Willow, Mando and Olaf – Disney+ News and Debut Round-up (October 23, 2020)

It may not be Halloween yet, but retail stores near you and Disney+ are prepared for the holiday season. Start your celebration this Oct 23 with the Disney+ Premiere of Once Upon A Snowman – an original animated short featuring our warm-hug-loving friend, Olaf.

In Disney+ News, we got The Mandalorian S2 Special Look Trailer, A Willow original series announcement, and more interesting tidbits that will keep your butts on the couch, subscribed to Disney+ (at least, it will for me).

Keep scrolling to find everything NEW you can watch this week on Disney+!

Disney+ News

The Mandalorian Special Look Trailer

Premieres October 30 – Watch the exciting special look from Season 2  of “The Mandalorian” that debuted tonight exclusively on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” during halftime of the National Football League (NFL) game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. 

Want to hear a Mandalorian Trailer Breakdown? We share our thoughts, plus those of our listeners who commented as we recorded live, in the latest Skywalking Through Neverland episode.

“Willow” Series for Disney+ Announced

We are so excited! The magical world of George Lucas’ “Willow,” the epic fantasy adventure set in an age of swords, sorcery, myths and monsters, will be returning in a Disney+ series slated to begin production next year. Jon M. Chu (“In The Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) is set to direct the pilot, and will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan(“Solo”)and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot. 

The series is not yet in production, but when filming begins, the crew plans to return to the dramatic and enchanted landscapes of Wales, where much of the original film was shot. Read on for more details.

No Glass Slippers Needed – Disney+ Original “Sneakerella” is coming in 2021

In Production – This rap/hip hop musical takes our familiar “Cinderella” story and gender-bends the stars. Talented up-and-coming actor Chosen Jacobs (“It”) plays El, who must contend with his stepfather and mean-spirited stepbrothers. Lexi Underwood (“Little Fires Everywhere”) will star as Kira King, daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King (played by four-time NBA Champion John Salley). Learn More Here 

“Clouds: A Musical Celebration” Virtual Concert Premieres on Disney+’s Facebook on October 24

Premieres October 24 on Facebook – “Clouds: A Musical Celebration”, a virtual musical tribute to the Disney+ Original movie and Zach Sobiech’s legacy will stream live on Saturday, October 24 at 11am PT / 2pm ET. The concert will feature performances from OneRepublic, renforshort, Fin Argus, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sammy Brown (Zach Sobiech’s best friend and musical partner), all of whom are featured on the movie soundtrack. Additional performances and appearances will include Jason Mraz, DCapella, Neve Campbell, Justin Baldoni, Tom Everett Scott, Madison Iseman, Lil Rel Howery and more.

First look at Fin Argus and Sabrina Carpenter Singing “Fix Me Up”:

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This Week on Disney+ for Friday, October 23

Disney+ Original Series or Premieres

Animated Short Premiere Once Upon a Snowman

The previously untold origins of Olaf, the innocent and insightful, summer-loving snowman from FROZEN and FROZEN 2, are revealed in the all-new Walt Disney Animation Studios animated short, Once Upon a Snowman. The film follows Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle. Once Upon a Snowman is directed by Trent Correy (animation supervisor, “Olaf” in FROZEN 2) and Dan Abraham (veteran story artist who boarded Olaf’s “When I Am Older” musical sequence in FROZEN 2).

New Episodes The Big Fib

The Big Fib Episodes 116 – 130: Disney+‘ game show, The Big Fib, is back for another 15 episodes. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and featuring Rhys Darby as her robot sidekick, C.L.I.V.E., each episode puts kid contestants in the hot seat as they question adults to find the real fibber.

The Right Stuff Episode 104 – “Advent” 
After a rocket malfunctions during a test, the Mercury 7 head home for Christmas. Shepard’s holidays are fraught, as the arrival of his parents coincides with the adoption of Louise’s niece. Gordo’s former mistress forces her way back into his life, jeopardizing his relationship with Trudy. And Glenn attempts to win over a rising political star and presidential hopeful, JFK.

Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Episode 105 – “Aardvark Love!”
Love is in the air at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as aardvarks Willie and Peanut go on a blind date that could ultimately produce the park’s first-ever aardvark babies. While the lovers prepare for their date, one of the savanna’s resident black rhinos–Badru– works with his beloved keeper, Katie, to undergo a blood draw. At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, rescued manatee Lil Joe has an inflamed lump that needs an extra-special squeeze from Dr. Dan who attempts to drain it; and in the waters of the Safi Riveron Kilimanjaro Safaris, Mr. Campbell, a massive Nilecrocodile, comes in for a checkup for his injured tail, a result of a dust-up with another croc.

One Day at Disney Episode 147 “Jason Benetti: Play-by-Play Commentator”
Sports enthusiast Jason Benetti offers a glimpse into his life as an ESPN play-by-play commentator. Feeding off of the energy of the players, excitement of the crowd, and his passion for sports, Benetti never fails to bring his lively personality to the table on game day.

Weird But True Episode 311 – “Scuba Diving” 
Charlie goes on an annual scuba trip every year, and this year it’s the Manta Ray Dive! Because Charlie’s regular buddy, Kirby, can’t go, he thinks he will have to cancel the trip. Despite her fear of scuba, Carly is determined to join him so that Charlie doesn’t have to go alone. Can she overcome her fear?

New to Streaming on Disney+

These series and films are not Disney+ Originals, but they will begin streaming on October 23 unless otherwise noted.

• Gathering Storm (s1) 
• India from Above (s1) 
• Marvel Super Hero Adventures (Shorts) (s4) 
• Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead 
• Ultimate Viking Sword 

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Keep up with all things Disney+

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• 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