The stage of the D23 EXPO 2015 exploded with big announcements on its second day on Aug. 15. Alan Horn, President of Walt Disney Studios, talked about "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Alice Through The Looking Glass," and the "Jungle Book" among other projects.
"There's only one place left to go from here," Horn said as an introduction for all announcements that are "Star Wars" related, as quoted by D23 EXPO official blog. The president first confirmed that the "Star Wars Episode IX" is set for release in 2019. He also talked about another "Star Wars" anthology film and showed the first photo of the "Star Wars'" spinnoff, the "Rogue One."
Saving the best for last, Horn then welcomed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" director J.J, Abrams on stage. The director was overwhelmed, saying he was grateful for Horn as well as the fans for "unbelievable enthusiasm and patience." "It's more exciting than I can put into words," Abrams said.
Abrams then called out the film's cast on stage, namely John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong'o. But the crowd became overjoyed when it was Harrison Ford who was called on stage. The actor was exuberant himself, telling fans that they "have made my life," adding that "it's a great thrill to be here with you who made this whole thing happen."
Sean Bailey, president of production at Walt Disney Pictures, had also announced that Disney will release "The Jungle Book" in April of 2016. Bailey said that the previous "Jungle Book" film was "one of the most technologically advanced movies ever made." Hence, it has set the bar high for the new production, the D23 blog said. Nevertheless, "we strive to honor what's come before while saying something new," Bailey said of the new "The Jungle Book."
Jon Favreau, the film's director, was welcomed on stage, as well as the film's cast Ben Kingsley, Nyong'o and Neel Sethi who will play the part of 11-year-old Mowgli. This was the first time that Nyong'o met her "son Mowgli" according to the star's Instagram post which was first spotted by the Entertainment Weekly.
Bailey had also introduced a new character for the film "Alice Through the Looking Glass" named Time. The character will be played by Sacha Baron-Cohen. The film is set to be released on May 26, Bailey said in his announcement.
A related report from the Hollywood Life said that two posters for the "Alice Through the Looking Glass" were also revealed during the D23 EXPO. Both of the posters, which were also posted on Disney's official Facebook Page, show a character standing at the end of a pathway of broken clocks. One poster shows Alice, to be played by Mia Wasokowska, and the other poster shows the Mad Hatter, to be played by Johnny Depp. The posters' tagline reads, "It's time for a little madness."
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