by Disney might be best known for Mickey Mouse, but there’s more to the company than everyone’s favourite animated character. The company is also responsible for the new series of Star Wars films (which began with The Force Awakens) as well as the unstoppable Marvel franchise.
Disney showed behind the scenes and sneak peaks of some of the hottest upcoming movies and series at its annual Content Showcase in Cape Town, South Africa.
Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect from Disney
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands.
When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a centre for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality.
Before long, Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess.
With the support she receives from her family and community, Queen of Katwe is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
Moana – Master Wayfinder
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.
During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder.
Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
Star Wars : Rogue One
Rogue One is part of the Star Wars story, however, it’s not a Jedi story, it’s the very first standalone Star Wars movie.
The timeline for this film is set right before the events in Star Wars Episode IV : A New Hope. It tells the story of how a rogue band of rebels (who are not Jedi) unite to undertake a daring and seemingly impossible mission to steal plans for the Death Star.
What happens in the film is the foundation for everything that takes place in Star Wars, without it Luke Skywalker would not have been able to destroy the Death Star. In every sense, the stakes could not be any higher in this film.
For The Kids
Counterfeit Cat
Disney XD (on DSTV) is launching its brand new animated comedy series Counterfeit Cat, which follows the comic adventures of a small blue alien in a purple cat costume, Gark, who befriends Max, a real cat, after crashing his spaceship in his owner Betty’s laundry room.
Counterfeit Cat premieres weekdays on Disney XD (DStv, Channel 304) from 26 September.
The Lion Guard
“The Lion Guard” animated series continues the epic storytelling of Disney’s “The Lion King” and follows the adventures of Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, and his diverse group of friends as they unite to protect the Pride Lands.
Adventures In Babysitting
Fan favourites Sabrina Carpenter (“Girl Meets World”) and Sofia Carson (“Descendants”) join forces in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie “Adventures in Babysitting,” a contemporary re-imagined tale of the hugely popular 1980s blockbuster with the same name.
Set to premiere this summer, this live-action adventure comedy pays homage to the 1980s classic with familiar references and nostalgic scenes in a comedic, heartfelt story that celebrates individuality, friendship and self-empowerment.
Adventures in Babysitting, Disney’s 100th original movie, also forms part of a campaign that Disney Channel has organised in honour of its 10 year anniversary.
The company will be asking the public to vote for their favourite Disney Original Channel Movies via social media and then airing the top 3 as a lead up to the release of Adventures in Babysitting.
One thing is certainly clear with Disney’s latest content lineup, diversity and authenticity are key to all the stories they’re telling. The best part of it all? None of it feels forced or contrived.
