The much-anticipated Marvel film, X-Men, is nearing its release, with the cast making a debut appearance during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23. The event, held Friday night, showcased the film’s actors for the first time. Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige, officially introduced Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, a role previously kept secret despite her appearance in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Director Jake Schreier and the rest of the cast, including Kit Connor as Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Professor Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, and Maya Boyd as Storm, joined Sink on stage. Adam Driver will portray Nathaniel Milbury, or Mr. Sinister, as revealed through a recorded clip. The film is expected in theaters on May 5, 2028.
The Disney Entertainment Showcase was held at the Honda Center, adding to the excitement of the three-day D23 fan event. Various segments of Walt Disney Studios, such as Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Disney Animation, used the platform to promote their upcoming ventures. Around 12,000 Disney fans gave new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, a warm reception. The event was hosted by Ke Huy Quan and Ginnifer Goodwin, stars of “Zootopia 2” and self-declared enthusiasts of the franchise. Celebrities like Anne Hathaway (“Princess Diaries 3”), the Jonas Brothers (“Camp Rock 3”), Benjamin Bratt (“Coco 2” and “Kingdom Hearts IV”), Kathryn Hahn (“Tangled”), and Robert Downey Jr. with Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell (“Avengers: Doomsday”) attended to discuss new projects.
Marvel’s Series Lineup
During the showcase, Marvel fans anticipated updates on the studio’s Disney+ series lineup. The only TV project highlighted was VisionQuest, starring Paul Bettany as Vision and James Spader as Ultron. This series follows the events of “WandaVision,” exploring Vision’s existential questions about his identity. Despite hopes for more series announcements, only VisionQuest was presented. Fans also got glimpses of “Avengers: Doomsday” and the game “Marvel’s Wolverine.” Reports indicate Marvel is reconsidering its live-action Disney+ shows, casting uncertainty on the MCU’s TV prospects. VisionQuest will premiere on October 14.
Star Wars Surge
Lucasfilm President Dave Filoni captivated audiences by showcasing the cast of Ahsoka Season 2 and Star Wars: Starfighter. A notable highlight was the warm reception by fans when Hayden Christensen and Eman Esfandi joined Rosario Dawson on stage. Christensen expressed his ongoing excitement about playing Anakin Skywalker, emphasizing Anakin’s evolving role in guiding Ahsoka. “Star Wars: Starfighter” with Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling, revealed their standalone film set in a unique, unexplored timeline.
Nostalgic and Upcoming Releases
Disney’s showcase leaned heavily on past favorites. Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, revived their roles as Romy and Michele, hinting at a sequel. Anne Hathaway confirmed ongoing work on “Princess Diaries 3,” while the Jonas Brothers promoted “Camp Rock 3.” Kathryn Hahn starred in the “Tangled” (2028) teaser, while Jon Favreau announced “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit,” blending live-action and animation. Pixar announced sequels “Incredibles 3” (2028) and “Coco 2” (2029), with Benjamin Bratt sharing insights on “Coco 2.” “Frozen III” (2027) promises an intriguing plot involving familiar and new magical elements.
Original Projects by Pixar and Disney Animation
Despite numerous sequels, Disney remains committed to original content. Projects announced include Hexed, a magical coming-of-age film set for November 25. Disney Animation revealed Clay for 2028, featuring collaborative storytelling between a mentor and student. Pixar’s Ghost Market, set in Hawaii, and Gatto are other original stories fans can anticipate.