What To Expect From Disney's D23 2026 Event: Panels, Predictions & More

Disney returns to Anaheim, California in a few weeks for the ninth D23 Expo. Beginning on August 14, 2026 and running until August 16, 2026, the upcoming biennial exposition event promises to deliver all kinds of exciting reveals, announcements, celebrity appearances, experiences, and more for those lucky enough to have tickets to the event, which is once again held at Anaheim Convention Center. The history of D23 dates back to 2009 when Bob Iger announced that a Disney exclusive convention, akin to San Diego Comic-Con but only focused on Disney properties, would become a biennial staple. In off years, Disney holds Destination D23 events, which bring smaller scale D23-esque events to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. D23 also has global reach as there have been three D23 Expo Japan events to date and, in 2024, Disney celebrated the first D23 Brazil: A Disney Experience. The ‘D’ in D23 refers to Disney and the ‘23’ refers to 1923, the year in which Walt Disney founded the company. The latter speaks to the longevity a company known for some of the most iconic characters and stories in film and television history has had, making the event a must-see for anyone interested in projects ranging from Star Wars to Marvel to Pixar and more. As D23 2026 is right around the corner, now is the perfect time to look ahead to the upcoming event, review what makes D23 so special, and preview what may be coming to Anaheim next month. D23 Is The Ultimate Disney Fan Event To celebrate all things Disney, each D23 features a range of programming, panels, presentations, contests, and more. In addition to having a number of pop-up stores selling exclusive merchandise, D23 features fan art and fan costume contests, in addition to a Walt Disney Archives curated exhibit. The highlights of each D23 typically come in the form of massive panel presentations, which tease what Disney has in store across a number of departments. Each year, a Disney Parks panel presentation previews what the company has in store for its parks around the world. D23 Expo 2017 was where Disney announced the development of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, and expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. On the movie and television front, Disney typically holds entertainment showcase panel presentations, which feature surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive footage of upcoming Disney movies and shows, and announcements of new projects. Last D23, for instance, showcased updates for and presented exclusive footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Hoppers, and more. The previous D23, held in 2022, revealed slate details for Disney television, including upcoming Marvel and Star Wars projects. D23 is also the home to a Disney Legends award ceremony in which The Walt Disney Company bestows its highest honor on individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the company’s legacy. 2024’s honorees included Harrison Ford, John Williams, Angela Bassett, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Miley Cyrus. What Is Planned For D23 2026? Kevin Korionoff as Acolyte Stranger D23 (Image from Star Wars.com) The first day of D23 2026, August 14, will feature a multitude of panels and presentations. The day kicks off with Marvel Fanfare, a celebration of Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man with exclusive stories and a comic giveaway. After that, the day features a 35th anniversary celebration of Beauty and the Beast with the filmmakers and stars, a presentation that allows attendees to watch how the creative team behind Bob’s Burgers brings an episode from script to screen, a Q&A with renowned composer Michael Giacchino, a panel of The Simpsons cast and creators discussing the show’s lasting success, and more. August 14 culminates in the Disney Entertainment Showcase at the Honda Center, which will include exclusive previews, celebrity appearances, performances, and major Disney announcements from upcoming movies and shows. Before concluding with a Disney Experiences Showcase hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the second day of D23 2026 will offer attendees a special early screening of the new Disney+ special LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian, a panel featuring the stars of Camp Rock 3: The Next Generation, a celebration of Spider-Man’s 65-year legacy, a cast reunion of Scrubs to commemorate the series’ revival, and more. The big event on the final day of D23 2026 comes in the form of a Disney Legends Award Ceremony that will honor the following: Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Bob Iger, The Jonas Brothers, Alan Tudyk, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jerry Bruckheimer, Chris Berman, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, and Kim Irvine. Other events planned for August 16 include a new feature-length documentary from Leslie Iwerks, a behind-the-scenes look at Hasbro’s lifelike Grogu collectible, a celebration of the 65th anniversary of 101 Dalmatians, a Disney Experiences Auction that allows attendees to bid on rare Disney Parks memorabilia and collectibles, and more. Star Wars Predictions For D23 2026 The Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday, August 14 is arguably the main event at D23 2026 given the company’s history of announcing new projects and debuting exclusive footage during this presentation in the past. Starting with a galaxy far, far away, it’s a relatively safe bet to assume that D23 2026 will treat