Classic movie relaunches, streaming announcements, what was announced at Star Wars Days and a lot more – there’s a lot happening this week. Check out the open giveaways and the screenings happening locally as well!
Check out the latest release dates and more here!
Screenings:
Giveaways:
- Sesame Street Potty Training Pack (Ends 6/5)
Movie and Series Reviews and More:
Movies and Series Updates:
LIGHTYEAR ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK – Listen to Composer Michael Giacchino’s “Mission Perpetual” Track Now
An advance listen of the track “Mission Perpetual” from the forthcoming Disney and Pixar film, Lightyear, is available today. Composed and produced by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, the digital soundtrack is set for release on June 17, the same day the film opens in U.S. theaters.
Commenting on the track, Giacchino said, “One of my favorite sequences is called Mission Perpetual. It’s early on in the film when Buzz is trying to accomplish a mission and keeps failing. It was an exciting challenge for me because there were so many things the music needed to convey: Buzz’s frustration with himself and the sadness of being alone in his pursuit, but also his undying ambition and drive to achieve his goal. I went through a similar ‘mission’ myself to get this cue right, but once I did, it was incredibly rewarding.”
The original score for “Lightyear” was recorded over 15 days with an 89-piece orchestra and a 39-member choir. The soundtrack features 31 tracks and will also be available in Dolby Atmos Music, a new technology placing the listener inside the song in a spatial way, revealing every detail of the music with unparalleled clarity and depth.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.
The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” opens only in theaters on June 17, 2022.
LUCASFILM FEATURES NEW ANIMATED SERIES AND MORE AT STAR WARS CELEBRATION
The fun and excitement continued for fans over the long weekend at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, where Lucasfilm unveiled two new animated series, “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” and “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures,” and a new special, “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation.” Lucasfilm also announced that the animated series “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” will return this Fall and “Star Wars: Visions” will return in 2023.
“Mando+: A Conversation with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni” shone a spotlight on “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka” with cast appearances and announcements, and the “Light & Magic” panel gave fans an informative look at the new documentary about Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic.
One of the highlights of Star Wars Celebration was the surprise premiere of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” last Thursday night, attended by stars Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Moses Ingram, Bonnie Piesse, Rupert Friend, Indira Varma, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Simone Kessell, Benny Safdie, Jimmy Smits and Vivien Lyra Blair. Director/executive producer Deborah Chow and executive producers Michelle Rejwan and Joby Harold were also in attendance for the event, which featured the first two episodes of the highly anticipated limited series.
Now streaming exclusively on Disney+, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is the most-watched Disney+ Original series premiere globally to date, based on hours streamed in an opening weekend. Additionally, immediately following the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series premiere launch, Star Wars title viewership on Disney+ tripled in hours-watched during opening weekend. In celebration of the launch, a new character poster is now available.
“LIGHT & MAGIC”
ABC News’ Chris Connelly played host to filmmakers Lawrence Kasdan and Ron Howard, alongside VFX luminaries Joe Johnston, Phil Tippett, Dennis Muren, Rose Duignan and Lynwen Brennan as they engaged in a spirited and informative conversation about the groundbreaking history of Industrial Light & Magic, featured in the upcoming six-part documentary series.
Granted unparalleled access, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan takes viewers on an adventure behind the curtains of Industrial Light & Magic, the special visual effects, animation and virtual production division of Lucasfilm. Learn what inspired some of the most legendary filmmakers in Hollywood history, and follow their stories from their earliest personal films to bringing George Lucas’ vision to life.
Imagine Documentaries is producing the series, which Lawrence Kasdan directs. The executive producers are Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Justin Wilkes, Lawrence Kasdan, Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan.
All episodes of “Light & Magic” premiere on July 27, exclusively on Disney+.
“LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION”
The Summer of LEGOStar Warspanelists Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler and Jens Kronvold Frederiksen of LEGO, and Douglas Reilly, Josh Rimes, Leland Chee, David Shayne and Chris Gollaher of Lucasfilm, who represented Consumer Products, Games and Animation, were led in a panel discussion by host Yvette Nicole Brown. The presentation showcased an exciting array of new LEGO products bound to keep everyone busy this summer.
During the panel, “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation,” an all-new animated special, was announced. Premiering August 5, 2022, exclusively on Disney+, the special stars “Weird Al” Yankovic and the panel’s host Yvette Nicole Brown, and other returning cast members from previous “LEGO® Star Wars” specials. The crowd was delighted to receive “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation” beach balls to carry home.
