D23 Expo: 13 Biggest Stories From Disney’s Massive Festival (Photos)

Taraji P. Henson will be joining the cast of “Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” as Yesss, a trend-setter who takes Ralph and Vanellope on a tour of the Internet. Fans were also treated to a clip of Vanellope meeting ALL the Disney princesses, many of whom will be voiced by their original voice actors. 

Also Read: Taraji P. Henson Joins ‘Ralph Breaks The Internet': D23 Expo

A sneak preview of Pixar’s next film, “Coco,” was also shown to audiences. The clip showed a boy named Miguel, who is so desperate to play the guitar against his family’s wishes that he steals one from the grave of his great-great-grandfather. In doing so, he winds up in the Land of the Dead, where he comes across his ancestors and tries to discover why his family banned music.

Also Read: Pixar Strums Up New Footage of ‘Coco’ at D23

Before “Coco,” audiences will be treated to “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” a “Frozen” short film that will see Olaf the Snowman take center stage as he prepares a holiday party for Anna and Elsa. Olaf’s voice actor, Josh Gad, took to the stage at D23 to performance live one of the new songs from the film.

After “Coco,” the next Pixar film will be “The Incredibles 2.” Director Brad Bird presented concept art for the new film, along with a work-in-progress clip in which Mr. Incredible discovers that his infant son, Jack-Jack, now has powers. 

Also Read: Samuel L. Jackson and ‘Incredibles 2’ Cast Unveil Details at D23 Expo

But the biggest Pixar news at D23 came when John Lasseter announced that he was stepping down as director of “Toy Story 4,” handing over the reins to “Inside Out” screenwriter Josh Cooley. Lasseter will remain on the project as a producer.

Also Read: John Lasseter Steps Down as Co-Director of ‘Toy Story 4’

The live-action presentation opened with a new trailer from “A Wrinkle in Time” presented by director Ava DuVernay. Based on the classic novel by Madeline L’Engle, the film stars Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon

Also Read: ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ First Trailer Offers Glimpse of Ava DuVernay Sci-Fi Vision (Video)

After much speculation, Disney announced the leads for Guy Ritchie’s remake of “Aladdin.” “Jack Ryan” star Mena Massoud will play Aladdin, and “Power Rangers” star Naomi Scott will play Jasmine. Disney also confirmed that Will Smith will play Genie. 

Also Read: Meet New Live-Action ‘Aladdin’ Stars Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott

Disney also quietly moved Niki Caro’s remake of “Mulan” out of its Nov. 2, 2018 release date, replacing it with “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” a surreal adaptation of the famous German Christmas tale. Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley lead the cast. 

Also Read: Disney’s ‘Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ Sets Fall 2018 Release, Bumping Live-Action ‘Mulan’

The first footage and music from “Mary Poppins Returns” was also played for the D23 crowd, as Emily Blunt came onstage to discuss portraying the legendary nanny made famous by Julie Andrews.

Also Read: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ First Footage: Kite-Flying Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Blunt and Umbrella (Video)

There was no new “Star Wars” footage available at D23, though newcomers to the franchise Laura Dern, Benicio Del Toro and Kelly Tran were on hand to discuss joining the galactic saga. A behind-the-scenes montage was also shown that featured the late Carrie Fisher.

Also Read: ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi': Watch Behind-the-Scenes Footage With Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher (Video)

Before the live-action presentation, there were rumors that Hugh Jackman had been signed to play Scar in the “Lion King” remake, but Jackman’s reps told TheWrap there was “absolutely no truth” to it.

Also Read: No, Hugh Jackman Isn’t Playing Scar in ‘The Lion King’ Remake

But the presentation did feature a jaw-dropping clip that showed how the famous “Circle of Life” opening scene will look with the photorealistic CGI technology used in last year’s “The Jungle Book.” James Earl Jones, Donald Glover and John Oliver are included among the cast. 

Finally, Marvel saved the best for last by giving D23 fans an early look at the “Avengers: Infinity War” trailer, which featured the Guardians of the Galaxy meeting Thor for the first time, the return of Iron Man’s Hulkbuster suit and the awakening of Peter Parker’s Spidey Senses. 

Also Read: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Sneak Peek: Guardians of the Galaxy Run Into Thor – Literally