At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, held in Anaheim, California, the company turned its Entertainment Showcase into a preview of what is coming next across Marvel, Pixar, Disney Animation and Star Wars. The event featured new footage, casting announcements, first looks and several major projects that had fans talking long after the presentation ended.
Among the biggest headlines were the unveiling of Marvel’s new X-Men cast, fresh footage from Avengers: Doomsday, the first look at Frozen 3, announcements for Incredibles 3 and Coco 2, and a major preview of Star Wars: Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling.
Here is everything you need to know about the biggest movie announcements from D23 2026.
Marvel Introduces Its New X-Men
One of the biggest surprises of the event came from Marvel Studios. Kevin Feige officially introduced the cast of the upcoming X-Men movie, giving fans their first major look at the next generation of mutants in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The cast includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Maya Boyd as Storm and Adam Driver as Mr. Sinister. The movie is currently scheduled for release in May 2028.
Watch the newly announced X-Men cast meet for the very first time backstage at #D23 ❌ pic.twitter.com/KLTGpbsLH5
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 15, 2026
The announcement is particularly significant because the X-Men are finally being integrated into Marvel Studios’ long-term cinematic plans following years of anticipation.
Avengers: Doomsday Gets a New Look
Marvel also put Avengers: Doomsday back in the spotlight with new footage shown to the D23 audience.
The film remains one of Marvel’s biggest upcoming releases and is expected to bring together a huge collection of characters as the MCU moves toward another major crossover event.
While Disney kept some details tightly under wraps, the new footage gave fans another reason to keep watching the road toward the next Avengers story.
Frozen 3 Reveals What Comes Next for Anna and Elsa
Disney Animation also brought one of its biggest franchises back into the spotlight.
Frozen 3 received a major update and first-look material at D23, with Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad appearing during the presentation.
The new movie is expected to arrive in November 2027, and Disney teased a new chapter for Anna and Elsa that introduces a mysterious new threat.
#Frozen3 #D23 first look pic.twitter.com/mB9HwG5hOX
— Justin Richard (@justinrichard23) August 15, 2026
The franchise remains one of Disney’s biggest animation properties, making the third installment one of the most anticipated titles in the studio’s upcoming lineup.
Incredibles 3 Is Officially Coming
Pixar fans also received some major news.
Disney confirmed Incredibles 3 for summer 2028. The next installment will reportedly put more attention on the younger generation of the Parr family, giving the superhero children a larger role in the story.
#D23 INCREDIBLES IS HERE pic.twitter.com/LnlLq5XLcq
— Space Cowboy (@kristbozaia) August 15, 2026
The announcement comes years after Incredibles 2, which continued the story of the Parr family and became another major success for Pixar.
Now, fans finally know that the super-powered family will return once again.
Coco 2 Is Heading to Theaters
Another emotional Pixar favorite is getting a sequel. Coco 2 was announced for November 2029, with Pixar revealing that the story will continue to follow Miguel.
They just announced Coco is coming to Kingdom Hearts 4 and dropped the trailer in the middle of discussing the details of Coco 2! Absolutely insane announcement at D23 Expo! pic.twitter.com/BiSf0Z0ypI
— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) August 15, 2026
The sequel is expected to explore an older Miguel as he encounters a new conflict connected to Ernesto de la Cruz.
Although the movie is still several years away, the announcement immediately became one of the most talked-about Pixar reveals from the event.
Star Wars: Starfighter Brings Ryan Gosling Into the Galaxy
Star Wars also had a major presence at D23.
Disney showed new footage from Star Wars: Starfighter, the upcoming film starring Ryan Gosling. The movie is set to arrive in May 2027.
The project is especially interesting because it is designed as a new story within the Star Wars universe rather than simply continuing one of the franchise’s most familiar storylines.
Gosling’s involvement also gives the project a major Hollywood star at its center.
Zootopia 3 Is Officially in Early Development
The residents of Zootopia are not finished yet. Disney confirmed that Zootopia 3 is in early development, following the continued success of the franchise.
【速報】『ズートピア3』製作決定!!!#D23 pic.twitter.com/WjxU2nBQ5k
— シネマトゥデイ (@cinematoday) August 15, 2026
There is currently no announced release date, meaning fans will have to wait for more information about Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and the next story planned for the animated world.
The Bluey Movie Gets Its First Teaser
The hugely popular Bluey franchise is also making the jump to the big screen. D23 showcased the first teaser for The Bluey Movie, which is scheduled for August 2027.
The movie marks another major step for the Australian animated series, which has developed a massive international audience.
Tangled Live-Action Movie Gets a First Look
Disney also offered fans a glimpse at its upcoming live-action Tangled adaptation. The project was among the live-action titles highlighted during the showcase, adding another classic Disney story to the studio’s growing collection of reimagined films.
First teaser for live-action Tangled #D23 pic.twitter.com/oFmQUkGdzu
— CoveredGeekly (@CoveredGeekly) August 15, 2026
Disney has been increasingly returning to its animated classics for live-action adaptations, and Tangled gives the studio another opportunity to bring a familiar story to a new generation.
Lilo & Stitch 2 Is Also on the Way
Following the success of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, Disney confirmed that a sequel is in development.
Lilo & Stitch 2 is currently targeted for 2028, continuing Disney’s plans for the franchise.
Angel has officially entered the chat 💗 #Stitch2 #D23 pic.twitter.com/SsxvCk6pkQ
— Regal (@RegalMovies) August 15, 2026
Disney’s Upcoming Slate Is Getting Bigger
The D23 announcements made one thing clear: Disney is betting heavily on its most recognizable franchises while continuing to introduce new stories.
Marvel has the next phase of its superhero universe taking shape with Avengers: Doomsday and X-Men. Pixar is bringing back beloved worlds with Incredibles 3 and Coco 2, while Disney Animation is preparing Frozen 3 and developing Zootopia 3.
Star Wars, meanwhile, is expanding beyond its familiar characters with Starfighter, while projects such as The Bluey Movie and the live-action Tangled adaptation add even more variety to the schedule.
What Makes D23 2026 So Important?
Rather than focusing on a single franchise, this year’s showcase gave fans a look at Disney’s broader entertainment strategy.
The company is combining established blockbuster franchises with new projects, sequels, live-action adaptations and original ideas. Several of the announced films are still years away, but D23 has already given audiences a clearer picture of what Disney’s movie universe could look like through the end of the decade. For fans, the waiting game has officially begun.
From Marvel’s new X-Men to the return of Miguel in Coco 2, Anna and Elsa in Frozen 3, and the next chapter of the Parr family’s superhero story, Disney has packed its upcoming slate with some seriously recognizable names.
And judging by what was revealed at D23, this may only be the beginning.
