Disney+ Round-up (4/9/21)
Have you watched THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS yet? It is a delightful show, especially if you have a nostalgic attachment to the original MIGHTY DUCKS franchise films. When little Kevin announced he was a podcaster, my heart swelled with pride and cuteness. Read on for everything news and streaming this week on Disney+. It’s a Disney+ Round-Up!
Disney+ News
Casting News and Production Begins for “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Original Series Coming Exclusively to Disney+
Obi-Wan Kenobi began shooting in April!! The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Kenobi faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. As a reminder, this series is directed by Deborah Chow, director of two critically acclaimed episodes of “The Mandalorian,” Season 1. We eagerly await the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader!
But there’s more confirmed casting news! Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie. Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse will return as well. They appeared as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru, respectively, in REVENGE OF THE SITH.
Celebrating Black History All Year Long: ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu Launch ‘Black History Always’ and ‘Initiative 29’
As part of a commitment to amplify a variety of Black stories all year long, ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ have launched Black History Always on ESPN+ and Disney+, and Initiative 29 on Hulu. With a belief that recognizing Black history should not be contained to February, the three streamers will release new content on the 29th of each month throughout the year with pieces that are unique and authentic to each platform.
Black History Always content on Disney+ will include new YouTube episodes with the first installment focusing on The Proud Family. The Disney+ “Celebrate Black Stories” collection will be featured on the homepage of the service all year long, highlighted by recent titles like Soul and Black Is King, beloved classics like Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Black Panther, and new stories such as The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
This Week on Disney+ for Friday, April 9
Disney+ Original Series or Premieres
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers Episode 103 “Breakaway”
Alex tries to be a real coach, Evan recruits Sofi, and the team gets unexpected help (or is it expected by us – the audience??) ….from Gordan Bombay.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – “Episode 4”
This series stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. As usual – no information is given, even the title, until the episode is out. 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.
New to Streaming on Disney+
These series and films are not Disney+ Originals, but they will begin streaming on April 9 unless otherwise noted.