The 10 Most Exciting Announcements from D23 and San Diego Comic-Con 2017

Well, it’s been a pretty big couple of weeks for film fans, with Disney’s D23 Expo and the San Diego Comic-Con showing us what we can expect from our favourite franchises over the next few years.

And, as expected, Disney, LucasFilm, Marvel and Pixar made a lot of big announcements, from new film projects and casting reveals to teaser trailers and theme park plans.

Here’s a round-up of the 10 most exciting things we saw from this year’s D23 Expo and ComicCon.

Avengers: Infinity War

Of all the things we saw from D23 and ComicCon, this could be the one we’re most excited about.

Marvel fans were treated to a 4-minute teaser from the much-anticipated Avengers: Infinity War at the end of the D23 Expo.

The clip began with the Guardians of the Galaxy running into Thor against a backdrop of cosmic carnage. This was followed by snippets of what appeared to be an epic battle between the Avengers and Thanos.

Other important details to note? It looks like Captain America now has a beard and Black Widow has gone blonde.

Can’t wait for Avengers: Infinity War? Show your support for the team by checking out our Avengers merchandise as well as the individual ranges for Captain America, Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hulk, Thor, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and Ant-Man. Did we forget anybody?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Director Rian Johnson took the stage at D23 along with Star Wars cast members Daisy Ridley, Benicio Del Toro, Gwendoline Christie and Laura Dern to talk about the next instalment in the saga.

And although we didn’t get any new plot details, they did show a behind-the-scenes featurette that hinted at what may be in store, including a terrifying wolf-like creature and an adorable critter apparently known as a Porg. N’aww!

The footage ended with a clip of the late Carrie Fisher, who spoke movingly about what it meant to her to work on The Last Jedi. “(This film) is about family,” she said. “That’s what so powerful about it.”

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2

We also got loads more details about the upcoming sequel to Wreck-It Ralph. In Ralph Breaks the Internet, the title character and his best friend, Vanellope, escape the arcade and enter the Internet to find a fix for the Sugar Rush game.

During their quest, they meet a few new characters, as well as familiar faces from LucasFilm and Marvel along with all of the Disney princesses. Yup, that’s right. All of them. And with many of the original actresses reprising their roles, we really can’t wait to see it.

Want to dress like a Disney princess? Then check out our full range of Disney merchandise, including stunning replica dresses from Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan and more!

Live-action Aladdin

Following the success of Beauty and the Beast, Disney are following up with a live-action, Guy Ritchie-directed Aladdin remake. And at D23, it was announced that Mena Massoud has been cast as the title role, while Naomi Scott has been chosen to play Jasmine.

Will Smith has been chosen to take on the iconic role of the Genie, which was of course played by the late Robin Williams in the original animated movie.

What would you ask the Genie for? How about an Aladdin’s Cave of Aladdin merchandise?

Kingdom Hearts 3

D23 also gave us a sneak peek at the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts 3. And from what we could tell, it will definitely be worth the wait.

Set for release sometime in 2018, the third major instalment in the Final Fantasy/Disney crossover will see Sora and pals Donald and Goofy team up with Toy Story favourites Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

With the long-awaited third instalment just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to grab some Kingdom Hearts merchandise!

 

Stranger Things Season 2

The first series of Stranger Things was a smash, so expectations for the second are huge. Fortunately, the trailer dropped by Netflix during SDCC hit the spot and hinted at a host of new twists and turns.

Enter the Upside Down world of our Stranger Things merchandise, featuring Funko Pop! figures of all of your favourite characters!

 

Mary Poppins Returns

We literally could not be more excited about next year’s sequel to the 1964 classic. And judging by the exclusive clip shown at D23, it promises to be all we’ve hoped for and more.

The teaser showed Emily Blunt as the title character flying in with her umbrella. We also saw kite-flying, character shots and Dick Van Dyke dancing on a table. It really does look practically perfect in the most delightful way.

Star Wars Land – coming to Walt Disney World

It’s no secret that a new Star Wars-themed land is coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2019. But, we found out much more about it at D23.

The new area is going to be called Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and will be set on a remote planet during the war between the First Order and the Resistance. Attractions will include a trip in the Millennium Falcon and a ride that will put you right at the centre of a huge battle between the two sides.

Galaxy’s Edge is said to be a “fully immersive” experience, and apparently, the decisions you make there will affect you elsewhere in the park.

And as if this wasn’t cool enough, Disney also announced plans for a Star Wars hotel, where each guest will apparently experience a completely unique story during their stay. You’ll get to dress up in Star Wars clothing and explore the alien-filled hotel, which will look like a starship. And when you look out the window? Instead of seeing Florida sunshine, you’ll see outer-space.

Planning a visit to Galaxy’s Edge? You’ll need to stock up on Star Wars merchandise!

 

Captain Marvel

Guys, it’s happening!!!! #captainmarvel #sdcc2017

A post shared by Brie (@brielarson) on Jul 22, 2017 at 6:53pm PDT

Although Captain Marvel hasn’t even begun filming yet, we did manage to get a couple of very important details from SDCC – including our first look at Brie Larson as the titular Captain in costume (above).

Director Kevin Feige confirmed that the film will be set in the 1990s. Samuel L Jackson will be returning as Nick Fury, although the film is set before he lost his eye – so we’ll get to see Fury sans eyepatch.

Doctor Who Christmas Special

Emotions were high as Peter Capaldi, Steven Moffat, Michelle Gomez and Pearl Mackie manned the stage for their final SDCC panel as the current torch-bearers for Doctor Who.

They treated us to our first trailer for the upcoming Christmas special, Twice Upon A Time, which will see David Bradley play the original Doctor in place of the late William Hartnell – and the physical and vocal resemblance is uncanny.

Say goodbye to Doctor Twelve with something from our range of Doctor Who merchandise!

 

It’s been a hectic couple of weeks for big announcements and entertainment expos. The next to come up is London Film & Comic Con, where you can meet the EMP crew! Come check out the EMP stall where we’ll be selling merch and giving away awesome prizes and freebies!