Disney has unveiled a first-look at their new streaming service Disney+ at their D23 Expo, as well as announcing a few more exciting TV projects set to launch in the next few years.
Ewan McGregor will reprise his role as Obi Wan Kenobi (as previously rumoured) in an upcoming live-action Star Wars spin off series focusing on the character. The show will be set approximately ten years after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with filming due to begin next year. This series will join The Mandalorian, set after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi but featuring new characters in the franchise, which is slated to premiere later this year. The first trailer for The Mandalorian was also shown. As previously announced, Diego Luna will also reprise his Rogue One character Cassian Andor, in a prequel TV series to the aforementioned spin off film, a spy thriller once again set after Episode III.
Even more Marvel projects were announced, with titles such as Ms Marvel, She Hulk, and Moon Knight moving into development. These seem set to continue Marvel’s diverse Phase 4 line up, with the comics’ Ms Marvel, Kamala Khan, being the first Muslim character to headline her own comic book – the same can be said for her TV series. Thor’s Kat Dennings will reprise her role of Darcy in the series WandaVision, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, whilst Emily VanCamp will return as Sharon Carter, or Agent 13, in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. First looks at Marvel’s animated What If? series and Agents of SHIELD’s final season were also released.
Some more original Disney properties will also join the Disney+ family, including a revival of fan-favourite teen series Lizzie McGuire, once again starring Hilary Duff as a now 30-something Lizzie, focusing on her life in New York City. As well as this, the not at all confusingly titled High School Musical: The Musical: The Series was also announced, a mockumentary style look at fictional characters putting on a production of High School Musical at the school where the film was originally shot… we think. It’s all a bit meta. Everyone’s favourite eccentric, Jeff Goldblum, will star in his own series, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, as he travels the globe and experiences different cultures with his trademark quirkiness.
No word yet on when Disney+ officially launches in the UK, though it’s unlikely that it’ll be too long after the US premiere date of November 12th.
Words by James Nash