AceShowbiz - Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, kicked off the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in a sold-out arena event packed with exclusive first looks at highly anticipated releases from across the company.

Thousands of Disney fans from around the world gathered in Anaheim, Calif., on August 14, 2026, for the start of the event presented by Visa. From an expanded show floor filled with immersive experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center to the spectacular nighttime showcase at the Honda Center, attendees experienced a day of unforgettable moments and exclusive previews.

“Right now, nearly half a million people are in our parks and on our cruise ships. Millions more are watching our stories in theaters or at home. Someone right now is seeing ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway for the very first time,” D’Amaro said. “When you add it all up, Disney has something no other brand on Earth can claim. Not just a customer base, not just an audience, but an actual connection. A connection that reaches every single corner of the globe, spans every age and every background, and becomes part of people’s lives and the memories that they carry with them. A connection with more than four billion fans. That’s half the world’s population who don’t just look to us for entertainment; they look to us for inspiration.”

The evening’s showcase, hosted by Ginnifer Goodwin and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan of Zootopia 2, featured surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive footage, and major announcements spanning Disney’s film studios, television brands, streaming platforms, and live stage productions.

Oscar winner Anne Hathaway, who will be honored as a Disney Legend this Sunday, took the stage to speak about her connection to Disney, dating back to The Princess Diaries.

Maia Kealoha, star of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, appeared looking for Stitch, who surprised attendees with his new pink co-star, Angel. The sequel, Lilo & Stitch 2, which follows the blockbuster that grossed over $1 billion at the box office in 2025, is scheduled to begin production in Hawai?i later this year under the direction of Chris Sanders. The film will open in theaters May 26, 2028.

The showcase also debuted a brand-new teaser trailer and poster for The Bluey Movie, complete with a surprise game of Keepy Uppy for fans with giant red balloons. The CG-animated film, based on the beloved series about a blue heeler dog, arrives in theaters on August 6, 2027. Written and directed by creator Joe Brumm, the film is produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, with distribution through Walt Disney Studios.

Queen Latifah and Denis Leary introduced an exclusive clip from Ice Age: Boiling Point, featuring Scrat, Baby Scrat, and their prehistoric cousin, Jurassic Scrat. The film, directed by John C. Donkin and produced by Lori Forte, releases exclusively in theaters February 5, 2027.

Kathryn Hahn, star of The Studio and Agatha All Along, appeared to discuss Tangled, a live-action retelling of the 2010 animated film. The audience also saw a taped message from Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, played by Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim, who are currently filming in Spain. Directed by Michael Gracey and produced by Kristin Burr, Tangled will open in theaters March 31, 2028.

Hahn then introduced Disney Legend Jon Favreau, creator, writer, co-director, and executive producer of Oswald, an all-new project that was teased at the event.

The D23 event continues through the weekend, with more panels, screenings, and exclusive experiences planned for fans.