Last week I attended my favourite event of the year, the Disney Africa Annual Showcase. Now, I am sure that sounds like a mouthful, but every year Disney comes to the country to show off all the things we love the most from the company. This year the presentation had some pretty cool things to it, but most of all we got to see just how Disney is doing in the country, and spoiler alert: everyone loves Disney.
From their merchandise, to their local box office presence, Disney clearly knows what they doing. Disney’s TV presence in SA almost 2 million viewers daily across their channel variety like Disney Junior, Disney XD, and Disney Channel. As for their box office, how is R41 million for you in 2016 alone?
Numbers aside, Disney showed off what has to be some of the best content coming up in the next 16 months from their media distribution team. From Star Wars, to Elena of Avalor, to Doctor Strange. Here are some of the best Disney films that you need to watch out for in the next year.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales
As a massive Pirates of the Caribbean fan, to see some behind the scenes footage of Javier Bardem as the villain Captain Salazar, just gave me hot flushes. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales, follows the story of the infamous Jack Sparrow, who is played by the fantastic Johnny Depp. Captain Sparrow takes on a new adventure as he searches for the Trident of Poseidon. Jack’s past will come to light as Captain Salazar, who Jack Sparrow betrayed in his younger years, is now being hunted by the most ferocious pirate to sail the seas. Does that not sound simply amazing? The movie will open worldwide on 27 March 2017.
Elena of Avalor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aX1GcMGRHY
Elana of Avalor follows the story of a young teenager Elena, who has now suddenly become Queen of a great nation. The show will target a younger audience, as Elena struggles to come into terms with her new responsibilities while trying to keep her new kingdom in order. Elena of Avalor is kind of like the Frozen TV show we never got and what I saw of the show, it looks pretty cute, and something any child will love. Elena of Avalor will premier on Disney Channel in April 2017
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Boo-hoo, no Star Wars: Episode VIII this year, but at least we will be able to experience Rogue One: Star Wars. Disney showed off some pretty cool content on the upcoming movie, including the trailer we have all perved over a dozen times. The movie will bridge the gap between Star Wars: Episode III and Star Wars: Episode VI. Who stole the plans to the Death Star which led to Luke Skywalker destroying it? Well, the band of misfits who will make their debut in Rogue One. The film opens worldwide in December 2016
LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures
After the huge success that was LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there was no doubt that Disney would not release some sort of TV show adaption, and LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures will see all the humour and LEGO goodness that we love from the video games, be translated to 30-minute episodes.
Moana
What could be better than a beautiful CG film based on a tropical island and starring Dwayne Johnson? Well, Moana could be the next Inside Out, all thanks to its heartwarming plot and stellar CG animation. What I saw at the event will live with me for years as the clip showed off Moana as a child, explore a living and breathing ocean with the cutest face you could ever imagine. Moana is releasing this November in SA.
Queen of Katwe
Based off a real life story of a Ugandan girl named Phiona Mutesi, the story follows Phiona as she becomes a chess world champion after following her dreams. Being raised in an informal settlement, all she is surrounded by is disappointment, but she believes that anything is possible when she comes across the sport. Guys just watch the trailer, feel free to cry – I did.
Beauty and the Beast
Emma Watson is Belle in Beauty and the Beast. As Disney brings our favourite animated series to live-action adaptions, I cannot wait to see Beauty and the Beast. The original film was timeless, and after seeing Emma Thompson, who plays Ms Pots, singing the classic “Tale as old as Time”, I have to say its one of my most anticipated films of 2017. I am sure it is going to be absolutely fantastic.
Your inner Geek Girl is going to be happy as we move in to the new year. I for one cannot wait to see Queen of Katwe. Which of these Disney films are you excited to see?
