disney
Page: 2
Selena Gomez and David Henrie are officially back at Waverly Place. According to the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place description, the upcoming series follows “an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin […]
The all-star Disney rock covers set A Whole New Sound debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Kid Albums and Compilation Albums charts (dated Sept. 21). The 12-track set boasts rock acts like Yellowcard (featuring Chrissy Costanza), New Found Glory, Simple Plan and Mayday Parade covering such classic Disney tunes as “A Whole New World” (from […]
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty / Beau DeMayo
This might be one of the most ridiculous ways ever to respond to sexual misconduct allegations.
X-Men 97 showrunner Beau DeMayo vowed to address the serious allegations Disney/Marvel Studios dropped after DeMayo accused the studios of taking away his writing credit on the popular Disney+ animated series.
That day has finally come, but for whatever ridiculous reason, DeMayo locked his response behind his OnlyFans account.
Deadline exclusively reports that DeMayo claims “These allegations of egregious misconduct are false,” calling out Disney and Marvel for its “toxic environment” and “near criminal working conditions” that “turns individuals against one another, stokes paranoia to ensure compliance.”
DeMayo’s claims come after Disney/Marvel Studios revealed they fired him after a misconduct probe’s “egregious nature of the findings” after claiming his firing was due to him sharing risque fan art of himself.
According to reports, word on the Disney streets is that DeMayo allegedly sent nude photos of himself to X-Men ’97 colleagues and got handsy with some of them.
Per Deadline:
Today, as attorney Bryan Freedman filed an expedited jury trial seeking complaint in LA Superior Court to have an allegedly “illegal non-disparagement provision” removed from the writer’s exit package documents, DeMayo took to OnlyFans to call BS on the Kevin Feige-run Marvel and Bob Iger-led Disney.
“The rumors being spread around me online are lies, and they are offensive, but more concerning is that they’re a smear campaign designed to discredit my credibility in order to cover up the egregious prejudicial misconduct stretching from select crew members on X-Men ’97, all the way all the way to the top at Marvel Studios,” DeMayo declared in his nearly 30-minute remarks to camera on the often explicit subscription social platform.
Admitting that “personality conflicts happen, especially in creative environments like Hollywood, DeMayo also acknowledged that he has long known he is “not everyone’s cup of tea.”
Yet, in a nutshell, DeMayo asserted today that him “being gay, Black and open about it at Marvel Studios” and was the real issue the company had with him and why he was tossed out and later saw his credits for the upcoming second season of the mutant saga removed. In fact, spotlighting the timeline of his departure, DeMayo says that it was only after his intial conversation with company HR that he “no longer felt safe at the studio as a gay Black man” that he was shown the door.
Very interesting.
Social Media Reacts To Beau DeMayo Directing People To His OnlyFans Account
Users on X, formerly Twitter, are still skeptical and don’t understand why DeMayo directed people to his OnlyFans account to see his reply.
Again, this is a bizarre way to “bring the receipts and try to clear your name.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
3. Howling
4. Questions that needs answers
Kindergarten is a big life step for any kid. For many, it’s their first time away from home and their parents, it’s when they learn the alphabet and it’s when they get to experience making friends for the first time.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
That’s why the formative year was the inspiration behind Disney‘s freshly released series, Kindergarten: The Musical, which follows the story of 5-year-old Berti and her new friends as they navigate life at school. “We were all kids once,” one of the show’s creators and executive producers, Michelle Lewis, tells Billboard.
Her fellow series creator and executive producer, Charlton Pettus, agrees. “We’re both parents. Real kids are so much more interesting than most people. We’re telling super fun stories about people we know extraordinarily well, having raised bunches of them.”
Trending on Billboard
Charlton Pettus, Kay Hanley, Dan Petty, Michelle Lewis and Tom Warburton.
Courtesy of Disney
Lewis and Pettus are longtime co-creatives, as they worked as producers, songwriters and musicians for decades. Lewis is a two-time Emmy Award winner who has written for Cher, Amy Grant, Little Mix and more. She’s also worked on a number of animated children’s shows, including Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and Bubble Guppies.
Since 2000, Pettus has been a touring guitarist, producer and cowriter for Tears for Fears, and has also worked with artists including Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan and Selena Gomez. However, Kindergarten: The Musical marks his first time working on a television show. “It’s so much better,” he says of working in television. “In the darkest days of pop songwriting, [Lewis and I] were in that period where the mission was to write songs that sounded like they were about something, but assiduously avoided ever actually being about something. So, I think we got a little burnt on the chase.”
He noted that “TV and film seemed much more fun, so we started dabbling in that,” before adding, “We had a couple shows we were trying to pitch. Kindergarten came up as a back pocket pitch. We thought it was clever and kind of fun. As as we went out in the world and talked to people, this was the one that that people reacted to.”
