Emily Blunt and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have some big news, as Disney’s Jungle Cruise has now begun production. Disney shared the details this week, giving us a special sneak peek of what’s to come next fall. Take a look at the video below, which brings you on set with the two Stars as they prepare to venture off into the unknown wilds of the jungle!
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) July 31, 2018
Johnson tweeted, “Join us for the adventure of a lifetime. And I love working with this woman.. and I she loves working with me. I think.” Jungle Cruise joins Star Wars Episode IX in their shooting announcement, while other productions such as Maleficent II are now underway. 2019 is a busy year for Disney, which will add to the many films still to come out later this year including this August’s Christopher Robin. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for more details!
JJ Abrams has shared the very first look at Star Wars Episode IX, giving fans confirmation that shooting has indeed commenced at Pinewood Studios as promised. With the Tweet, you can see a quick look at John Boyega, vaguely verifying Finn back in action for the next Star Wars sequel.
Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IXpic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5
The tweet also pays tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, who will be returning as Princess Leia one final time. The news broke recently when Lucasfilm released the entire cast list for the new movie, which also includes the return of Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams. You can see the entire list by clicking here. To learn more about this week’s reveals, as well as more details about the upcoming resurgence of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, make sure to watch this week’s edition of The Star Wars Show.
Stay tuned, as more details are to come! Star Wars Episode IX lands in theaters next December.
With the release of Disney’s Christopher Robin, Disney Press has debuted two books in honor of the new film. Both share in the story for the new adventure while still retaining their own unique elements. The books also target a wider base of age ranges, as one focuses in on the youngest of us while the other casts a wider net for both young and the young at heart.
The first of the bunch is a children’s book, titled ‘A Boy, A Bear, Balloon’. Filled with wonderful illustrations, it’s a perfect glimpse into the larger story of Christopher Robin. Rather than take on the entire narrative, the book condenses the tale into a small smackerel of adventure. The message of the narrative is still there, while the magic of Pooh shines through into a sweet story worthy of a comforting bedtime story for both young and old.
To get the full picture, we turn to the novelization of Christopher Robin. The book follows the film’s story almost to the letter, bringing us right into the new turn of events for both Pooh and his friends. Though, like any good novelization, it fills in the gaps, allowing us to see more than the film can with inner dialogues, flashbacks, and more.
The writing style is simple, easily leading you from one chapter to another with relative ease. It’s a quick read, and for the hardcore fan, something you can pick up and finish in one sitting, coming in at just over 280 pages. The book does the film and the Winnie the Pooh legacy justice. Though, you can learn more about our opinions on the film by reading our full film review, which will go into more details on the overall plot and execution.
Due to that, it is highly recommended that you see the film first if you want to avoid any spoilers with either book. The plot is clearly laid out, but if you find yourself a fan of the film, both books are excellent companions to add to your collection. Your heart will be warmed, as Pooh and the entire band of friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood do exactly what they need to do and nothing more. Plain and simple fun in a time where we all could use a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little joys in life.
Disney’s Christopher Robin releases nationwide on August 3rd.
Space Mountain is undoubtedly one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions, taking countless numbers of space travelers to the great unknown each and every day. Yet, during peak hours, the fun and thrill of blasting off into space can take a little bit longer than expected due to high wait times and extremely long lines. When summer is at its hottest, not using Fastpass or Maxpass is a challenge on its own. Yet, standby is about to get a lot more comfortable. Space Mountain has a new queue, bringing a cool respite from the hot Southern California sun.
The new queue takes the place of the old Tomorrowland staple, Starcade, bringing in a full indoor queue that features air conditioning, area music, and new visuals. It’s quite something to behold, really bringing the wonders of space travel up close and personal. A new craft is the center piece of the queue, surrounded by space cluster visuals and light effects. Make sure to take a closer look the next time you find yourself preparing for launch!
Disney’s Christopher Robin is just days away, and to celebrate, we journeyed down to Pooh Corner at the Disneyland Resort. Nestled in the heart of Critter Country, Pooh and his friends have a special hiding place for sweet treats, cute merchandise, and one of a kind meet and greets.
