News & Press Releases

Walt Disney Studios: “Saving Mr. Banks” Begins Production in Los Angeles

Published

11 years ago

September 18, 2012

Los Angeles, Calif., September 19, 2012-Disney
began production today on "Saving Mr. Banks," the account of Walt
Disney's twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to P.L. Travers' popular
novel, Mary Poppins, and the testy partnership the upbeat filmmaker develops with the uptight author during the project's pre-production in 1961.

Two-time Academy Award®-winner
Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump") will essay the role of the
legendary Disney (the first time the entrepreneur has ever been depicted
in a dramatic film) alongside fellow double Oscar®-winner
Emma Thompson ("Howard's End," "Sense and Sensibility") in the role of
the prickly novelist. Before actually signing away the book's rights,
Travers' demands for contractual script and character control circumvent
not only Disney's vision for the film adaptation, but also those of the
creative team of screenwriter Don DaGradi and sibling composers Richard
and Robert Sherman, whose original score and song (Chim-Chim-Cher-ee) would go on to win Oscars® at the 1965 ceremonies (the film won five awards of its thirteen nominations).

When Travers travels from London to Hollywood in 1961 to finally
discuss Disney's desire to bring her beloved character to the motion
picture screen (a quest he began in the 1940s as a promise to his two
daughters), Disney meets a prim, uncompromising sexagenarian not only
suspect of the impresario's concept for the film, but a woman struggling
with her own past. During her stay in California, Travers' reflects
back on her childhood in 1906 Australia, a trying time for her family
which not only molded her aspirations to write, but one that also
inspired the characters in her 1934 book.

None more so than the one person whom she loved and admired more than
any other-her caring father, Travers Goff, a tormented banker who,
before his untimely death that same year, instills the youngster with
both affection and enlightenment (and would be the muse for the story's
patriarch, Mr. Banks, the sole character that the famous nanny comes to
aide). While reluctant to grant Disney the film rights, Travers comes
to realize that the acclaimed Hollywood storyteller has his own motives
for wanting to make the film-which, like the author, hints at the
relationship he shared with his own father in the early 20th Century
Midwest.

Colin Farrell ("Minority Report," "Total Recall") co-stars as Travers'
doting dad, Goff, along with British actress Ruth Wilson (the
forthcoming films "The Lone Ranger" and "Anna Karenina") as his
long-suffering wife, Margaret; Oscar®
and Emmy® nominee Rachel Griffiths ("Six Feet Under," "Hilary and
Jackie," "The Rookie") as Margaret's sister, Aunt Ellie (who inspired
the title character of Travers' novel); and a screen
newcomer-11-year-old Aussie native Annie Buckley as the young,
blossoming writer, nicknamed "Ginty" in the flashback sequences.

The cast also includes Emmy® winner Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing,"
"The Cabin in the Woods") as screenwriter Don DaGradi; Jason Schwartzman
("Rushmore," "Moonrise Kingdom") and B.J. Novak ("NBC's "The Office,"
"Inglourious Basterds") as the songwriting Sherman Brothers (Richard and
Robert, respectively); Oscar®
nominee and Emmy winner Paul Giamatti ("Sideways," "Cinderella Man,"
HBO's "John Adams") as Ralph, the kindly limousine driver who escorts
Travers during her two-week stay in Hollywood; and multi-Emmy winner
Kathy Baker ("Picket Fences," "Edward Scissorhands") as Tommie, one of
Disney's trusted studio associates.

"Saving Mr. Banks" will be directed by John Lee Hancock ("The Blind
Side," "The Rookie") based on a screenplay by Kelly Marcel (creator of
FOX-TV's "Terra Nova"), from a story by Sue Smith ("Brides of Christ,"
"Bastard Boys") and Kelly Marcel. The film is being produced by Alison
Owen of Ruby Films (the Oscar®-nominated
"Elizabeth," HBO's Emmy®-winning "Temple Grandin"), Ian Collie of
Essential Media (the Aussie TV documentary "The Shadow of Mary Poppins,"
DirecTV's "Rake") and longtime Hancock collaborator Philip
Steuer ("The Rookie," "The Chronicles of Narnia" trilogy). The film's
executive producers are Ruby Films' Paul Trijbits ("Lay the Favorite,"
"Jane Eyre"), Hopscotch Features' Andrew Mason ("The Matrix" trilogy,
"Dark City") and Troy Lum ("Mao's Last Dancer," "I, Frankenstein") and
BBC Films' Christine Langan (Oscar® nominee for "The Queen," "We Need to Talk About Kevin").

Hancock's filmmaking team includes a trio of artists with whom he worked on his 2009 Best Picture Oscar® nominee, "The Blind Side"-two-time Oscar®
nominated production designer Michael Corenblith ("How The Grinch Stole
Christmas," "Apollo 13"), Emmy®-winning costume designer Daniel Orlandi
(HBO's "Game Change," "Frost/Nixon") and film editor Mark Livolsi,
A.C.E. ("Wedding Crashers" "The Devil Wears Prada"). Hancock also
reunites with Academy Award®-nominated
cinematographer John Schwartzman ("Seabiscuit," "Pearl Harbor"), with
whom he first worked on his inspiring 2002 sports drama, "The Rookie."

