California Wine Festival, Southern California’s premier wine festival event producer, announces its return to the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort for two days of seaside tasting events on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21. Guests will be able to sample pours from winemaking regions across California, paired with gourmet appetizers from many of North San Diego County’s top restaurants while experiencing lifestyle exhibitors, live entertainment and expansive ocean vistas.
Overlooking the glittering Pacific Ocean at the newly-renovated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s The Gardens, Friday evening kicks off with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, an intimate experience for wine connoisseurs. A sparkling wine reception begins the evening of sampling hard-to-find reserve wines and offers tasting room exclusives and limited-production wines hailing from vineyards based in California’s most distinguished wine producing regions. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Ponto Lago restaurant will serve delicious hot and cold appetizers to pair with the world-class wines.
Throughout Friday evening, guests will have the ability to participate in a silent auction, bidding on coveted items such as exotic wines, tasting tours and dining certificates. Proceeds from this auction will benefit Golden Rule Charity, an organization dedicated to helping people in the hospitality industry during unexpected hardships.
“It’s exciting to be back at Park Hyatt Aviara after their stunning makeover! The resort provides the perfect setting for enjoying world-renowned wines and small bites underneath the California sunshine,” says Emily Kaufmann, Executive Director, California Wine Festival.
The quintessential wine tasting experience continues with a Beachside Wine Festival taking place at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Heron Lawn on Saturday, May 21st. The sun-drenched afternoon event will advance culinary education and exploration through intimate conversations and tastings with culinary and wine talent hailing from California’s world-famous wineries and local restaurants.
Attendees will have access to hundreds of premium California wines and regional craft brews. Delectable wines can be paired with artisanal cheeses, breads, olive oil, fresh-cut fruit, shellfish, salads, decadent chocolate, cakes and more. The Pavilion will feature a selection of reserve-level wines as well as craft brews along with special seating just a stone’s throw away from the resort’s award-winning golf course overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon nature preserve.
The sumptuous festival shines a light on rare and reserve vintages, as well as popular samples from California’s best vineyards based in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Temecula and beyond. Notable wineries attending include: Adobe Road Winery, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Austin Hope Winery, Bernardus Winery, Carol Shelton Wines, Coursey Graves, Cuvaison Estate Wines, Doffo Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Family Wineries District, Goldschmidt Vineyards, HALL Napa Valley, Just Enough Wines, Lloyd Cellars, Navarro Vineyards, New Zealand Wine Navigator, Pasmosa, Rescue Dog Wines, Russian River Vineyards, Safu Sake Company, Sojourn Cellars and Wilson Creek Winery.
Elite restaurants from North San Diego County and beyond will serve exquisite appetizers to accompany the festival’s world-class wine selections and include: Butterfly Brittles, Goufrais Southern California, Mahogany Smoked Meats, SB Craft Jerky, Seven Barrels Olive Oils and Aged Italian Balsamic, Ponto Lago, Señor Grubby’s, and The Miller’s Table.
Icelandic Glacial returns as “Official Water Sponsor” and Lloyd Cellars is the “Official Stage Sponsor.” Further sponsors will include Andy Gump, Bright Cellars, Ketel One Botanicals, Leaf Filter and Ruff n Tuff Turf.
Select sponsors will be hosting interactive activations which guests will be able to partake in during the Beachside Wine Festival. Guests will be able to become acquainted with the new 2022 Toyota Mirai while creating their very own fully-customizable insulated wine tumbler. They can also stop by the Celebrity Cruises booth to sample Jackson Family Wines and discover new destinations and itineraries that they can explore, as well as enter to win an Alaska cruise for two. Alternatively, in gratitude for the winemakers and winery owners working at the event, “Gold” sponsor, Shopify will be hosting a “Winemaker Oasis” where they can find respite throughout the day to grab food and water.
Live entertainment will provide the perfect ambiance to a relaxing weekend enjoying coastal California views. Friday’s Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting will feature live entertainment from Kalina & Kiana, a songwriting pop duo that has opened for Justin Bieber and The Bangles. Saturday’s Beachside Wine Festival will feature Upstream, SoCal’s premier live reggae, calypso, soca and steel drum band.
After an impressive 30 seasons on ABC, “Dancing with the Stars” is moving to a new home on Disney+. The hit series received a two-season pickup and will premiere exclusively in the U.S. and Canada this Fall, making “Dancing with the Stars” the first live series to debut on the streaming service.
“’Dancing with the Stars’ has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC, and we are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform’s first-ever live series,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “The show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ while continuing to expand our demographic reach.”
“’Dancing with the Stars’ has been a beloved staple on ABC for 30 seasons and brought so much joy to millions of viewers,” said Dana Walden, Chairman of Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “As we’re significantly expanding our unscripted slate at ABC, this is a great opportunity to introduce this show to a whole new generation of fans on Disney+. We’re so grateful to our incredible partners at BBC Studios and look forward to continuing our relationship with them on this spectacular series, which will continue to be overseen by Rob Mills and the talented Walt Disney Television Alternative team.”
“The fact that our iconic global format ‘Dancing with the Stars’ will now set the record as the first live series on Disney+ represents a major growth opportunity and a bold next step forward in the evolution of the franchise. This unprecedented move, combined with our two-season pick-up, is a testament to the proven power of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and a resounding vote of confidence from our great, supportive partners at Disney, showing how much they value and believe in the brand,” said Valerie Bruce, General Manager, BBC Studios, Los Angeles Productions.