Maybe just a taste of hunny please?
For those who have yet to trek beyond Splash Mountain, there are a plenty of surprises waiting around the the honey tree. Pooh Corner is home to exclusive candies and treats, all focused around the Hundred Acre Wood’s most valued snack, honey! Take a look at some of the delectable exclusive staples below.
Pooh’s favorite candy apple, featuring bees and plenty of honey!Bounce off the walls for these special Tigger Tail Marshmallow Wand.There’s another sticky sweet treat awaiting you with this special honey pot themed rice crispy treat!
The location also walks you through some of the most recognizable moments of the Pooh story, featuring banners, balloons, and other elements pulled directly from both the films and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction. Merchandise can be found on both sides of the store, which currently includes the hard to get Christopher Robin themed plush series. The set is in limited supply and could run out at any moment. Make sure to venture out and see what fun you can have during your next visit!
Pooh is very popular, selling out in record pace. There aren’t many left, so make sure to grab yours today!
You can check out the latest sneak peek of Christopher Robin by clicking here. The film debuts on August 3rd, staring Jim Cummings, Ewan McGregor, and Hayley Atwell. Make sure to stay tuned for our spoiler free review, which will be available closer to the release of the film. Until then, make sure to bounce on over and enjoy your own adventure at Pooh Corner. Pooh and his friends will be available for meet and greet opportunities, so don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun!
J.J Abrams will be returning to a galaxy far, far away faster than the Falcon can make the Kessel Run, as filming for Star Wars: Episode IX has been revealed to begin on August 1st at London’s Pinewood Studios. Abrams penned the screenplay for the final installment of the Skywalker Saga with the help of Chris Terrio.
The cast will bring back Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, John Boyega as Finn amonst other favorites such as Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Billie Lourd, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Naomi Ackie will be joining the seasoned cast along with Richard E. Grant. To fan acclaim, Mark Hamill will be returning along with Anthony Daniels and Billy Dee Williams as the suave and classy Lando Calrissian.
Leia will also live on, as the crew will be using previously unreleased footage of Carrier from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says Abrams. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”
The legendary composer, John Williams, will be returning to score the film, bringing the Skywalker story to a close. Star Wars: Episode IX will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan, and executive produced by Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin. The crew includes Dan Mindel (Director of Photography), Rick Carter and Kevin Jenkins (Co-Production Designers), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Neal Scanlan (Creature and Droid FX), Maryann Brandon and Stefan Grube (Editors), Roger Guyett (VFX Supervisor), Tommy Gormley (1st AD), and Victoria Mahoney (2nd Unit Director).
The film will blast onto the big screen in December of 2019. No further details have been provided for other projects, such as Rian Johnson’s untitled Star Wars trilogy. Though fans did get the opportunity to learn about the revival of the popular animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The series was announced to return at this year’s San Diego Comic Con in honor of the show’s 10th anniversary.
Stay tuned for more details and may the Force be with you!
Disney Channel Star, Aubrey Miller, recently partnered with PETA to showcase the fun and exciting vegan food options currently available at the Disneyland Resort. For those wanting the inside scoop, her video tour is a great resource at making sure you can get the most out of your vacation experience.
“I have been a vegan since birth, and not only do I do it for my own health, but I do it for my love of animals,” says Miller. “And I think it’s really cool to say that no animals were harmed in the making of my meal.”
There are a few surprises you may not already be aware of, including veganized Mickey waffles, a vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwich, vegan gumbo, and much more. Miller is a member of peta2, the youth division of PETA, whose mission is to promote kindness to animals worldwide. With a place as popular as Disneyland, it’s important to offer a variety of different food options to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the full magic of the resort.
Feel free to try some of these options yourself and prepare for a culinary adventure at Disneyland!
Make the magic come alive at the LEGO® Harry Potter 71043 Hogwarts Castle! This highly detailed LEGO Harry Potter collectible has over 6,000 pieces and offers a rewarding build experience. It comes packed with highlights from the Harry Potter series, where you will discover towers, turrets, chambers, classrooms, creatures, the Whomping Willow and Hagrid´s hut, plus many more iconic features. And with 4 minifigures, 27 microfigures featuring students, professors and statues, plus 5 Dementors, this advanced building set makes the perfect Harry Potter gift. Are you excited for this set?
