A new film from acclaimed Disney filmmaker Leslie Iwerks was announced today. It will debut at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this summer. Iwerks is behind the recently released documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted.
The announcement about this new film was shared during a special media preview of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at The Walt Disney Studios in Legends Plaza. The event included a video from Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro along with Asad Ayaz, Disney Legend Jodi Benson, and Michael Vargo, the head of D23. There aren’t a lot of details known about this film at this point. Here is what was shared:
- The film comes from Leslie Iwerks
- The film will be feature-length
- It will offer fans an exclusive first look at a powerful new Disney story told through her singular lens
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will take place on August 14, 15, and 16, 2026. There will also be celebratory events leading up to the big D23 weekend. Earlier today, some details were revealed about this year’s D23 event, including details on how much tickets will cost and when they will be available. This year’s class of Disney Legends was also announced. They include former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Imagineer Kim Irvine, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more.
Leslie Iwerks recently created and released Disneyland Handcrafted. This documentary gave a first-hand look at the creation of Disneyland in the year leading up to its opening. The story is told from the perspective of people who were there and lived through the story, including Walt Disney himself. This was not done in a talking head fashion. Instead, the film shows videos that were handpicked, most of which have not been shown publicly before. This documentary can be watched on Disney+ or on YouTube and is a must-watch for Disney fans. Daps Magic’s review can be read here.
Iwerks is an Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker (with deep Disney roots!). Leslie previously showcased the inventive creative process behind Disney Parks when she produced The Imagineering Story in 2019, and has ties to a strong family history at Disney that stretches back to Walt’s time. Following the passion and expertise set by her grandfather, Ub, and her father, Don, Leslie continues to leave a legacy of pure technological innovation and key attention to detail.
What do you think of this new feature coming this summer? Are you excited to see it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