Photo by: (ABC/Eric McCandless) DANIELLA KARAGACH, IMAN SHUMPERT
Produced in front of a live audience by BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm, the show pairs celebrities with trained ballroom dancers to compete in themed choreographed dance routines. “Dancing with the Stars” first premiered on ABC in 2005 and has grown into an international phenomena and source of constant watercooler conversation. During its Fall 2021 run, ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” ranked among the Top 5 unscripted series with Adults 18-49.
“Dancing with the Stars”
The series joins the vast collection of diverse content and rich storytelling across The Disney Bundle, including Disney+ Originals (“Turning Red,” “The Mandalorian,” Marvel Studios’ “Loki” and “Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u” (a SOUR film), Hulu Originals (“The Kardashians,” “The Girl from Plainville,” FX’s “Under the Banner of Heaven,” “Candy,” “Conversations with Friends,” as well as the highly anticipated return of last summer’s breakout hit “Only Murders in the Building”); and live sports events including NHL, UFC and The Masters, daily studio shows like “Stephen A’s World” and “SportsNation” and can’t-miss originals such as “Man in the Arena: Tom Brady.”
Photo by: (ABC/Eric McCandless) JOJO SIWA, JENNA JOHNSON
The Disney Bundle is the best streaming option for the whole family that offers the highest quality movies, television shows and sports for a competitive cost.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise, SQUARE ENIX® and Disney announced that KINGDOM HEARTS IV, the newest installment in the beloved RPG series, is in early development, and also revealed a brand-new mobile game, KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link.
In the announcement trailer, Sora makes a triumphant return with an updated look at the beginning of an epic new storyline titled the “Lost Master Arc.” Beginning with Sora facing off in a boss battle against a giant enemy, players are introduced to the Quadratum, a large, expansive city set in a gorgeous, realistic world unlike anything ever seen before in the KINGDOM HEARTS series. Fans will be excited to see the return of Sora’s well-known companions Donald and Goofy, in addition to the first appearance of Strelitzia, a mysterious new character who appears before Sora in this strange new setting.
Fans can also look forward to KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link, an all-new game for iOS and Android devices, which allows players to embark on adventures from the realm of Scala ad Caelum into the real world. Players will be able to engage in exhilarating battles against the Heartless and discover a new, original story. A closed beta test is planned for 2022.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary with the announcement of two new KINGDOM HEARTS titles,” said KINGDOM HEARTS series Brand Manager, Ichiro Hazama. “We’d like to thank the fans for all of their support over the years, and we can’t wait for them to experience all that’s to come for Sora.”
“Sora is an original Disney video game hero like no other, beloved by our team, and fans across the world. We’ve been honored to work with Tetsuya Nomura and his team for two decades to introduce these original stories of discovery, courage, and friendship,” said Nana Gadd, Director, Walt Disney Games. “This glimpse into Sora’s next adventure is just the beginning – we can’t wait to show more when the time is right.”
Additionally, the KINGDOM HEARTS team announced that the highly anticipated final chapter of KINGDOM HEARTS DARK ROAD will be released in August 2022 as a free update to the KINGDOM HEARTS Union χ Dark Road app.
KINGDOM HEARTS 20th Anniversary Event
The event was held in Tokyo, Japan where together with fans, celebrated the past 20 years of the beloved franchise and provided a first look at what’s to come next. The event also featured a live music performance, a showcase of stained-glass artworks and on-stage appearances from Series Director, Tetsuya Nomura, series’ composer, Yoko Shimomura, and other development members. Fans can enjoy photos from the event on the official social channels and look forward to a recording of the event which will be shared at a later date.
Also, there is a variety of anniversary themed merchandise available for Pre-Order through the official SQUARE ENIX Store. For more information, visit: https://sqex.link/5n9x
Disney+ has released a new trailer for the upcoming original movie “Sneakerella,” premiering May 13 on the streaming service. From the studio behind the mega-hit “Descendants,” “High School Musical,” and “ZOMBIES” franchises, this pop/hip-hop musical is set in the vibrant street-sneaker subculture of New York City and puts a contemporary twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale.
El, an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens, works as a stock boy in a shoe store and hides his artistic talent. Sparks fly after a chance encounter with Kira King, the daughter of sneaker royalty and a Manhattan Princess Charming of sorts. With a nudge from his best friend and a touch of magic, El finds the courage to lace up and dream big.
Triple threats Chosen Jacobs and Lexi Underwood respectively star as El and Kira alongside a multi-talented, diverse ensemble cast including John Salley, Devyn Nekoda, Juan Chioran, Bryan Terrell Clark, Kolton Stewart, Robyn Alomar, Yvonne Senat Jones and Hayward Leach.
“Sneakerella” is a Disney+ original movie from Disney Branded Television, directed and co-executive produced by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum. Jane Startz and Rachel Watanabe-Batton serve as executive producers. The teleplay was written by David Light & Joseph Raso, Tamara Chestna and Mindy Stern & George Gore II and is based on a story by Stern & Gore and Light & Raso. Chestna also serves as co-executive producer.