• Includes 4 minifigures: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw, with a buildable minifigure display stand.
• Also features 27 microfigures: Harry Potter™, Ron Weasley™, Hermione Granger™, Draco Malfoy™, Albus Dumbledore™, Professor Snape™, Professor McGonagall™, Remus Lupin, Professor Dolores Umbridge™, Argus Filch, Lord Voldemort™, Bellatrix Lestrange, 3 students from each of the 4 houses, 2 chess pieces and the Architect of Hogwarts™ statue and 5 Dementors, plus Aragog the spider and the Basilisk figures, and a buildable Hungarian Horntail dragon.
• Features a buildable microscale model of Hogwarts™ Castle, hut of Hagrid™, Whomping Willow™ tree and 5 boats.
• Hogwarts™ Castle features the Great Hall with buildable ‘stained glass windows’, house banners, benches, tables, flaming torches and moving staircases; potions classroom with racks of jar elements; Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom with assorted potion jars, gramophone and a closet containing a boggart; Chessboard Chamber with chess piece elements; Room of Requirement with assorted elements, including the Goblet of Fire and the vanishing cabinet; Chamber of Secrets™ with the Basilisk and Tom Riddle’s Diary; hidden Devils Snare room with vine elements; Gryffindor™ common room with fireplace and seating; Professor Dolores Umbridge’s office with desk, chair and pink furnishings; library with bookcase and desks; and Professor Dumbledore’s office with the Griffin statue entrance and Memory cabinet.
• Hagrid’s hut features Aragog the spider and buildable pumpkins.
• The Whomping Willow™ includes the buildable blue Flying Ford Anglia car in its spinning branches.
• Also includes 5 buildable boats.
• Take a seat in the Great Hall and feast with the Hogwarts™ professors and students!
• Sneak your way into the Chamber of Secrets™ through the secret entrance and face the Basilisk!
• Attend a Defence Against the Dark Arts class to learn how to protect yourself from dark magic!
• Climb the moving staircase!
• Study for your Ordinary Wizarding Level exams in the library.
• Accessory elements include the Sword of Gryffindor™, Helga Hufflepuff´s cup, wands, potions, house banners, flames, a cauldron and 2 magnifying glasses.
• Microfigure accessories include 2 chess statues and the Architect of Hogwarts™ statue. • Hogwarts™ Castle measures over 22” (58cm) high, 27” (69cm) wide and 16” (43cm) deep.
71043 Hogwarts™ Castle Ages 16+. 6,020 pieces US $399.99 | CA $499.99 Available 9/1/2018
School of Rock the Musical at Segerstrom Center of the Arts is a delightful and charming addition to this year’s Broadway lineup. School of Rock follows our protagonist Dewey Finn, a deadbeat guitarist who is kicked out of his own band, No Vacancy, thus destroying his chances of entering the Battle of the Bands. Without his band, he is also unable to pay the rent on his room he rents from his high school best friend and ex-bandmate, Ned Schneebly. Ned’s live-in girlfriend, Patty Di Marco, tired of Dewey taking advantage of them, tells Dewey that he needs to move out. Dewey intercepts a phone call from a nearby prep school calling for Ned to come be a substitute teacher. Desperate for money, Dewey pretends he is Ned, and accepts the position. It only takes a few minutes of being at Horace Green Prep School for Dewey to discover that he is completely in over his head, but a chance encounter with Principal Mullins’ music class sets his imagination ablaze.
Can this group of kids get him to the Battle of the Bands? Though reluctant at first to stray from the rigid coursework of their school, the children of Horace Green find a confidence in simply being heard and recognized by their new substitute, and excitedly become part of the band they soon name “School of Rock.” Getting them out of the school and to the Battle of the Bands proves to be quite a daunting task. Dewey uses his trouble-making charisma to attempt to charm the principal, Ms. Mullins into allowing him to take the children on a field trip to a concert for educational purposes. But do the kids get to the Battle of the Bands? Of course, they do! You’ll have to come see the show to find out how.