"Saving Mr. Banks" will film entirely in the Los Angeles area, with key
locations to include Disneyland in Anaheim and the Disney Studios in
Burbank. Filming will conclude around Thanksgiving, 2012, with no
specific 2013 release date yet set.

News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

Published

3 weeks ago

May 4, 2023

Jim Hill

Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”

Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.

We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.

News & Press Releases

Disney’s New Trailer Reveals How Ralph & Vanellope Get to the Internet in “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2”

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2018

Jim Hill

When “Wreck-It Ralph” opened on Nov. 2, 2012, it turned in the highest opening weekend ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film at the time of release. Now Disney is hoping Ralph will not only break the Internet but the 2018 Thanksgiving boxoffice records as well.

The film re-teams the original director, producer and co-writer behind “Wreck-It Ralph.” The screenplay is currently being written by Phil Johnston and Pamela Ribon. Director Rich Moore, producer Clark Spencer, and co-writer Phil Johnston partnered with fellow director Byron Howard and co-writer/co-director Jared Bush to create the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster feature “Zootopia.”

ROYAL REUNION – In “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2,” Vanellope von Schweetz-along with her best friend Ralph-ventures into the uncharted world of the internet. When she finds herself surrounded by Disney princesses, she’s surprised to learn that she actually has a lot in common with them. The scene, highlighted in a new trailer for the film (below), features several of the original princess voices, including Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”), Kristen Bell (Anna in “Frozen”), Idina Menzel (Elsa in “Frozen”), Kelly MacDonald (Merida in “Brave”), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in “Tangled”), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”), Ming-Na Wen (“Mulan”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas”), Linda Larkin (Jasmine in “Aladdin”), Paige O’Hara (Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”) and Jodi Benson (Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”). Featuring Sarah Silverman as the voice of Vanellope, “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 21, 2018.

“RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2”

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

https://disney.com/ralphbreakstheinternet

https://www.youtube.com/user/disneyanimation

https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph/

https://twitter.com/wreckitralph

https://www.instagram.com/wreckitralph/

U.S. Release Date: Nov. 21, 2018

Voice cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Taraji P. Henson, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk

Directors: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston

Producer: Clark Spencer

Film & Movies

Marvel Fans: See Props, Costumes, New Games, Exclusive Content and More at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2017 in Anaheim

Published

6 years ago

May 22, 2017

Jim Hill

MARVEL ANNOUNCES EPIC EXPERIENCES FOR FANS AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO 2017 IN ANAHEIM, JULY 14-16

BURBANK, Calif. (June 1, 2017) – Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo’s show floor from July 14-16 with an exciting look at its upcoming film titles in the Marvel Studios Pavilion, featuring an array of props and costumes from the Studios’ upcoming slate, including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and more.

In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, in theaters November 2017, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok-the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization-at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela., played by Cate Blanchette.

But first he must survive the Grandmaster’s gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger-the Incredible Hulk.

Fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from this highly anticipated movie as well as photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film.

The incredible costumes from Black Panther will also be on display.

Black Panther follows the journey of T’Challa after the events of Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War,where he returns to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader.

In addition to the exciting props and costumes on display, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events within its pavilion space in Hall B.

Fans will get the chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Exclusive artwork will be given away daily, along with other surprises. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available on the D23 Expo app.

Fans will also be able to enjoy all-new console and mobile Marvel Games, plus incredible exclusive content and announcements throughout the weekend!

For the first time at D23 Expo, guests will be able to get their hands on the hottest new console and mobile games featuring favorite Marvel Super Heroes, playing as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more!

LEGO^®Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO^®Marvel Super Heroes.Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor,the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.

Adding to the infinite excitement of D23 Expo, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series.

Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite features a variety of exciting and accessible single-player modes and rich multi-player content for new players and longtime fans alike and will be released on September 19, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes.

Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs and MMOs with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. With thousands of hours of character progression and rewards,Marvel Heroes Omegacomes packed with tons of replay value and a steady stream of new challenges with regular updates.

Netmarble is bringing its best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight.

Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can try their hand at saving the universe.

Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game available on your phone, tablet, and PC.

Marvel Puzzle Questcombines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-versus-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more. Guests can unleash their inner Super Hero and wage war against their enemies. Learn more atwww.marvelpuzzlequest.com.

Marvel will present incredible panels during D23 Expo, including the fan-favorite Cup o’ Joe on Friday, July 14, at 1:15 p.m. in the D23 Expo Arena, featuring Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Joe Quesada, in a no-holds-barred panel of everything Marvel!

That same day at 6 p.m. on Stage 28, Marvel Animation presents a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28. Details will be available on the D23 Expo app.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 forchildren 3-9. Membersof D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3-9. Multi-day tickets are also available.

For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.