Disney Info:
“Sneakerella” begins streaming May 13, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.
WonderCon 2022 made its triumphant return this past weekend, bringing exciting updates, fun surprises, and most importantly, a chance for fans of all ages to return to an in person experience.
That experience, as many convention-goers and hardcore cosplayers know, is second to none and brings a thrill that has been sorely missed over the past couple of years and before you ask, no that thrill doesn’t come from the overpriced coffee or slice of pizza you’ll get from the food court, but instead, comes from getting a chance to suit up once again in your favorite cosplay whip.
In perfect WonderCon fashion, the cosplay scene in Anaheim this past weekend was full of fantastic builds, classic character designs, and some more unique takes on your favorite comic characters.
For those who want to relive the excitement of being back on the convention floor, or for those who want to vicariously live through those who had a chance to celebrate WonderCon’s return, we got you covered!
Here’s a quick look at some of the truly spectacular cosplays we came across while wandering the halll of WonderCon 2022!
WonderCon 2022 Cosplay Roundup
WonderCon 2022 Masquerade!
The Mandalorian was the dominant series on display at the 2022 WonderCon Masquerade. Multiple costumes took the stage, with over 20 talented cosplayers vying for a series of prizes, including Best in Show, and fun categories such as “Most Round”.
With so much variety, judges had their work cutout for them to select the night’s winners. From Deadpool, to Wicked, to Beauty and the Beast, and Westworld, every avenue of cosplay creation was on full display. Now that in person events are back, who knows what we will see next!
You can check out our full overview of WonderCon weekend by clicking here!
Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre will offer three separate opening day fan event screenings hosted by pop culture outlet Nerdist for Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” on May 5. All tickets for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” are on sale now.
Opening day fan event screenings will take place at 3:00pm, 7:00pm and 10:30pm, each with their own exclusive items included with a ticket. Each fan event screening costs $50. Guests are also encouraged to cosplay as their favorite Marvel characters.
“3pm Fan Madness” attendees will receive a Doctor Strange souvenir, event credential and 64oz popcorn with their ticket.
“7pm Fan Madness” attendees will receive a themed journal, collectible popcorn tin with popcorn, themed lanyard and event credential with their ticket.
“10:30pm Fan Madness” attendees will receive a limited edition pin, collectible cup with character topper, event credential and 64oz popcorn with their ticket. All attendees attending an opening day fan event screening will receive an El Capitan Theatre exclusive “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” mini poster.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”
Daily showtimes starting May 6 are 12:30pm, 3:45pm, 7:00pm and 10:30pm. Showtimes are subject to change. Every ticket includes an El Capitan Theatre exclusive “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” mini poster while supplies last.
Guests are invited to arrive early to view a display of costumes from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantickets.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page. All seats are reserved. Friday through Sunday tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for children and seniors. Monday through Thursday tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for children and seniors. Open caption screenings are also available on May 11 at 7pm and May 14 at 3:45pm.
All seats are reserved. Friday through Sunday tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for children and seniors. Monday through Thursday tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for children and seniors. Open caption screenings are also available on May 11 at 7pm and May 14 at 3:45pm.
The El Capitan Theatre has taken enhanced health and safety measures for its guests and cast members. All guests must follow posted instructions while visiting. For health and safety information including theatre policies and procedures visit https://elcapitantheatre.com/safetyinformation/
Somehow, WonderCon has returned…and brought with it plenty of news, first looks, and milestone reunions! Let’s dive right in and share some of what this year’s festivities had to offer, bringing you some of the best highlights from this weekend as well as some exciting news that will keep us looking ever forward to Comic Con and beyond!
Mutants Unite! X-Men takes center stage in an epic anniversary panel!
The X-Men fandom had a lot to celebrate this WonderCon, with two exclusive panels commemorating the original animated series, as well as the evolution of the original animated show and how it connects to their hardcore fan base. On Saturday, the convention hall was rocked by an epic reunion for the 30th anniversary of the original X-Men animated series. The panel included some of the creative minds responsible for the fan favorite series, as well as a look back at some of its most memorable moments.
Shortly after, WonderCon was host to a legendary assemblage of some of X-Men’s biggest fans, leading the discussion on the legacy of X-Men and how the fandom connected to the beloved Marvel franchise. From cosplayers, to key animators and players involved in the various series over the years, there was a lot of love for X-Men and a lot more to appreciate with the new animated series in the horizon. We are very excited to see what comes in this next thrilling chapter!
Her Universe Fashion Show preview and first looks!
Ashley Eckstein, along with her epic Her Universe team and winners from last year’s 2021 Her Universe Fashion show took to the stage at WonderCon to preview the return of the in person show this year, along with a few new surprises. Details were also teased for the Her Universe winner’s design line, which will be inspired by the upcoming release of Jurassic World: Dominion.
This unique line will carry one-of-a-kind inspired looks, all tied into the Jurassic franchise. Though it was only a sneak peek, fans did get a chance to hear the new line will debut early this summer. You can also catch our exclusive interview with Her Universe 2021 Fashion Show winner and designer, Teighlor Johnson, by clicking here!