Rob Colletti (Dewey Finn) has amazing comedic timing. Perfect pauses, vocal inflection, and slapstick physical comedy made me laugh (pretty loud, sorry seat neighbors) quite a few times throughout the course of the show. He was great at being simultaneously warm and irritating. Our performance featured the understudy for Principal Mullins, Elysia Jordan, and all I can say is what a range! Her vocals were crisp, and just phenomenal.
It is important to recognize that any time a child is on stage playing an instrument, they are actually playing it. One of the stand outs for me was 12-year-old Vincent Molden (Zack). Molden has never even acted before prior to this tour. He is quite an accomplished guitarist and has fantastic stage presence. Though Iara Nemirovsky (Summer) played a character who could not sing, her vocals in the company were terrific. Her bossy attitude and precise delivery of lines were spot on for her role. She was a delight any time she was on stage. Grier Burke (Tomika) comes in with a presence beyond her years, backed by talent and experience.
Director Laurence Connor hopefully had as much fun directing this show as we had watching it. This cast has so much life and inherent chemistry, the blocking and gag timing were just impeccable. Like all new musicals, I personally waited to hear the music from this show live. I was honestly unsure what to expect from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the co-creator of music from Galavant and Tangled, Glenn Slater. How can you combine the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber with some of the funniest and enchanting lyrics in the last decade? School of Rock the Musical, apparently. I laughed so much and also felt heartache. It’s a fantastic soundtrack. For the most part, the costumes were simple, with the children being in their school uniforms for most of the show. However, they pull out all the stops with the glittery glam rock versions of their uniforms. Scenic and Costume designer Anna Louizos does an amazing job with the Battle of the Bands costumes especially. Louizos also fantastically translated Horace Green into a set that requires minimal changes which allows the characters to quickly move around the school without the need for blackouts.
Overall, I was completely charmed by this show and the cast. I would be lying if I said I was not listening to the soundtrack while writing this. It is just so good! Any seat is a good seat for this one. Don’t forget to grab some “Band Merch” in the lobby. If you are bringing kids, the School of Rock fidget spinner should be a huge hit. If you are coming sans kids, grab a beer and enjoy the rock show! You will not regret it.
School of Rock is performing until August 5, 2018 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Visit the box office or call (714) 556-2787 for tickets.
The wait is almost over Pooh fans, as Disney has released another up close look at their upcoming film, Christopher Robin. In the extended trailer, we get to see more interactions between Pooh and Christopher Robin, showcasing how much has changed and what challenges our favorite bear will face in his latest adventure. If you weren’t excited for the film already, this extended sneak peak is sure to put a smile on your face.
SoCalThrills also had the opportunity to speak to Pooh Bear himself, Jim Cummings. Take a look at this exclusive interview, going into the fun and exciting process of bringing one of Disney’s most beloved characters to life. Make sure to stay tuned for all the exciting updates!
Disney’s Christopher Robin jumps off the page and into the big screen August 3rd.
Your favorite Imaginary Friend has just arrived at Pixar Pier, bringing wonderful surprises around every corner. Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff is now open, ushering in a new wave of sweet treats, remarkable frozen delights, signature cotton candy, and so much more.
Every corner of the store has personality, bringing in fluffy clouds, rainbows, and candy as far as the eye can see. Bing Bong plushes are also available for purchase, which give off the wonderful scent of cotton candy. Take a look at the full gallery of fun below!
The fun doesn’t end with Bing Bong, as the world of Inside Out will be joining Pixar Pier in a big way next year with a brand new attraction, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. You can also stop by Angry Dogs, which is currently serving up some delicious and dangerously spicy hot dogs. Check out our custom “Angry Dog” and other delicious Pixar Pier offerings in our extensive food overview!
