D23 Showcase Disney 2026: Key Announcements and Previews

Walt Disney Studios provided fans with a significant glimpse into the future during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 2026. Unlike many studios that typically unveil details about upcoming films and TV series during investor meetings or conventions, Disney has carved out a unique niche over the years by making D23 a major event focused exclusively on its internal productions.

The expo, designed for fans, returns this year to California from August 14 to 16, featuring a packed schedule of events and panels that highlight Disney's most important films, TV series, and franchises from the past, present, and future. The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the Disney Entertainment Showcase, a two-hour session that brings together Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel Studios, 20th Century, and Disney's animation and live-action studios, building excitement for what's to come in 2026 and beyond.

Princess Diaries 3

Anne Hathaway was the first star to take the stage at the Honda Center to discuss Princess Diaries 3. While she did not share any major updates regarding the title, release date, cast, or production timeline, she assured fans that they are “working hard” on the sequel and expressed gratitude to Disney fans for their patience.

Preview of the New Simpsons Movie

Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney, took the stage to discuss the upcoming Simpsons movie. She shared an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated sequel, showcasing footage that is “still in development.” The clip features Homer at a baseball game, cheering for his team and humorously asking, “Make me rich, make Homer rich.” The scene escalates as Homer chases a flying baseball, leading to a chaotic series of events across various locations before the ball ends up at Bart's feet.

Details on Graphics and Plot of The Incredibles 3

Pete Docter kicked off the Pixar presentation by promoting The Incredibles 3. He revealed that Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack will be the film's focus, stating, “It’s the kids’ turn.” The plot will involve them sneaking around to fight crime, while Jack-Jack's powers become increasingly difficult to manage. The Parr family will encounter a new villain “more powerful than the whole family combined.” The Disney team also shared the first images from The Incredibles 3, including official concept art featuring Mr. Incredible in his original blue superhero costume.

First Images and Plot Details for Coco 2

Pixar also revealed new information about Coco 2, set for release in 2029. Benjamin Bratt confirmed his return as Ernesto de la Cruz, who seeks revenge on Miguel. The sequel takes place a few years after the first film, with Miguel now a teenager who finds himself back in the Land of the Dead for a new adventure. An image of an adult Miguel was also showcased.

Kingdom Hearts IV Trailer Confirms Coco and Release in 2027

Shifting focus from films and TV series, Disney briefly highlighted one of its major video games, Kingdom Hearts IV. Bratt confirmed that the sequel will introduce the Land of the Dead from Coco into the franchise, with a trailer providing a sneak peek of what fans can expect, confirming a release by the end of 2027.

Kingdom Hearts Series Announced for Disney+

In an exciting announcement for Kingdom Hearts fans, Disney revealed that a series titled Kingdom Hearts: The Series is in development for Disney+. While no further details were provided during the presentation, Disney confirmed via social media that it will be an original anime series inspired by the games, along with the first image from the project.

New Images from Cat

The Pixar segment concluded with two different sequences from Cat, an animated feature set to release in 2027. The first scene depicted Nero using pigeons to distract a nearby girl, a plan that hilariously backfires. The second sequence featured a trailer set to “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones, following Nero as he evades humans and police while working for Roco, expressing his desire for “a normal life, for once.”

The Disney showcase also included a brief preview of Lilo & Stitch 2, featuring Stitch and his pink counterpart, Angel, set for release in 2028. The video highlighted Angel's return as Stitch's love interest, adding another layer to the beloved franchise.

Trailer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3

The D23 event also revealed the much-anticipated first trailer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3. Lead actor Walker Scobell was present to introduce the footage, which focuses on Percy’s quest to save Annabeth and the looming war between the gods and Titans, set to premiere on Disney+ on November 20.

First Look at the Bluey Movie

Disney is set to bring Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli to the big screen for the first time in 2027, and D23 showcased the first footage from the Bluey movie. The video features Bluey and Bingo playing with a balloon, all animated in a new 3D style. Disney has released the teaser online for fans to enjoy.

First Look at Live-Action Rapunzel

Kathryn Hahn took the stage to tease the live-action adaptation of Rapunzel – L’intreccio della torre, revealing her role as Mother Gothel alongside Teagan Croft as Rapunzel. Footage of the cast and crew filming in Spain was shown, including a cameo by Flynn Rider, played by Milo Manheim. The film is set to hit theaters on March 31, 2028.

Details on Oswald Miniseries for Disney+

Jon Favreau shared new details about his Oswald project for Disney+, describing it as a “dream project.” This three-part miniseries is slated to debut on the streaming platform in February 2027. Footage was shown of Oswald navigating the Walt Disney archives and visiting Walt Disney's office.

Jon Favreau’s Lion Documentary Gets Release Date

After spending considerable time with virtual lions for The Lion King, Favreau has shifted focus to a natural history documentary for National Geographic and Disney. Titled Lions, the film chronicles a lion family over four years and utilizes innovative technology for filming. The soundtrack is composed by Hans Zimmer, with a release date set for August 20.

VisionQuest Trailer Released

Marvel Studios kicked off their segment of D23 by spotlighting VisionQuest, with Paul Bettany and James Spader joining Kevin Feige on stage to introduce the series and unveil the first trailer, which is now available online. The footage showcases Vision grappling with his identity and features glimpses of his mind, where he and other AIs appear as human forms, including Ultron.

Special Trailer for Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel also dropped a new trailer for Avengers: Doomsday, reportedly the same one shown at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The trailer features Doom on his throne, as Sue Storm warns him of his changes, culminating in his rallying an army of Sentinels against the Avengers.

X-Men Film Cast Announced with Release Date

Following the introduction of Jean Grey, played by Sadie Sink, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Marvel Studios used D23 to confirm several new cast members for the X-Men film. Kit Connor and Samara Weaving will portray Cyclops and Emma Frost, respectively, with Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Maya Boyd as Storm, and Adam Driver as Mister Sinister. The release date for the X-Men film is set for May 5, 2028.

Ahsoka Season 2 Trailer

Lucasfilm confirmed the arrival of Ahsoka Season 2 on Disney+ on January 20, 2027, showcasing a first look at what’s to come. The trailer features numerous scenes with Anakin Skywalker in flashbacks and as a Force ghost.

Footage from Star Wars: Starfighter and Character Details

Lucasfilm presented Star Wars: Starfighter featuring Ryan Gosling. The actor revealed his character's name, Kade Auberon, describing him as “a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy, whose fate is intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built.” The presentation included footage of Kade interacting with Flynn Gray’s character in a shop, discussing the starfighter, before glimpsing new worlds and Kade piloting a spacecraft.

Zootropolis 3 Announced

Following the incredible success of Zootropolis 2, the Walt Disney Animation Studios invited Jared Bush to officially announce Zootropolis 3, exciting fans with the promise of more adventures in the beloved animated world.