and temperature checks for everyone. Visitors will find numerous hand-sanitizing stations throughout the facility, Aquarium staff constantly sanitizing all touched surfaces, and clear partitions in key areas where staff interact with guests, such as the main entrance, member services, and retail areas.
The Aquarium has installed social distancing signs throughout the facility, set up for one-way foot traffic in the main galleries, and has staff to monitor and enforce social distancing. Exit with re-entry will not be allowed during this initial phase of reopening. More details are available on the Aquarium’s website at http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/visit/aquarium_safety.
Photo Credit: Robin Riggs
Aquarium of the Pacific Important Info
Public reopening date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (advance reservations required)
Member preview day: Monday, March 15, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(advance reservations required)
(Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Address: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
COST: General admission: $36.95 adult (12+), $33.95 senior (65+), $26.95 child, and free to children under age three and Aquarium members
Go behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ hit series “WandaVision” with a brand-new, documentary-style special “Assembled: The Making of ‘WandaVision’” now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
The premiere episode of this groundbreaking series of documentary-style specials features Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany and the creative team behind Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” as they welcome viewers behind the scenes of their exciting series.
WandaVision Behind-the-Scenes
Learn how the production’s surprising concept took shape by drawing inspiration from classic sitcoms. Witness how the crew went to great lengths to emulate various filmmaking methods used during the early years of television. Discover the unique challenges and ultimate rewards of performing an entire episode in front of a live studio audience.
Spend time with exciting newcomers to the MCU, including Teyonah Parris and Kathryn Hahn, along with returning favorites like Kat Dennings and Randall Park. “Assembled: The Making of ‘WandaVision’” is an all-encompassing look at Marvel Studios’ first, and arguably most unusual, streaming series.
Disney+ released the trailer for its upcoming original series “Secrets of the Whales,” which plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to reveal the mysterious and beautiful world of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales.
About “Secrets of the Whales”
The four-part series, from National Geographic, is executive produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron (“Avatar”) and narrated by award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver (“Alien,” “Avatar,” “Gorillas in the Mist”). All four episodes will be available to stream exclusively on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.
Featuring the expansive knowledge and skill of acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry, the series ventures deep into the world of whales to witness the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures to reveal life and love from their perspective.
“Secrets of the Whales” unveils new science and technology to spotlight whales as they make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones.
Filmed over three years in 24 global locations, throughout this epic journey, we learn that whales are far more complex and more like us than ever imagined. This is a personal story that very few are lucky enough to witness … until now.
“Secrets of the Whales” is produced for National Geographic by Red Rock Films. For Red Rock Films, Brian Armstrong and Shannon Malone-DeBenedictis are executive producers. For Earthship, James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm are executive producers and Kim Butts is associate producer. For National Geographic, Pamela Caragol is an executive producer. The series is scored by composer Raphaelle Thibaut.
Disney+ has surpassed 100 million global paid subscribers in just 16 months since its launch, Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), announced during the Company’s virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
“The enormous success of Disney+ —which has now surpassed 100 million subscribers—has inspired us to be even more ambitious, and to significantly increase our investment in the development of high-quality content,” Mr. Chapek said. “In fact, we set a target of 100+ new titles per year, and this includes Disney Animation, Disney Live-Action, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Our direct-to-consumer business is the Company’s top priority, and our robust pipeline of content will continue to fuel its growth.”
Disney+ is Available in 59 Countries around the World and Features an Impressive Collection of High-Quality Content from Disney’s Content Studios
Disney+ launched in the U.S. on November 12, 2019, and has rolled out rapidly across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, and most recently, Singapore.
