Walt Disney Studios, Lucas Films and Marvel Unveil New Movie Slate and It's Fantastic!!!

Oh my what can I say about the new movies coming out next year and the new Star Wars coming out this December? All I can say that this panel introducing the new movies by Marvel, Lucas Films and Disney was so exciting. I cannot wait to see them all. Here is a sneak peek!!



DISNEY

The Finest Hours

“The Finest Hours,” based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Chris Pine plays Bernie Webber, the captain of the rescue boat. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and also stars Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana, transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016.

Oh this looks really good. I know this is right up hubby's alley and we will definitely be watching it. I love Chris Pine and loved that he came on stage at the D23 Expo. 
The Jungle Book
Disney’s upcoming “The Jungle Book,” welcomes newcomer Neel Sethi, who was selected from thousands of candidates to play man-cub Mowgli; plus Oscar® winners Ben Kingsley, who helps bring panther-turned-mentor Bagheera to life, and Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to the protective mother wolf Raksha. The all-new, live-action epic adventure showcases Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s 1967 animated classic, the film features state-of the-art technology that immerses audiences in the lush world like never before. “The Jungle Book” also features the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito and Christopher Walken. Jon Favreau and Brigham Taylor produce and the screenplay is by Justin Marks. “The Jungle Book” hits theaters in stunning 3D and IMAX 3D on April 15, 2016.

Color me happy! I have always loved The Jungle Book. I cannot wait for this live action version. And let me tell you when Ben Kingsley walked on stage, I almost died. I have always loved his work and I am excited that he is in this movie. I am also gad to see Lupita Nyong’o. She is in three, yes three, Disney films!!

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Yes, their back. All you favorite Alice characters! Director James Bobin brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” in which Alice (Wasikowska) returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. The film, which once again features Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall, introduces several new characters as well: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father, and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.

Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd, and Tim Burton produce and John G. Scotti is the executive producer. The screenplay is by Linda Woolverton. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

So excited for this film!!!

Pete's Dragon

“Pete’s Dragon,”is a reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film. The heartwarming adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon, “Pete’s Dragon” is directed by David Lowery, produced by Jim Whitaker, and executive-produced by Barrie Osborne, and also stars Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence and Robert Redford. “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

Queen of Katwe

 “Queen of Katwe,” which is based on the inspirational true story of a girl from the poverty-stricken slums of rural Uganda who dreams of becoming a champion chess player. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” stars Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and newcomer Medina Nalwanga.

This movie also stars David Oyelowo who starred in Selma. I love him and I cannot wait to see this movie!! 

Beauty and the Beast

"Beauty and the Beast,”  stars Emma Watson, Josh Gad and Luke Evans. The live-action musical, a retelling of the studio’s animated classic, stars Watson, Dan Stevens, Evans, Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald and newcomer Nathan Mack. The film is directed by Bill Condon. Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated classic, provides the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Tim Rice, as well as several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

OMG! Live action Beauty & the Beast with Emma Watson. I'm so there!!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him. Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

The film is directed by Espen Sandberg & Joachim Rønning and stars Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kevin R. McNally, Kaya Scodelario, Golshifteh Farahani, Stephen Graham, David Wenham and Geoffrey Rush. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Joe Caracciolo, Jr. and Brigham Taylor serve as executive producers. Jeff Nathanson wrote the screenplay. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” releases in U.S. theaters on July 7, 2017.

Johnny, Orlando, Javier Bardem!! OMG can I wait 2 years for this movie?? I am not sure. 

MARVEL

Doctor Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange”.  After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil. "Doctor Strange" opens in U.S. theaters on October 26, 2016.

Any movie with Benedict Cumberbatch is a good movie. A Marvel movie with Benedict Cumberbatch = heaven!!!

Captain America: Civil War

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.

I love me some Captain America!!! I will there opening day!!!

LUCAS FILMS

Star Wars: The Force Awakens and More

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by J.J. Abrams & Lawrence Kasdan. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” releases in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.

“Star Wars: Episode VIII,” is slated for release on May 26, 2017.  Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic World”) has signed on to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX,” which is scheduled for release in 2019.

There is another film, “Untitled Han Solo”,, slated for release on May 25, 2018 and it will be directed by Christopher Miller & Phil Lord, with Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon Kasdan writing the screenplay.

“Rogue One,” is the first of the standalone Star Wars stories to hit the big screen, which has commenced principal photography. Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) is directing “Rogue One,” which tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. The film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and is slated for a December 16, 2016 release.

I cannot believe how much Star Wars goodness is coming up. It is amazing that Harrison Ford is back as Han Solo. Check out this timeline!! I am in heaven!!

There is some exciting things happening in the movies and I cannot wait!! 

Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.