A preview of the 2022 Jurassic World: Dominion themed fashion line from Her Universe
Spider-Man web slings into the Comic Con Museum in Summer 2022
An exclusive installation is coming to the San Diego Comic Con museum this summer, commemorating none other than the one, the only, the amazing Spider-man! Celebrating his 60th anniversary, the exhibit will feature interactive installations, expansive set pieces, and key knowledge from the countless creators who have helped bring the fan favorite hero to life over the past six decades.
Beyond Amazing- Spider-Man: The Exhibition, will include original comic art, animation materials, and film production elements that fill the rich legacy of the Spider-Man story. Fans will even get a chance to catch a glimpse into the future of what’s to come next, which is bound to be exciting. The new exhibit will debut on July 1st, 2022.
Photo Credit to Comic Con Museum Official
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
The cast and creative minds from the hit Fox animated series Bob’s Burgers stole the show on Sunday, sharing a sneak peek at the upcoming and highly anticipated The Bob’s Burgers Movie. Fans had a chance to watch the first six minutes of the film, learn about the creative process behind being the Belchers to the big screen, and the challenges that came from the isolation and restrictions brought on by the pandemic. You can catch the new trailer below!
The panel also dived deep into the Bob’s Burgers timeline, sharing that the plot of the film will carry some big character driven moments, each tied into the Belcher’s experiences going through the last week of school leading into summer. Though, the cast did provide assurance that the show will carry on and keep the clock still, providing more stories to come in the series. Keep an eye out for the musical event of the summer! Yes, you heard it right. This film is going to be a full blown musical experience!
Funko celebrates Freddy’s Beach Bash!
Funko returned to WonderCon and made waves with their epic Beach Bash layout and special limited release figures that included icons from DC, Hanna-Barbera, Marvel, and Masters of the Universe. The installation featured an impressive, 20″ inflatable Tiki, as well as some rad photo ops, and chances to snag a limited edition set of pop figures and other one-of-a-kind merchandise. For fans who did not get a chance to visit WonderCon, retailers will carry their own WonderCon exclusives, such as Hot Topic!
LatinX Representation in film and television discusses inclusion and representation in modern media!
Fans had a chance to catch up with some of the industry’s well renowned creators in the LatinX community, including writer/director Christopher Oroza-Nostas, George Salinas (Executive Producer/ CEO of Bridge Works Entertainment, Julie and the Phantoms), Laura Cristina Ortiz (Costume Designer, Synchronic), Sandro Morales-Santoro (Composer, Marvel: The Secret History of VENOM, Plástico), Alicia Zaragoza (Directors Guild Assistant Director Member, Instructions Not Included), Francisco Cabrera-Feo (Writer, Gentefied), and Moisés Zamora (Writer/ Creator/ Co-Showrunner, Selena: The Series).
“As a Latinx queer costume designer, I feel a responsibility to fill that hole that’s missing,” continued costume designer Laura Cristina Ortiz. “Costume design is like live action character design. When you’re creating them, there’s a responsibility to both the fun fashion impact and the social impact.
It’s very exciting to be a part of the generation that’s making content and trying to find our comfort and solace in the media. There are now a plethora of stories we can relate to.” According to the panel, Latinx creatives make up only 7.1% of film leads, 7.7% of all film roles, 7.1% of film directors, and 5.6% of writers.
New Series from Disney+ bring mystery and intrigue
Disney+ shared some exciting new details behind some brand new series, including the mysterious new reality competition, The Quest. The show is being brought to life by high profile producers ranging from all areas of the entertainment world including The Lord of the Rings, The Amazing Race, and Queer Eye.
This highly immersive hybrid competition will drop eight real teens into the mystical world of Everealm, a land of unriviled beauty and powerful magic. Each teen will compete in challenges to save the world from an evil sorceress and ward off the forces of evil. Fans can catch this exciting new series beginning May 11th on Disney+
All in all, it was great to be back at WonderCon this year, and with plenty of excitement yet to come, we can’t wait to kick off the rest of 2022’s convention season. With so much fun to come, there are bound to be surprises hiding around every corner of the multiverse. We can’t wait to share it all with you.
When one thinks of San Diego Comic Con, it’s hard not to think about the Her Universe Fashion Show. With its humble beginnings in 2014, the premiere fashion show has transformed into a convention staple, bringing geek couture front and center in a way that has forever made an impact within the fashion community with plenty of glitz, glam, and creativity to spare.
Milestones were the focus of the 2018 Her Universe Fashion Show
Each year, the show features incredibly unique and truly impressive designs, all focused around a central empowering theme that connects to all avenues of the geek couture community. Each design connecting to fans in a one-of-a-kind way, while still remaining just as relatable as ever as they make their way across the runway.
Last year, Her Universe took to the stage in a virtual way, bringing the fashion show home through a special stream as a part of the Comic Con at Home campaign for San Diego Comic Con. One of the judges’ choice winners was Teighlor Johnson, a long time designer and geek crafter extraordinaire. Teighlor had a chance to sit down with SoCalThrills at WonderCon to tell us about her personal journey into the world of geek fashion and design. Let’s see what she had to say about her journey and where the road leads from here!
Interview with Her Universe Designer
What inspired you to work in clothing and costume design? Where did it all begin?
