Disney’s D23 Expo 2026 is set to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Walt Disney Animation. Two years after the last D23 Expo, the entertainment giant is poised to unveil its next big moves in Anaheim. With a new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, formerly of Disney Parks, at the helm, the company is navigating a landscape where Toy Story 5 has become a billion-dollar hit but challenges like underperforming shows and streaming consolidation loom large.
The stakes are high for this year’s D23 Expo, with rumors swirling about potential reveals that could shape the future of Disney’s entertainment empire. From Avengers: Doomsday to Star Wars: Starfighter and updates on beloved franchises like Frozen and Toy Story fans have a lot to look forward to.
Major Announcements Expected at D23 Expo 2026
The D23 Expo 2026 is anticipated to be a treasure trove of announcements. Among the most eagerly awaited are:
- Avengers: Doomsday – Another major look at this highly anticipated film
- Disney’s new X-Men movie – Updates on the latest installment in the X-Men franchise
- Star Wars: Starfighter and Ahsoka season 2 – A first peek at these exciting projects
- Frozen 3Toy StoryCoco 2 and Disney Animation’s Hexed – News on these beloved franchises
- The Princess Diaries 3 a live-action TangledLilo & Stitch 2 and the next Simpsons movie – Updates on these highly anticipated projects
Disney Experiences Showcase: A Live Event on Disney+
For those unable to attend the D23 Expo in person, there’s good news. The Disney Experiences Showcase one of the marquee events at D23, will be streamed live on Disney+ on Saturday night. Hosted by the charismatic Neil Patrick Harris this event promises to give fans a behind-the-curtain look at upcoming attraction plans and new projects.
The showcase will feature a lineup of industry leaders, including Thomas Mazloum Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Bruce Vaughn President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering. Other notable participants include Ali Rubinstein Senior Vice President of Global Creative & Development Studios, and Michael Hundgen Vice President Creative of Walt Disney World.
This move to stream the event live on Disney+ is a significant step in making the D23 Expo more accessible to fans worldwide. It aligns with Josh D’Amaro’s vision to make Disney+ a gateway to all things Disney, further integrating the streaming platform into the company’s broader ecosystem.
Why This Year’s D23 Expo Matters
In 2019, Disney seemed unstoppable. However, by 2026, the landscape has shifted. While the company has achieved notable successes, such as the Toy Story 5 box office hit, it also faces challenges. Shows like The Mandalorian & Grogu and the live-action Moana have underperformed, and Marvel’s Avengers plans are seen as a gamble rather than a sure thing. Additionally, the existential threat of YouTube #content looms large.
Amidst these uncertainties, one thing remains clear: fans are eager for more Kingdom Hearts. The beloved franchise has become a cultural touchstone, offering a sense of continuity and excitement in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
The D23 Expo 2026 is more than just a showcase of upcoming projects; it’s a barometer of Disney’s future. As the company navigates a complex and evolving media landscape, the announcements and updates from this year’s Expo will provide valuable insights into what lies ahead for one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands.