However, music is hardly left on the back burner on Kindergarten: The Musical, as the name suggests. Lewis calls the series a “love letter to music” and its unifying nature. “We have a song called ‘I Want to Go Home’ in the show,” she says as an example. “It’s about being in school and they miss home, they miss their dog, whatever. What would seem like a tiny moment, for a little kid is actually a big moment, and big enough for them to sing. I hope that the show makes kids feel seen and heard, celebrated and comfortable with expressing those things, those fears and anxieties and joys and all that stuff through music.”
Pettus concludes, “Why do songs make us cry? Because we recognize ourselves. It resonates. I think we just want to do the same thing with kids. We want them to recognize themselves, see themselves, and see that it works out, that it’s all okay.”
Kindergarten: The Musical is available to watch on Disney Jr. and Disney+. Check out a clip of the song, “First Day,” exclusively via Billboard below.
[embedded content]
The world of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is just around the corner!
The show will officially premiere two episodes on Tuesday (Oct. 29) at 8 p.m. ET on Disney Channel. The first eight episodes will be available on Disney+ and Disney Channel On Demand the next day.
Additionally, a press release confirmed that Disney stars Raven-Symoné (Raven’s Home) and Danielle Fishel (Girl Meets World) will direct episodes in season one.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Selena Gomez and David Henrie, who played magical siblings Alex and Justin Russo on the original Wizards, will reprise their roles and serve as executive producers on the reboot. Along with Gomez and Henrie, former Disney Branded Television head Gary Marsh and director Andy Fickman are on board to produce, as are the pilot’s writers, Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas.
Henrie’s character will lead the majority of the show as Dad to sons Milo, played by Max Matenko, and Roman, portrayed by Alkaio Thiele. More than a decade after the original Wizards wrapped in 2012, Justin Russo is also a married man; his wife, Giada, will be brought to life by Mimi Gianopulos. The series lead, Billie, will be portrayed as Janice LeAnn Brown.
Trending on Billboard
According to the series description, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, follows “an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.”
Following the premiere, two new episodes — including a Halloween-themed episode — will air Wednesday (Oct. 30) on Disney Channel. Beginning Nov. 8, episodes move to Fridays at 8 p.m. ET, with two episodes weekly.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Although D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is over, there’s a wide range of awesome exclusive gifts, toys, and other collectibles available for fans who were unable to attend the convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. this year.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
We rounded up the best exclusives from D23 that can only be found at the Disney Store. These picks range from toys from popular Disney animated features, like Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and others, to collectibles from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars.
But act fast and shop now, so you don’t miss out. All of these gifts and collectibles from D23 are only available for a limited time and in low quantities. There are already a large number of item that are sold out, including the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Lightsaber Hilt Set, Maleficent Ear Headband, Aladdin & Jasmine Limited Edition Doll Set, A Goofy Movie Light-Up Theater Pin and others.
Trending on Billboard
Additionally, if you’re not a D23 member, then you can join the official Disney Fan Club at D23.com. Although it’s free to sign up, the best membership packages start at $99.99 per year with perks, like exclusive discounts on Disney collectibles, annual collector sets, special events and more. Learn more about D23 here.
Scroll down and shop the best exclusive D23 gifts and collectibles from the Disney Store, below:
Disney
Iron Man Mark LXXX
Disney
Star Wars: Dark Side Spirit Jersey
Disney
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Pocketwatch
Disney
Darth Vader Stainless Steel Starbucks Tumbler
Disney
Disney Parks Wishables Good vs. Evil Plush Blind Pack
Disney
Snow White and Evil Queen Vinyl Figurine Set
Disney
Disneyland Icons Woven Shirt
Want more? Check out more gifts and collectibles from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Disney Store, below:
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
As Disney fans flocked to the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on Sunday evening (Aug. 11) for the Disney Legends Ceremony, one thing was clear: this was not the average award show. (Perhaps the biggest spoiler was the abundance of Mickey Mouse ears.) The star-studded evening served as the finale to D23, a three-day event […]
On Sunday night (Aug. 11), the 2024 Disney Legends Ceremony took place in Anaheim, Calif. and welcomed 14 new members into the prestigious group — including the youngest yet, Miley Cyrus.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Host Ryan Seacrest noted that Cyrus entered the Disney family when she was just 13 years old (she is currently 31) and quickly took the network — and the world — by storm. A highlight reel of Cyrus’ history-making career then played, which included clips from her 2023 Disney+ special Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), memorable scenes from Hannah Montana, early interviews and more.
As the reel wrapped, a band glided onto the stage fronted by country superstar Lainey Wilson. “Miley, you might not know this but I am truly one of your biggest fans. My very first job was taking my portable sound system and a wig…and impersonating Hannah Montana,” she recalled. (Wilson talked about the experience in her Billboard cover story). “You inspired me to believe in myself. That I, too, could be an ordinary girl living in an extraordinary world. So on behalf of Hannah Montana fans everywhere, I’d like to dedicate this song to you.”
Trending on Billboard
Wilson then ripped into a passionate cover of the Hannah Montana theme song “The Best of Both Worlds.” She even added a bit of her own present-day observations on lines like, “You go to movie premiers,” swapping out “is that Orlando Bloom?” for “is that Glen Powell?”
