Thursday morning the Walt Disney Company held their annual shareholders meeting in San Francisco. This event was live audio broadcast via their main website. As the meeting progressed, there were some very large announcements made. All things were discussed including Disney Parks and films. If you wish to listen to the audio from the meeting, please click here.
The meeting began with Bob Iger welcoming all. He then proceeded to show his new Apple Watch with Mickey Mouse on it. To get right into business, the first announcement was made.
Star Wars
There will be a new Star Wars stand alone film titled “Star Wars: Rogue One.” The Star Wars website shared a brief description of the film. “Rogue One is the title for the first film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga.” The film is to be directed by Gareth Edwards and written by Chris Weitz. So far, Felicity Jones has been cast in this new production. The film will begin shooting on location in London this summer and is set for a release date of December 16, 2016. In addition, “Star Wars: Episode VIII” was confirmed. Rian Johnson will write and direct. The film is set for a release on May 26, 2017.
Disney Parks
With the progression of Shanghai Disneyland in full gear, Iger mentioned that major construction will be complete by the end of the year. The park will have its grand opening ceremony spring of 2016. The castle is also said to be grand. Over at the Walt Disney World Resort, the “Avatar” themed land at Animal Kingdom Park will open in 2017. Also, during the question and answer segment, Iger was asked about if there were plans for a third gate at the Disneyland Resort. He replied with there being no current plans for that. Lastly, there are plans for a name change of Disney’s Hollywood Studios park.
Disney Studios Entertainment
Disney and Sony are set to create a Spider-Man film that will add to the lineup of Marvel Universe films. All together, there will be 11 Marvel films to be released in the next four years. There was also praise shown for the new film “Tomorrowland.” Over to the Pixar film’s, “Inside Out” was said to be that of “creative genius.” Also “The Good Dinosaur” is set for a release date of November 25, 2015.
Frozen
To start out this segment of the meeting, Josh Gad, voice of Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen,” made an appearance. Disney confirmed that a Frozen 2 is in the works. Olaf will return in this new film. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee will also return to work on this film.
Over all the shareholders meeting will filled with many announcements. The Walt Disney Company has set the bar high. Iger was re-elected as Chief Executive Officer. Nine other directors were also re-elected during this meeting.
Hope you enjoyed this recap. What are you most looking forward to with these announcements?
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