Oh gosh, that’s a hard one! I’ve been sewing since I was 5 or 6. My grandma taught me how to sew in hopes of trying to get me to sit still (which did not work haha but here we are!). I didn’t really do much with it until after high school where I was like, “I want to be a nerd to everybody now”. Starting with sewing again, I decided I wanted to put my own twist into things. Then, when I first started cosplaying, the Her Universe Fashion show started. This whole concept of “Fashion, but make it nerdy!” completely blew my mind. Since then, I have been trying to make different pieces and designs that match up with that.
What were some of your early designs? How do they shape what you do now?
I’m not going to lie, I feel super cringe when I think of some of my very first designs. They were these straight fashion pieces that had these really cringey themes, one being a symphony collection that was all music notes and things like that. But when I started doing nerdy and geeky designs, I began to expand everything from wanting to hand paint pants to a Princess Monoke theme to designs based on Cora when that came out. I would shift based on whatever my ADHD would hone in on that day, that month, or even that year. Looking back, the biggest thing I think I have progressed in my design work is thinking about what will expand beyond those 15 feet that you take on a runway. If it’s on the runway, that’s great, being a wonderful and over the top piece, but I don’t want it to just end right here. I want it to be something that can be worn over and over again for different situations. I started leaning my design sense to that and it’s worked really well as a result.
How did you discover Her Universe?
I first heard about Her Universe when I was working at Disneyland. That was around the time the collection was starting to release in the parks and I really liked that. I could wear something beyond a fan shirt and a pair of jeans. I thought to myself, “This is so cool!”. I think one of the earliest things I saw was this vintage style Disney dress. I fell in love with it and started looking into the company. Then in 2013, I went to my very first WonderCon and I saw they had the panel set for The Her Universe Fashion Show. I was like, “What is that? It sounds super cool!” I didn’t make it for the full panel, but did manage to catch the tail end of it. I entered for the very first time and though I didn’t get in, it started this road of wanting to make nerdy themed fashion designs.
Photos courtesy of Teighlor Johnson
What are your thoughts on cosplay, and how do you think it has helped shaped the design community?
Cosplay has become a lot more prevalent than in the past. Something that a lot of people in the film and television industry have started paying closer attention to are cosplayers and their skill work. There are a lot of times where you will see something in a television show and two months later, a cosplayer will put out that costume and even do it better. They will develop the materials and find a new way to do something that will leave people in awe. Companies are starting to bring in those people as experts because they have done the footwork in their research to figure out how to create these items. When Star Trek Discovery came out, it took less than a month for someone I know to figure out how to 3D print a flexible fabric for their cosplay for the uniform design that had special Starfleet emblems on the side of the costume rather than hand sew each individual emblem onto the outfit. It’s amazing to see where cosplay has gone and I am honestly excited to see where it’s going.
When did you get the news you were accepted as a finalist for the Her Universe Fashion Show? What was your first reaction?
I was at home and not gonna lie, after seven attempts to apply, I was just happy to get a submission in. I said to myself, “You know what? I did that. Good for me!” I got the email and expected it to be another rejection email, but when I read the subject line and it said CONGRATULATIONS, I screamed. I was super excited and had submitted two designs that year. Truth be told, my Pokemon design had literally been designed the day before submissions were due. I finished it an hour before submissions closed. It just randomly came to me, and it ended up winning.
Describe meeting and working with Ashley Eckstein. What is it like getting to know her?
Oh gosh! Ashley is so cool! She is super sweet in person and very genuine. She lives in Orlando and I live in Orlando, so as a result, we have been having a lot of crossover. She’s even come to my job and I’ve done a couple of pieces for her and her friends. What stands out though is that she has created this big platform to promote mental health in the community, which I think is very important. As nerds and fandom, we face everything from feeling isolated from people because of what we like to burnout from creative endeavors to be a part of this community. She is always pushing to try and let people not only be the best fan that they can be, but be the very best person they can be. I really admire that in her.
Ashley Eckstein prepares to take the stage!
What was the most rewarding part of being a part of the Her Universe Fashion Show?
The opportunity to design a collection has been absolutely incredible. I’ve wanted to go into apparel design for the longest time. The amount of education I’ve gotten from winning this contest, developing the right mindset, learning about creative design, to working within deadlines. It’s amazing to see how many different cogs have to move in the right way in order to get the fashion machine going. You also aren’t a solo person in any of this. There’s a whole Facebook group that helped me figure out my designs. The group has past winners that have been extremely helpful. You make friendships and I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to find another way to gain experience within the fandom and community.
Teighlor and the rest of her fellow Her Universe 2021 Fashion Show Winners!
As a Her Universe Fashion Show winner, you get the opportunity to help with a future Her Universe design collection. Can you share any details on the project and what you brought to the line?
I am working on a Jurassic World collection and I am super excited about it. When you think of Jurassic Park, it’s classic, it’s iconic! I’ve ridden the rides in California and in Florida so many times. I’ve watched the movies. It’s multi-generational now that you have Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. If even just a little part, I get to be a part of it. It’s so crazy. We tried to design these pieces based on big moments that you see from all the movies. One of those pieces is a jacket that is inspired by the Jurassic Park Jeep. I really wanted to have something with those bright colors and have you look at it and know exactly what it is. It’s super comfy and it’s unisex too. I am super excited because everyone can wear it!
Ashley Eckstein celebrates the reveal of the new Her Universe collaborative collection. Teighlor and her fellow designers helped create a brand new Jurassic World: Dominion themed line, releasing summer 2022.