attendees to the world exclusive first look at Star Wars: Starfighter, the new feature film from director Shawn Levy and leading actor Ryan Gosling. Last D23 offered the world exclusive first look at The Mandalorian and Grogu, so there is precedent for big-name Star Wars projects to take the spotlight during such presentations. Based on the recent announcement that Levy and Gosling are re-teaming for a Ghost Rider movie, confidence is clearly high in Starfighter and, given the lackluster financial performance of The Mandalorian and Grogu, Lucasfilm and Disney may wish to show the world that they have a gem up their sleeves . The entertainment showcase will also almost certainly include a first look at Ahsoka Season 2, which debuts early next year on Disney+. The new season wrapped principal photography a while ago and is deep into post-production, meaning Dave Filoni and company likely have a trailer and maybe even a few scenes cut and ready to go to be shown at D23. Much speculation regarding the future of live-action Star Wars shows remains as Ahsoka Season 2 is the only announced live-action Star Wars show on the horizon. If Lucasfilm doesn’t wish to wait until Star Wars Celebration next year for an announcement, the company may wish to provide an update on the future of live-action Star Wars shows at D23 2026. This may come in the form of the announcement that Dave Filoni’s crossover movie will be reworked into a television miniseries. Animation wise, with Maul - Shadow Lord Season 2 in development and given the universal acclaim for the series’ first season, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Lucasfilm and Disney offer a first glimpse at the new episodes, which arrive on Disney+ next year. Beyond Maul, the announcement of a new animated show seems unlikely but isn’t entirely improbable. Marvel Predictions For D23 2026 Over to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige will likely be on stage at the Honda Center to discuss Avengers: Doomsday. Footage from the film, whether it be the trailer that recently screened at San Diego Comic-Con or a brand-new look, will almost certainly be presented at D23. Rumblings suggest that Feige may reveal more cast members for Doomsday at D23, which could come in the form of Tobey Maguire, Hugh Jackman, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, or countless potential others. After its absence from the Marvel panel at SDCC, VisionQuest will play a role in the entertainment showcase at D23 2026. A first trailer will likely be presented to the crowd and released online simultaneously ahead of the series’ October debut on Disney+. Also expected as part of Marvel’s portion of the entertainment showcase is an update on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 2. A trailer and official premiere date will likely be unveiled during the presentation. Daredevil: Born Again season 3 may also feature during the entertainment showcase. The new season is currently in production and Marvel Television may use D23 as an opportunity to officially announce the returns of Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Elektra, after numerous set photos have confirmed their appearances. Finally, Marvel Studios may wish to corroborate recent trade reports by confirming the development of a Nova movie during the entertainment showcase. Other Disney Movies Predictions For D23 2026 Image from Searchlight Pictures Disney will want to showcase the diversity of their upcoming slate by highlighting more adult-skewing fare at D23 2026. Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, the creature feature Whalefall, Tony Gilroy’s music drama Behemoth!, and Martin McDonagh’s dark buddy comedy Wild Horse Nine will probably receive updates in the forms of new trailers or exclusive scenes during the entertainment showcase. Two animated movies from 20th Century Studios - Ice Age: Boiling Point and The Simpsons Movie 2 - may also pop up as part of the D23 presentation, especially as the former recently received a first look at CinemaCon 2026. Ahead of its November 2027 release date, Frozen III may get a world exclusive first look at D23 2026 in the form of a teaser trailer. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Hexed, meanwhile, will almost certainly receive a trailer or even a few scenes during the presentation. Regarding Pixar, Gatto will probably be the only film from the acclaimed animated studio to receive a trailer at D23. However, Pixar may wish to provide an update on Incredibles III and could possibly announce a third installment in the Monsters Inc. franchise. Disney Parks D23 2026 Predictions The Disney Experiences presentations at D23 rarely disappoint, and it’s unlikely this year’s will be an exception. A number of updates for Walt Disney World may be in store on August 15, including the heavily rumored massive structural rebuild and retracking for Space Mountain. Also at Magic Kingdom, the planned Cars “Piston Peak” area behind Frontierland may receive further details during the event. Other updates for Walt Disney World may be presented at D23. To put an end to endless speculation from fans, Disney may wish to provide an overview of its final plans for the four new lands on the way at the Florida park. Beyond Walt Disney World, expect some kind of update on the recently announced Disneyland Abu Dhabi and perhaps a new destination for the Disney Cruise Line. Needless to say, D23 2026 is shaping up to be yet another ultimate Disney fan event, with exciting previews and announcements across film, television, parks, and more on their way from August 14 to August 16.