Following the success of “The LEGO®Star Wars Holiday Special”in 2020 and “LEGO®Star Wars Terrifying Tales” in 2021, the popular signature branded cross-saga storytelling continues with this seasonal special. “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation” is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group.
David Shayne is writer and executive producer, and the director is Ken Cunningham. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, Keith Malone, Jennifer Twiner Mccarron, and Jason Cosler are executive producers. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.
“STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES”
Host Anthony Carboni led panelists executive producer James Waugh, supervising director Elliot Bour, executive producer/showrunner Michael Olson and consulting producer Lamont Magee in a discussion of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.”
Set during The High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will follow Younglings as they learn valuable skills needed to study the ways of the Force and become Jedi: compassion, self-discipline, teamwork, patience, and friendship. The series is set to premiere Spring 2023 on Disney+ and Disney Junior.
“MANDO+: A CONVERSATION WITH JON FAVREAU AND DAVE FILONI”
Amid roars and applause, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni took the stage for “Mando+: A Conversation with Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni” that was moderated by Ash Crossan, host of Screenrant. Pedro Pascal, Brendan Wayne, Lateef Crowder, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Carl Weathers, Temuera Morrison, Katee Sackhoff, Rick Famuyiwa, Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo were all on hand to add to the excitement. Special guests Grogu from “The Mandalorian” and Chopper, a very special droid that will be featured in “Ahsoka,” delighted the crowd with their very first Star Wars Celebration appearances.
The audience went wild when Natasha Liu Bordizzo was announced as joining the cast of “Ahsoka” as fan-favorite character Sabine Wren, and fans were treated to early footage from the series, which stars Rosario Dawson.
In addition to his directing duties, it was announced that Rick Famuyiwa will also executive produce “The Mandalorian,” Season 3. The enthusiastic audience was also shown an extended sneak peek of the upcoming season.
Both “Ahsoka” and “The Mandalorian,” Season 3 will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2023.
“STAR WARS: TALES OF THE JEDI”
Host Amy Radcliffe conversed with special guest Dave Filoni who announced that “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” an anthology of six, all-new, animated shorts, will premiere Fall 2022, exclusively on Disney+. Filoni told the audience that the anthology will feature Jedi from the prequel era, including Ahsoka and Count Dooku. To the audience’s delight, Filoni showed a teaser trailer and the premiere short in the series, showcasing a very young Ahsoka Tano and her mother. Janina Gavankar, who voices Ahsoka’s mother in the short, made an appearance and joined the discussion.
“STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH” SEASON 2
Lots of fun was had when “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” panelists supervising director Brad Rau, executive producer and head writer Jen Corbett, story editor Matt Michnovetz, actors Dee Bradley Baker, who voices the Bad Batch, and Michelle Ang, the voice of Omega, joined host David Collins for a lively discussion about what’s coming up for the Bad Batch in Season 2. A clip from the first episode of Season 2 and a teaser trailer delighted the fans, who all walked away with posters.
Months have passed since the events on Kamino and the Bad Batch continue their journey navigating the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They will cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they take on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will take them to unexpected and dangerous new places.
The second season of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” consists of 16 episodes and is set to premiere this fall exclusively on Disney+.
A LOOK BACK AT “STAR WARS: VISIONS”
Team members from Lucasfilm and Qubic Pictures took the stage before an audience of excited anime fans to discuss “Star Wars: Visions.” Hosted by longtime anime and Star Wars fan Chastity Vicencio, panelists James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez and Justin Leach shared highlights from the production of the first season and talked about working with Kamikaze Douga, Studio Colorido, Geno Studio, TRIGGER, Kinema citrus Co., Production I.G, and Science SARU to bring “Star Wars: Visions” to life.
The fans were treated to never-before-seen concept artwork, but that was just the beginning. English language dub actors Hiromi Dames, Andrew Kishino, Keone Young, Christopher Sean, Bobby Moynihan and Brian Tee made surprise appearances, and then, via a map on-screen with regions highlighted, the panel also announced that Volume 2 of the celebrated animated shorts anthology will showcase various animation styles and talents from countries around the world, including studios from Japan, India, U.K., Ireland, Spain, Chile, France, South Africa and the United States (California).