Find out what’s in store for Supergirl, Black Lightning, The Flash, Arrow and more in our roundup of the new trailers for DC Comics superhero shows airing this fall on The CW.
https://youtu.be/AZ65JKBLoq8
The future can come back to haunt you. The Flash premieres Tuesday, October 9 on The CW. Stream free on The CW App: go.cwtv.com/FLACCyt
About THE FLASH:
Based on characters from DC’s The Flash. After the S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator explosion, a dark matter lightning storm strikes Central City C.S.I. Barry Allen, bestowing him with super-human speed. For now, only a few close friends and associates know that Barry is literally the fastest man alive, but it won’t be long before the world learns that Barry Allen has become…The Flash.
https://youtu.be/VoSjI3N3_rA
More magic, more dragons, same misfits. DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow returns Monday, October 22 on The CW! Stream free on The CW App: go.cwtv.com/LegendsCCyt
About DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW:
The Legends continue their new mission to protect the timeline from temporal aberrations – unusual changes to history that spawn potentially catastrophic consequences. When Nate, the grandson of J.S.A. member Commander Steel, unexpectedly finds himself with powers, he must overcome his own insecurities and find the hero within himself. Ultimately, the Legends will clash with foes both past and present, to save the world from a mysterious new threat.
https://youtu.be/Jw30raSbrhE
The fight for liberty begins Sunday, October 14 on The CW. Stream Supergirl for free on The CW App: go.cwtv.com/SPGCCyt
About SUPERGIRL:
SUPERGIRL is based on the DC character Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who after 12 years of keeping her powers a secret on Earth, decides to finally embrace her superhuman abilities and be the hero she was always meant to be. Kara lives in National City assisting media mogul Cat Grant. However, Kara’s days of keeping her talents a secret are over when Hank Henshaw, head of a super-secret agency, enlists her to help protect the citizens of National City from sinister threats.
https://youtu.be/mlj4dXPGnAE
People just need something to believe in. Arrow premieres Monday, October 15 on The CW. Stream free on The CW App: go.cwtv.com/ARWCCyt
About ARROW:
After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the South China Sea. Oliver returned home to Starling City, bent on righting the wrongs of his family and fighting injustice. To do this, he created the persona of The Arrow and allied himself with former military man John Diggle, computer-science expert Felicity Smoak, lawyer-turned-vigilante Laurel Lance, billionaire inventor Ray Palmer, and his sister Thea Queen.
https://youtu.be/ZWZm9fdnc6s
It’s time to take back this city. Black Lightning premieres Tuesday, October 9 on The CW. Stream free: go.cwtv.com/BLKCCyt
About BLACK LIGHTNING:
Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. Nine years ago, Pierce was gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, which he used to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning. However, after too many nights with his life and his family on the line, he left his Super Hero days behind. Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, Black Lightning returns — to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community.
https://youtu.be/Q8a4iucRJJs
Evil lurks in this town. Riverdale returns Wednesday, October 10 on The CW. Stream for free on The CW App: go.cwtv.com/RVRCCyt
About RIVERDALE:
The Official YouTube Channel for The CW’s Riverdale – Based on the characters from the Archie Comics, Riverdale is a bold and subversive take on the wholesome town of Riverdale and some of its teen residents, including Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead as they discover the darkness and dangers that bubble underneath their town’s wholesome facade.
https://youtu.be/11Hlv62hiUA
Light will shine through the darkness. Supernatural premieres Thursday, October 11 on The CW. Stream free on The CW App: go.cwtv.com/SPNCCyt
About SUPERNATURAL:
The thrilling and terrifying journey of the Winchester brothers continues as SUPERNATURAL enters its thirteenth season. Sam and Dean have spent their lives on the road, battling supernatural threats that include everything from the demon that killed their mother to the usual vampires, ghosts, shape-shifters, angels and fallen gods rampaging over the land. They’ve come out on top with the help of allies, both human and supernatural, but every victory comes at a price.
Roswell, New Mexico is coming soon to The CW!
https://youtu.be/_XF09xzl_T8
It’s their story now. Legacies premieres Thursday, October 25 on The CW! Download the CW App today: go.cwtv.com/LegaciesCCyt