What are you most excited for going into the fashion show this year?
It’s the first time that the fashion show is going to be back in person and it will be my first time actually attending the show! I wasn’t ever able to make it to Comic Con to go do it. I get to see all these friends that I’ve made online and in person. We get to experience that feeling of coming together and meeting for the first time, saying “I know you. I’ve seen your work. It’s great to finally meet you!” It’s absolutely fantastic and I am super excited about that.
What advice can you give to any aspiring designers that are just starting out or looking to take their craft to the next level?
The biggest advice I can give is don’t get in your own way. Don’t give up. I tried seven years to get into this contest and then I ended up being a finalist! Even when my name was announced, my brain was already still trying to figure out designs for the next year because I was not sure I was going to win. Believe in yourself. Don’t give up. Don’t see it as you didn’t win. See it as something you learn each time…If you learned a new skill that you are able to display in your design, that’s a win in of itself. You should be really proud of yourself and your ability of what you can create.
What comes next for Teighlor Johnson? Are there any exciting projects we can look forward to in the future?
To me, the Her Universe Fashion Show is just a taste of what I can do. I want to keep designing, keep creating. I do my chain stitch work for my own business and also do enamel pin work. Truth be told, I really want to start my own fashion brand. I kind of base it off the concept that Her Universe started. I love books. Lord of the Rings and things like that. Reading is where I started to become a fan. I loved the idea of creating a fashion brand themed around different collections of stories and books. Whether that be a Victorian collection based on Sherlock Holmes, or a Gothic Horror collection based on Edgar Allen Poe’s work. It’s still early and in the works.
Photo courtesy of Teighlor Johnson
You can revisit Teighlor’s journey and winning design from the 2021 Her Universe Fashion show by visiting the official Her Universe Fashion Show page. You can also catch Teighlor at the 2022 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic Con on Thursday, July 21st. We look forward to sharing more as the event comes closer. Make sure to check out our other WonderCon coverage as we get closer to the return of San Diego Comic Con!
As early as April 18, Disney will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
Very soon, Guests will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!
During the past two years, Disney has taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for them to bring back some of the most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, they anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.
This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning entertainment across the Disney parks and resorts. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World, Disney has welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.”
And this spring, Disneyland will see the return of several nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50th anniversary.
Premiering on Disney+ March 30th, comes the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four installment, Moon Knight.
In Moon Knight, we meet the mild-mannered, socially inept Steven Grant who is as knowledgeable and passionate about Egyptology as he is completely ignorant of day-to-day human interactions. Although aspiring to be a museum docent, his mawkish persona and chronically irritated superior keep him working at the gift store, selling souvenirs and hoping for a date.
His dull but at least predictable lifestyle becomes upended however, when his chronic sleepwalking tendencies suddenly worsen and start placing him in increasingly untenable situations. Is he mad? Possessed? Cursed? A combination of all three? Whichever it turns out to be, Grant must find answers quickly…and try to stay alive in the process.
At a recent virtual press conference, Moon Knight filmmakers Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight/Steven Grant/Marc Spector,) Ethan Hawke (Arthur Harrow,) May Calamawy (Layla El-Faouly,) Mohamed Diab (Director of episodes 1, 3, 5 and 6,) Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead (Directors of episodes 2 and 4,) and Grant Curtis (Executive Producer) discussed the development of this esoteric property and the specifics of its characters.
Moon Knight Press Conference highlights:
On getting involved with the project:
Curtis: “Well, I think Moon Knight, in particular, has been on Kevin Feige’s radar from day one. I mean, you look at his history…first appeared in “Werewolf by Night” in 1975, then…kind of bounced around in the Marvel Universe for the next five years and got his own offering in 1980. When you look at years and decades of storytelling, as the great storytellers and artists on the Moon Knight pages have been doing, I think this was a natural progression, a merger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Isaac: “It just seemed like there was a real opportunity to do something completely different, particularly in the MCU, and to really focus on the internal struggle of this character, and to use Egyptian iconography and the superhero genre and language to talk about the real internal struggle that this person is having. Also, to create an indelible, unusual character, particularly with Steven Grant. So it felt like for me, once I got a real take on how I wanted to play Steven and I brought that to everyone and they welcomed that with open arms, I also realized I had real, incredible collaborators and it was going to be a creative adventure.”
Diab: “I had other offers before to make big-budget movies, but I never connected to anything like this, intimate stories that have some big stuff happening around them. So just imagine that line: You, as a normal person, discovering that you have another identity that is a superhero. So…I was drawn right away.
“The other aspect that really attracted me was the Egyptian part of it, the present and the past, the Egyptology of it. As an Egyptian, we always see us depicted or the Middle East depicted in a way that is–we call it orientalism, when you see us as exotic and dehumanized. Just showing us as a human, just normal human beings, through Layla’s character and seeing even Egypt as Egypt–because 90 percent of the time, Egypt is not Egypt. Imagine Paris and you’re seeing Big Ben in the background. That’s how we see our country. So it’s funny, but it hurts. So that’s really what attracted me.”