The panel attendees also watched a very special thank-you video recorded just for Star Wars Celebration by the Japanese studios who created “Visions.”
“Star Wars: Visions” stretches beyond any one form of animation and serves as a broader framework for celebratory expressions of Star Wars storytelling. Volume 2 will showcase that potential as the shorts go on a global tour, celebrating the incredible animation happening across countries and cultures, through the mythos of Star Wars.
The new season of “Star Wars: Visions” launches exclusively on Disney+ Spring 2023.
Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter | Production Announcement
Focus Features, Endeavor Content and Makeready have announced the start of production on BOOK CLUB 2 – THE NEXT CHAPTER, a sequel to the wildly successful and beloved 2018 comedy BOOK CLUB. The legendary quartet is reunited, with returning icons Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen starring alongside Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, and Craig T. Nelson. New cast joining will include Giancarlo Giannini, Hugh Quarshie and Vincent Riotta. The film is written by Bill Holderman and Erin Simms, with Holderman returning as Director. The duo will also serve as producers.
The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.
Endeavor Content will finance and produce BOOK CLUB 2 – THE NEXT CHAPTER. Producers are Bill Holderman and Erin Simms.Executive Producers are Brad Weston, Trish Hofmann, Enzo Sisti and Andrew Duncan. Julia Iglesias will oversee the project for Focus Features, who will distribute the film in the U.S. Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Diane Keaton is represented by WME, Pearlman & Tishbi; JaneFondais represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman; Candice Bergen is represented by ICM Partners and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman; Mary Steenburgen is represented by UTA, Management 360 and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.
MID-CENTURY coming to Select Theaters, On Digital, and On Demand Friday, June 17
Academy Award® nominee Bruce Dern (Nebraska), Stephen Lang (Avatar franchise), and Shane West (“Gotham”) highlight this stylish, intense horror-thriller. Looking for a change one weekend, ER doctor Alice and her husband, Tom, rent a glamorous mid-century modern home designed by architect Frederick Banner. As they investigate the home, they learn that Banner and his two wives died mysteriously—yet their spirits are very much alive. As they meet Banner’s deranged son, they realize they must escape the home or succumb to its madness.
Family Camp arrives June 28 on Blu-ray and DVD
The hilarious family-comedy, Family Camp arrives on DVD , Digital and Video on Demand on June 28 from Lionsgate. The film follows two families competing for the coveted camp trophy while the dads try to keep their families and marriages together. Directed and written by Brian Cates (TV’s The Glory of Christmas, Super Dads), Family Camp will be available for the suggested retail prices for DVD is $19.98, Digital $14.99 and Video On Demand for $5.99.
“DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS” COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO DISNEY+ JUNE 22
Disney+ announced today that Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ June 22. Watch the new online spot to see a special “fan thank you” from Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez.
In Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.
The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” released in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2022.
TREVOR: THE MUSICAL – Streaming on Disney+ June 24th
In celebration of Pride Month, Disney+ has revealed the trailer for the upcoming film “Trevor: The Musical.” Produced by RadicalMedia, “Trevor: The Musical” is a filmed version of the Off-Broadway stage production, which follows a charming 13-year-old force of nature with a vivid imagination. As he deals with becoming a teenager in 1981, Trevor struggles to navigate his own identity and determine how he fits in a challenging world. When an embarrassing incident at school suddenly puts him under the wrong spotlight, Trevor must summon the courage to forge his own path. A deeply moving and funny story of self-discovery and the power of acceptance, “Trevor: The Musical” is about living your best life with lots of passion… and a touch of pizzazz. The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award-winning short film “Trevor” which ultimately inspired the founding of LGBTQ youth suicide prevention nonprofit The Trevor Project. “Trevor: The Musical” will make its streaming debut Friday, June 24 on Disney+.
Thirteen-year-old Holden William Hagelberger stars as “Trevor” in “Trevor: The Musical.” The 19-member company of “Trevor: The Musical” also features Mark Aguirre, Aaron Alcaraz, Ava Briglia, Sammy Dell, Tyler Joseph Gay, Ellie Kim, Colin Konstanty, Brigg Liberman, Diego Lucano, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Isabel Medina, Echo Deva Picone, Dan Rosales, Aryan Simhadri, Yasmeen Sulieman, Sally Wilfert, Aeriel Williams, and Jarrod Zimmerman.
