The highly anticipated eighth D23 event is taking place from August 9 to August 11 in Anaheim, California.
Exciting announcements regarding new films were made at a major Disney fan event, revealing the title of the third installment of Avatar, a new addition to the Star Wars franchise, and a sequel to the beloved comedy Freaky Friday.
Filmmaker James Cameron addressed a crowd of 12,000, sharing that the next Avatar film, titled *Avatar: Fire And Ash*, will deliver unexpected surprises. Simultaneously, actor Jon Favreau teased a new Star Wars film, *The Mandalorian And Grogu*, which will feature Pedro Pascal.
Returning star Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, who gained fame from the 2003 comedy *Freaky Friday*, appeared on stage to announce *Freakier Friday*, set for release in 2025.
These major announcements were made during D23, the biennial convention focused on Disney’s official fan club, held in California on Friday.
Curtis and Lohan shared the stage, delighting fans at the D23 event near Disneyland.
James Cameron made a surprise appearance alongside stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington to discuss *Avatar*. The film is expected to hit theaters on December 19, 2025, succeeding the original *Avatar* from 2009 and its sequel, *Avatar: The Way Of Water*, released in 2022.
“This new film will defy expectations but deliver what audiences desire,” Cameron remarked, although he noted it was “too soon” to showcase footage, sharing only “cool concept art” featuring characters in stunning, fiery skies.
“Expect new cultures, settings, creatures, and biomes,” he continued. “You’ll explore parts of Pandora like never before.”
James Cameron, Sam Worthington, and Zoe Saldana shared insights on the latest Avatar film.
Lohan and Curtis received an enthusiastic standing ovation at the D23 event held from August 9 to August 11 at the Anaheim Convention Centre. Curtis described *Freakier Friday* as “more fun and more emotional” than their original film.
“We’ve maintained a close friendship through the years, making it feel like we’re picking up right where we left off — truly beautiful,” Lohan remarked.
Curtis expressed, “We cherish these characters and our connection with the audience, which is why we are here together.” They confirmed that familiar faces, Chad Michael Murray and Mark Harmon, are returning for the sequel.
A sneak peek featured images from the film, including Curtis with a striking silver bob hairstyle driving Lohan in an open-top car. In this new installment, Lohan’s character Anna Coleman is now a mother.
The original *Freaky Friday*, inspired by a novel from 1972, was previously adapted into a 1976 film starring Jodie Foster.
The event also featured Pixar’s chief creative officer confirming details about Incredibles 3.
Regarding the new Star Wars project, executive producer Dave Filoni announced that production on *The Mandalorian* began “a few weeks ago” with an expected release in May 2026. “We are bringing Star Wars back to the theaters,” Filoni declared.
Additionally, Pixar’s chief creative officer Pete Docter revealed that *Incredibles 3* is underway, with Brad Bird returning as writer and director.
Frozen director Jennifer Lee confirmed that two more films will be added to the Frozen franchise, teasing fans about questions that will be addressed in the upcoming sequels. She shared a first look at concept art for *Frozen 3*, which is scheduled for 2027.
Fans were also treated to a new song teaser, “I Always Wanted a Brother,” from the upcoming *Lion King* prequel. Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, expressed his joy in collaborating with the film’s Oscar-winning director.
Tom Hanks, the iconic voice of Woody from the *Toy Story* series, joined original creators for a nostalgic panel discussion. Since its debut in November 1995, the *Toy Story* franchise has become a cherished cultural phenomenon with a fourth installment slated for 2026.
During the panel, a printed list from 1993 detailing dialogue ideas for Woody included the famous line, “there’s a snake in my boot.”
