A teaser for Leslie Iwerks’ newest documentary has been released. This new documentary, Disney Worldbuilders, follows Iwerks’ most recent film, Disneyland Handcrafted. Disneyland Handcrafted looked at the building of The Happiest Place on Earth, particularly the year leading up to its opening. Disney Worldbuilders looks at how favorite Disney stories are translated from the screen into one-of-a-kind, real-world experiences. This film will be arriving on Disney+ in August. Leslie Iwerks will also debut it at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Take a look at the teaser for this new film below.
Disney Worldbuilders | Official Teaser
Disney Worldbuilders
As seen in this teaser, Disney Worldbuilders includes conversations from some of the people who help bring the Disney worlds to life both on screen and in the parks. During these conversations, they will share about their early years, first sparks, and formative Disney memories. They will also share about how the worlds they once dreamed up are now taking shape at Disney destinations around the globe.
This new film will also take a look at what is coming next as well. It will offer a glimpse of new lands, areas, and experiences that are taking shape, stories that are still being created, and a first look at what is coming next in terms of Disney’s worldbuilding.
Disney Worldbuilders will include conversations with those who truly are world builders. This includes:
- Bob Iger — Former CEO and Senior Advisor, The Walt Disney Company, and incoming Disney Legend
- Dave Filoni — President and Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm
- James Cameron — Academy Award-winning Filmmaker and Disney Legend
- Jared Bush — Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Jennifer Lee — Academy Award-winning Writer/Director of Frozen
- Jon Favreau — Filmmaker, Executive Producer, and Disney Legend
- Josh D’Amaro — CEO, The Walt Disney Company
- Kevin Feige — President, Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer, Marvel
- Pete Docter — Chief Creative Officer, Pixar Animation Studios
Leslie Iwerks
Leslie Iwerks, the director of Disney Worldbuilders, life and career intertwined with the Disney story and legacy. Her grandfather was Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, who was Walt Disney’s early artistic partner and helped co-create Mickey Mouse. On top of being an animator, he was also an inventor and technical genius who would help innovate the way Disney told stories for nearly half a century. Her father was Disney Legend Don Iwerks, who was a technician and inventor. He helped innovate the way Disney told stories visually. This included being a part of the creation of the Circle-Vision 360° camera and other cinematic advances that helped shape modern film technology. Leslie Iwerks has her own Disney story with contributions to the company’s legacy. This includes being the acclaimed director behind The Imagineering Story and Disneyland Handcrafted.
Disneyland Worldbuilders at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
There will be a special presentation at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event where fans will get an exclusive first look at Disney Worldbuilders. This will take place on August 16, 2026. During this presentation, guests will get to hear from some of the storytellers who appear in the film. This will be followed by the debut screening of the documentary before it arrives on Disney+ in August. The full lineup of programming at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event can be found here.
What do you think of what you are seeing of Disney Worldbuilding? Are you excited to watch it? Will you be attending the special presentation at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
