by Rosa Parra

Disney Presentation

• Bragging about their box office feels somewhat ironic given that earlier that day, Disney announced it had laid off 1,000 employees. It seemed like a slap in the face to those who lost their jobs.  
• The upcoming film from this studio in just a few weeks is The Devil Wears Prada 2. We received exclusive footage that highlights Meryl Streep’s continued brilliance, showing she hasn’t missed a beat and possibly hasn’t aged at all. I loved it! We also received a sweet video message from Anne Hathaway introducing the footage. As a fan of the first film, I’m looking forward to this sequel.

• The Mandalorian and Grogu will be in theaters on May 22. Jon Favreau discusses the project and shared the film’s opening scene. I wish I knew more about the Star Wars universe to talk about it better. Grogu is the most adorable character in the film. Based on reactions, this opening probably met many fans’ expectations. I don’t plan to see it, but I believe fans would enjoy it. 

• Toy Story 5 addresses the theme of technological introduction to children, offering a relatable perspective on how today’s upbringing differs significantly from that of their parents and older siblings. Exploring the impact of technology on social interactions provides an engaging avenue for expansion. The film is scheduled for release on June 19, 2026. Additionally, the iconic voices of Woody and Buzz, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, will reprise their roles. For me, meeting these two was a remarkable experience—seeing them in person was an honor, as I grew up enjoying much of their work, making it a real treat. The two scenes we viewed were quite good. I’m unsure if I plan to see the film, as I’ve never become a hardcore fan of the franchise, but only time will tell. 

• The live-action adaptation of Moana is scheduled to be released on July 10. It seems unimpressive. The Rock appears on stage to discuss the film and then introduces Catherine Laga’aia, who will portray Moana. They both speak highly of one another, but I have no interest in seeing this film. I will continue to enjoy the animated version instead.
• August 2026: The Dog Stars, directed by Ridley Scott, stars Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qually, and Josh Brolin. The trailer looked decent but didn’t stand out to me. 

• On October 16, Whalefall will be released. This film explores what could happen if a whale swallows a scuba diver. The idea was inspired by a viral video of a whale swallowing kayakers. We saw a sequence from the film, and it was definitely memorable. Anything involving the ocean’s depths can be frightening. The sound design and music heighten the suspense and danger, with a score reminiscent of Jaws. This feels and looks terrifying. My plans to visit the beach are now indefinitely on hold. This movie is intense and not suitable for the faint-hearted. I kept my hands over my face while watching the trailer and only peeked through my fingers. My anxiety was at its peak, and we all sighed with relief when the clip ended—not because it was poorly made, but because it was so effectively intense. 

• Wild Horse Nine, releasing on November 6, is the latest film by Martin McDonagh, starring John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, and more. The trailer looks intriguing. The dialogue appears sharp and witty, featuring plenty of banter. It’s both funny and compelling.   
• Hexed is the upcoming Disney animated film set to release on November 25, and our initial impression was positive. Additionally, 20th Century Studios has announced another animated feature, Ice Age: Boiling Point, which is scheduled for release in February 2027. 
• And last but not least, the highlight of this presentation was Avengers: Doomsday. We recorded the entire session, so be sure to visit the Slant for video and audio coverage.