Disney+ Round-up: ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ and More (3/26/21)
Ducks Fly Together!! THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS premieres on Disney+! We also get Episode 2 of THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER, as well as a new batch of INSIDE PIXAR.
Walt Disney Studios also announced a rearrangement of their summer movie release schedule, with BLACK WIDOW, CRUELLA and LUCA all receiving some form of release on Disney+. Read on for everything news and streaming this week on Disney+.
Disney+ News
‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’ Opens As Most Watched Series Premiere Ever On Disney+
Disney+ Original series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” from Marvel Studios ranked as the most watched series premiere ever on Disney+ during its opening weekend, Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22, and the most watched title overall for the same time period on a global basis, including in Disney+ Hotstar markets. Learn about “Falcon” with this great article containing fun facts and a mini-review of the first episode.
The premiere of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” joins the premieres of Marvel Studios’ first live-action series, “WandaVision,” and the season two premiere of “The Mandalorian” from Lucasfilm as the three most-watched Disney+ Original series opening weekends to-date.
‘Black Widow’, ‘Cruella’ and ‘Luca’ Get New Release Dates
Marvel Studios’ BLACK WIDOW gets pushed yet again. This time, Disney announced that BLACK WIDOW will release on July 9 in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access. This is not surprising, as the world is still not opened up during this massive pandemic.
We also received news that Disney’s Live-Action CRUELLA will release day and date in Theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28. Disney and Pixar’s LUCA, however, will release exclusively on Disney+ on June 18 (no Premier Access required).
“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.
Theatrical release dates also shifted for several additional upcoming films. New release dates include:
- “Free Guy” on August 13, 2021
- “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” on September 3, 2021
- “The King’s Man” on December 22, 2021
- “Deep Water” on January 14, 2022
- “Death on the Nile” on February 11, 2022
This Week on Disney+ for Friday, March 26
Disney+ Original Series or Premieres
Disney+ Series Premiere THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS Episode 101 “Game On”
In present day Minnesota, The Mighty Ducks have evolved from scrappy underdogs to an ultra-competitive youth hockey powerhouse. When 12 year-old Evan Morrow is unceremoniously cut from the Ducks, he and his mom, Alex, set out to build their own team. With a new group of misfit kids and an old rundown rink managed by a familiar face — Gordon Bombay — they begin a journey to challenge the cutthroat culture of youth sports today, and rediscover the joy of playing just for the love of the game.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – “Episode 2”
This series stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience. Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the six-episode series also stars Daniel Brühl as Zemo, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker. Join us every Friday at 7:45pm PT for a Zoom Chat on Falcon – sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to get the link! Check out our spoiler-free review, as well as some fun Behind-the-Scenes info.
Batch 3 Premiere – Inside Pixar: Foundations
111 – Foundations: Recipe for a Movie
How exactly are animated films made using computer graphics? Pixar’s creative minds introduce and break down how a movie is made through understandable explanations using metaphors and examples.
112 – Foundations: Creating Characters
From cars to fish to toys to superheroes, Pixar characters have unique personalities, designs, and traits. Join Pixar’s character artists and designers as they break down the process of developing a new character from the initial artwork and design, all the way to getting it ready for animation.
113 – Foundations: Through the Lens
Camerawork is just as crucial in animation as it is in live action. Pixar’s layout artists explain the craft behind camera and staging, showcasing how camera positioning enhances emotion within a story.
114 – Foundations: Animation and Acting
Animation brings characters to life by making them move, feel, think, and talk. Pixar animators take us through the artistry of how they breathe life into characters authentically and explain the importance of acting (and eyebrows) in their craft.
115 – Foundations: Color, Light, and Emotion
Light and color are essential in conveying the time of day, creating unique worlds, and even evoking emotion. Pixar lighting directors and artists reveal how they illuminate a scene and most importantly, how they utilize light and color for everything from terrifying twists to signature Pixar tearjerkers.
New to Streaming on Disney+
These series and films are not Disney+ Originals, but they will begin streaming on March 26 unless otherwise noted.
If I Could Turn Back Time 
I’m a Disney+ Junkie and Want More!!!
- 457: Star Wars in Disney Parks – A History
- 456: The Bad Batch S3 Mid-Season Breakdown
- 452: The Bad Batch S3 Premiere Press Roundtable & Review – Dee Bradley Baker, Michelle Ang, Brad Rau & Jennifer Corbett
- 446: Skywalking Through 2023 and Beyond! with Melissa Truth and Spencer Jawitz
- 445: A CHRISTMAS CAROL in Pop Culture & History