“Trevor: The Musical” features a book and lyrics by Dan Collins (“Southern Comfort”) and music by Julianne Wick Davis (“Southern Comfort”). Direction is by Marc Bruni (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”) and choreography is by Josh Prince (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”). “Trevor: The Musical” was lead produced Off Broadway by Roy Furman and John Ambrosino/Josie Bray/Mark Woods. The filmed version of the musical, which will premiere exclusively on Disney+, was directed by Robin Mishkin Abrams. Filming was produced by RadicalMedia with Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick, Meredith Bennett, and Jonathan Meyers serving as executive producers. The Academy Award-winning short film “Trevor” was directed by Peggy Rajski, produced by Randy Stone and written by Celeste Lecesne. The World Premiere of “Trevor: The Musical” was produced at The Writers Theatre, Chicago IL.
The Trevor (Original Cast Recording) is available to pre-save and pre-order with two tracks “Overture / Do You Know” and “On With the Show” available to stream now at https://ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/TrevorPR. The full album will be released by Ghostlight Records on June 24.
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people. The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are available 24/7 by phone, text, and web chat by visiting TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help. The Trevor Project also operates TrevorSpace, an affirming social networking site for LGBTQ young people around the globe.
TRAILER AND POSTER FOR 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS’ “THE PRINCESS” – Hulu July 1st
The high-octane trailer for 20th Century Studios’ “The Princess” is here. The original movie will stream July 1, 2022, exclusively on Disney’s direct-to-consumer platforms: on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
An action-packed fight to the death set in a fairy tale world, “The Princess” is directed by Le-Van Kiet (“Furie”) and stars Emmy Award® nominee Joey King (“The Act,” “The Kissing Booth”) as a beautiful, strong-willed princess who refuses to wed the cruel sociopath to whom she is betrothed, and is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her scorned, vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must protect her familyand save the kingdom. The movie also stars Dominic Cooper (“Preacher”), Olga Kurylenko (“Black Widow”), and Veronica Ngo (“The Old Guard”). “The Princess” is directed by Le-Van Kiet, written by Ben Lustig & Jake Thornton (“Winter’s Knight”, “Final Fantasy”), and produced by Neal H. Moritz (the “Fast and Furious” franchise), Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) and Derek Kolstad (“John Wick”), with Joey King and Guy Riedel (“Spectral”) serving as executive producers.
ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE directed by Billy Porter – Prime Video July 22nd
Anything’s Possible is a delightfully modern Gen Z coming-of-age story that follows Kelsa, a confident high school girl who is trans, as she navigates through senior year. When her classmate Khal gets a crush on her, he musters up the courage to ask her out, despite the drama he knows it could cause. What transpires is a romance that showcases the joy, tenderness, and pain of young love.
DISNEY’S ALL-NEW LIVE ACTION “PINOCCHIO” TO PREMIERE ON DISNEY+ ON THIS YEAR’S OFFICIAL DISNEY+ DAY – September 8th
The global celebration of Disney+ Day will return on Thursday, September 8, 2022, leading into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. In celebration, the streaming service will host special experiences for fans and subscribers, and will premiere new content from its marquee brands, including the return of the beloved Disney franchise in the all-new live action “Pinocchio” on Disney+ Day, September 8. The teaser trailer and key art for the film, starring Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Cynthia Erivo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, Lorraine Bracco and Luke Evans, are available now. In addition to “Pinocchio,” Disney+ will announce more Disney+ Day premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic in the coming months.
Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also in the cast are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana (and her marionette Sabina), Giuseppe Battiston as Señor Stromboli and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.
Robert Zemeckis, Derek Hogue, Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz are the film’s producers, with Jackie Levine, Jack Rapke, Alexandra Derbyshire and Jeremy Johns the executive producers.
When you wish upon a star…⭐ Watch the trailer for the all-new live action #Pinocchio and stream the movie, a #DisneyPlusDay premiere, September 8 on @DisneyPlus. ???????? pic.twitter.com/D9x5FDKjBc
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) May 31, 2022
THE MENU | Teaser Trailer Debut -In Theaters November 18, 2022
A couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.
Movie Inspired Activities
Colorful Castle Cupcakes Inspired By PAW Patrol Rescue Knights!
Check out this delicious castle cupcakes recipe inspired by PAW Patrol: Rescue Knights, available on DVD June 7! Click the link for a PAW-some treat you and your family can bake together: https://bit.ly/PPKnightsCupcakes