Benson: “Well, you know, in the roughly 50 years of comic books, this character is somewhat defined by being bold and being an outsider. And there was something attractive about telling a superhero story like that, but then also working with a bunch of people who were so clearly going to make it something personal to them and find what’s personal in this at such a large scale. And then especially…finding this deep humanity of humor and pain and everything else in what you might call the great mythology of our time.”
Moorhead: “We’ve been trying to make sure that all of our independent films, they’re based on a new mythology. It’s something that’s come up whole cloth. You kind of think, oh, where are the new stories coming from? And weirdly enough, I mean, our great, modern myths are Marvel movies right now. The Great American Myth right now comes from Marvel…it is really cool to actually be a part of that and telling a story that’s actually about these ancient myths and things that we all grew up on. And also, just the fact that that tonally somehow dovetails with all of our independent work is really, really cool. We probably would have said yes to anything, but it happened to be something that was just like what we do, you know? So very cool.”
Isaac: “Well, I think the story is so point of view. It means that you’re just in the skin of this guy, and you’re seeing things happen. You’re experiencing it just as he’s experiencing it. So there’s something that’s terrifying about that. I think Steven, in particular…there’s a sense of humor there that is different from what we’ve seen.
I think Marvel in particular has done such an amazing job at combining action and comedy in such a great way. I thought with Steven, there was a chance to do a different type of comedy than we’ve seen of somebody, that doesn’t know they’re being funny. So that was really exciting.
“And then to find the counterpoint of that with Marc, in some ways leaning into a bit of the stereotype of the tortured, dark vigilante guy, but what makes him so special is that he has this little Englishman living inside of him.”
Calamawy: “I love how strong she is, but at the same time, I felt like I got to play the full gamut of a woman with her because she’s strong and she’s for the people and fights for what she believes, but she’s also really vulnerable and scared. So that was fun for me.”
Hawke: “Well, the history of movies are paved with storytellers using mental illness as a building block for the villain. I mean, there are countless stories of mentally ill villains, and we have a mentally ill hero. That’s fascinating because we’ve now inverted the whole process: Now as the antagonist, I can’t be crazy because the hero’s crazy. So I have to kind of find a sane lunatic or a sane malevolent force and that was an interesting riddle for me to figure out how to be in dynamics with what Oscar was doing. Mohamed was really embracing his mental illness as a way to create an unreliable narrator–once you’ve broken the prism of reality, everything that the audience is seeing is from a skewed point of view. That’s really interesting for the villain because am I even being seen as I am? I think that was our riddle, and we came up with somebody who was trying to save the world. In his mind, he’s Saint Harrow, you know? I mean, he thinks he’s gonna be part of the great solution.”
Isaac: “It was set in London, and when I asked why it was like the answer was ‘we just have too many characters in New York.’ So it seems like let’s just change it up. Let’s make him an expat in London. I was like, okay…but then it felt like there was–I mean, I love English humor, like The Office and…Stath Lets Flats. There’s just so much of that humor that I just find so funny, and I thought there’s an opportunity here to maybe make something.
What if we make him English? What if Peter Sellers was approached with a Marvel project, what would he do? And so I started thinking about that, and that led me to Karl Pilkington from An Idiot Abroad–not so much for the accent but just for his sense of humor where you can’t tell if he knows he’s being funny.
“And then, I thought about the Jewish community in London and where a lot of that community is from and Enfield as an area and sort of listening to accents that are northeast London. And then just committed to that and found this guy that it wasn’t just about accent, but it was also about his timidness but also wanting to connect with people but not quite knowing how.”
Diab: “…What I learned through the journey of doing the show, is that the characters need to live with themselves, their identities. And I felt that I identified with that by the way (that for) each of us, the persona is the mask that we’re putting on. I’m right now putting on a mask to hide my desires, to hide everything–the other real character in me. I think what I’m learning–what I learned from Marc and Steven–is I need to be the same. I need to be one person. And I think this is the struggle that all of us through the journey of living are trying to achieve.”
Isaac: “Yeah, very well said. I think that is the thrust of it, you know? That that in itself is its own superpower, to be able to live through abuse or trauma and survive it and then come to terms with that, as opposed to push it all away. To see that journey happen, I think that’s a really powerful thing.”
Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight will debut exclusively on Disney+ on March 30, 2022.
At an exclusive online event, Disney and Kabam revealed fresh details for Disney Mirrorverse, the Team-based, Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) releasing June 23, 2022 worldwide on the App Store and Google Play. Invited participants experienced an all-new, action-packed trailer that showcased battle-ready versions of iconic characters and settings as never seen before, built in collaboration with Disney and Pixar Games. Pre-register HERE.
In Disney Mirrorverse, players enter a new, divergent universe separate from the settings of the original Disney and Pixar films. In these high-stakes worlds, dark and light magic influence the lands, evolving iconic Disney and Pixar characters into Mirrorverse Guardians who are ready for combat and poised to fight against the Fractured, a malevolent threat whose goal is to shatter both realities.
Filled with visually stunning 3D animated characters and environments, players will unite a team of empowered Guardians and take full control in real-time, action-oriented gameplay. As players progress through the game, they’ll collect a large roster of characters and assemble a powerful team of three to take into battle. Each character has unique battle abilities, including an armored-up Sulley, the ultimate personal-battle companion Baymax, the vengeful draconic mage Maleficent, and many more Guardians who stand ready to defend against those seeking to conquer the Mirrorverse.