After the performance (which Wilson called “a dream come true”), she thanked Cyrus for “never being afraid to step outside the box, always staying true to yourself and most of all for kicking butt, no matter what, girl.”
Cyrus — who was seated alongside her mom Tish in the front row, next to other honorees such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Angela Bassett, Harrison Ford and more — then walked on stage and pulled Wilson into a warm hug. As Cyrus stepped up to the mic, she told the crowd of nearly 20,000 fans, “I am definitely going to cry,” which only warranted an even longer and louder and standing ovation.
“Before we get started,” she continued, “I’m going to let everybody in on a little Disney Legends’ secret — I’m the one that tells you what you’re not supposed to know. And what I want to say is that legends get scared too. I’m scared right now…It’s legendary to be afraid and do it anyway. There’s no such thing as failure when you try.”
Cyrus then unveiled two different speeches she prepared: “One long, if I’m the badass I’m supposed to be. And one short, if I get scared.” (Her speech spanned just over five minutes; needless to say, she chose the badass route.)
“In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild and reimagine the company — that’s why they hired [Disney CEO] Bob Iger and me,” she said with a chuckle, earning a big laugh from the audience. She then recalled the “buzz” in the Burbank office where she auditioned for the role of Hannah Montana many years ago — the same office where, as she joked, “it’s rumored they create all of us Disney kids…I definitely wasn’t created in a lab, but if I was, there must’ve been a bug in the system which caused me to malfunction somewhere between the years of 2013-16.”
Joking aside, Cyrus then detailed a much earlier era in her storied life when she moved from Nashville to Los Angeles to start her career. After sharing how she got the part of Hannah Montana, she recalled her first performance as the fictional star, which took place for free at the Glendale Galleria. “The first song I opened with was titled ‘This Is The Life,’” she said. “Which of course, no one knew. Because in reality I was a little girl in a blonde wig at the mall with a big dream. But in my heart, I was Hannah Montana. And I was so proud to be her.”
“A little bit of everything has changed since that day, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all. I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana. Because she made Miley in so many ways. This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself: ‘This is the life.’”
The first trailer for the upcoming live-action Snow White movie has arrived. Disney revealed the teaser for the remake of the classic 1937 animated film during D23 in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday (Aug. 9). Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, is scheduled to arrive in […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Let the magic begin! Disney’s D23 Expo returns to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., from Aug. 9-11.
The annual event, presented by Visa, will feature 55 panels spread over five stages. Disney fans will be able to attend panels, presentations, interactive experiences, surprise reunions and exclusive showcases from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu, Lucasfilm and more.
Keep reading for a rundown of the D23 2024 schedule, ticketing and live streaming.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
D23 Schedule
This year’s expo, the largest to date, will kick off with D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday (Aug. 8). Two of the weekend’s major events include the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday at 7 p.m. PT and Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday at 7 p.m. PT.
Trending on Billboard
D23 concludes on Sunday with the Disney Legends Award honoring Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Colleen Atwood, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, John Williams and other Disney legends. The ceremony, scheduled for 5 p.m. PT at the Honda Center, will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
“To be named a Disney Legend is the highest honor our company can bestow on anyone, reserved for those whose talent and achievements have earned them an enduring place in our history,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “The fourteen individuals to be honored as Disney Legends this year have each made extraordinary creative contributions across the worlds of Disney and we look forward to celebrating them at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.”
The weekend of panels, meet and greets and more includes the Disney 23 Masquerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest, Disney Princess – The Concert, Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio, which will offer live recording sessions with fan-favorite Disney characters.
Additionally, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek of new series, and Q&A’s with the cast and creative teams behind beloved series and movies. Other events slated for the weekend include 30 Years of Toy Story, Disney Princess: Creating Tiana’s World, Exploring New Parts of the Mind: Behind the Design of Inside Out 2 + a Dreamy Surprise, Grey’s Anatomy: 20th Celebration, Abbott Elementary: Class Is in Session, Donald Duck’s 90th Quaktacular, Marvel Comics: Celebrating 50 Years of Wolverine, and a Marvel Animation sneak peek featuring special guests and first looks at Disney+ series such as X-Men ’97, Eyes of Wakanda and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman. Find more information here.
Where to Get Tickets
The ticket process for D23 looks different this year. For starters, tickets went on sale in March, and you had to sign up to become a D23 Member to purchase them. D23 Gold Members and D23 Members with Visa cards got access to pre-sale tickets ahead of everyone else. Single-day and three-day passes ranged from $79 to $259 and more than $1,000 for the Ultimate Preferred Fan 3-Day Pass.
Although tickets to the Ultimate Fan Event and other events are sold out, you might be able to find a small assortment of passes on sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats.
Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ will also be showcasing an epic streaming lineup of live and on-demand content, along with immersive experiences, appearances from talent, photo opportunities at The Disney Bundle Pavilion, special perks for Disney+ subscribers and live demos of the latest features on Disney+.
Can’t make it in person? Unfortunately, D23 will not be live streamed this year but you can follow updates on the D23.com and on the D23 YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.