Disney Mirrorverse features:
ENTER A DIVERGENT DISNEY UNIVERSE & STORYLINE – Experience a new storyline that authentically reflects dynamic Disney and Pixar characters in a way fans have never seen before as they defend against a new dark, unrelenting threat – the Fractured.
CHOOSE AND CUSTOMIZE STUNNING 3D DISNEY AND PIXAR CHARACTERS – Enter richly detailed new worlds filled with 3D Disney and Pixar characters that have been powerfully evolved to match this high-stakes universe. Uncover the intriguing backstories of these Guardians and discover their surprising and authentic special abilities equipped for epic battle and adventure.
MASTER THRILLING REAL-TIME ACTION COMBAT – Control a team of Guardians and experience the thrill and excitement of real-time action combat while controlling Guardians’ individual actions, team strategy, and special attacks, or select “auto play” to watch the cinematic action play out automatically.
EMBARK ON EPIC QUESTS AND EXPERIENCE ALL-NEW DISNEY STORIES – Unlock unique narratives and battle Fractured enemies to obtain rewards and restore the worlds and characters of the Mirrorverse that have been corrupted by fractured magic:
STORY MODE: Immerse yourself in an original storyline of tasks and quests to complete–experience the story of the Mirrorverse and the Ages of Isolation, Discovery, and the Fractured.
STORY QUESTS: Updated every few months, new chapters to the main Story Quest or side stories featuring select heroes and villains will be constantly added for players to battle through and compete.
EVENT QUESTS: Players can participate in limited-time quests that tie into real-world Disney and Pixar-inspired content and events, and offer unique characters, awards, and progression items during a specific timeframe.
ALLIANCE MISSIONS: Join an Alliance and work together to complete event milestones and earn great rank-based rewards by competing against other Alliances.
TOWER OF TROUBLES: Players climb through progressively harder encounters while using a themed team of Guardians to earn progression items.
DANGEROUS DUNGEONS: Players compete against other players and alliances worldwide in ever-changing dungeons to earn progression items and other unique awards.
MONTHLY CONTENT RELEASES – The Disney Mirrorverse experience is ever-evolving and expanding with regular releases of new Disney and Pixar characters, story chapters, event quests, and more.
The Band’s Visitis a funny and poignant new musical visiting Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Unlike anything I have ever experienced, The Band’s Visit is an emotional story of a moment in time. The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra was invited to play at the Arab Cultural Center in the city of Petah Tikva in Israel, but thanks to a misunderstanding due to a language barrier between one of the Egyptian musicians and an Israeli bus station employee, they end up in similar-sounding Bet Hatikva.
Though these places have similar sounding names, they couldn’t be more different, and the band finds themselves in a small desert town, devoid of an Arab Cultural Center, or almost any culture at all. The band, led by Tewfiq (Sasson Gabay) are unable to catch another bus until morning and find themselves at the mercy of local hospitality.
Dina (Janet Decal), Itzik (Nick Sacks, in this performance), and Papi (Coby Getzug) invite the band members to stay with them in their homes until they could catch the morning bus—but this decision would make a substantial emotional impact on all of them, as the locals may have needed the band members’ perspective even more than the band members needed accommodations.
The combination of a rotating stage and musical transitions played by on-stage band members made for a dynamic staging and captivating imagery. My eyes were drawn all over the stage despite the simple (yet effective) set pieces and minimal cast. I was blessed to see Sasson Gabay reprise his role as Tewfiq from his award-winning performance in the 2007 film The Band’s Visit. Janet Dacal is an absolute treasure as Dina; with insane comedic timing and warm vocals, she was truly a standout that led me to YouTube when I got home just to hear her sing “Omar Sharif” again.
Her comedic efforts in “Welcome to Nowhere” did not go unnoticed, as she shined in her hilarity through vocal inflections and facial expressions. Coby Getzug’s performance as Papi in “Papi Hears the Ocean” was so funny and charming. The other primary standout for me was Joshua Grosso’s performance as the Telephone Guy. I was moved to my core by his vocals in “Answer Me”.
The music in this show is like nothing else out of Broadway. Musicians on stage play beautiful Middle Eastern inspired melodies and backing music that transport you out of your theater and into their Israeli desert town. Conductors Adrian Ries and Kelly Thomas were fantastic at keeping the pacing with the musicians on stage. Musically, Clarinet player Brian Krock, Oud player Kane Mathis, and Violinist Yoni Avi Battat were top of their class—their solos, breathtaking.
The set pieces were minimal and simple, yet extremely effective in quickly converting locations without much, if any, downtime. Who could imagine that a payphone could be such an emotionally moving set piece?
The show opens with the line: “Once not long ago, a group of musicians came to Israel from Egypt. You probably didn’t hear about it. It wasn’t very important.”To the contrary, this one incident became very important to the little town of Bet Hatikva, as the band members brought new and fresh perspective to a town described by its own residents as “bland” “beige” and “bleh”. This show may also pull at your heartstrings in such a way that you will find the experience personally unforgettable and important. I know I did.
Hopefully you will opt to visit Bet Hatikva yourself and see why The Band’s Visit won 10 Tony Awards in 2018. This is not a show to miss if you can pay a visit yourself.
