The D23 Expo 2022, a biannual event for Disney fans, has come and gone and has left a lot of major Latine film and TV news to sort out.
Some of the biggest reveals this past weekend at the D23 Expo were new trailers for some of the most anticipated TV projects coming to Disney+, including its Halloween special Werewolf by Night starring Gael García Bernal, the third season of The Mandalorian with Pedro Pascal, and the first season of National Treasure: Edge of History, introducing newcomer Lisette Olivera.
There were, however, plenty more Latine stories that made headlines during the last three days (September 9-11) at D23 Expo 2022. Here are a few that have us looking forward to what Disney can deliver, from Ariana DeBose in Wish and Diego Luna’s Andor being dubbed in Spanish by the actor himself.
1
Diego Luna and Adria Arjona Dubbing 'Andor' in Spanish
There were huge cheers from Spanish speakers in the D23 audiences when Diego Luna announced that he and co-star Adria Arjona would be dubbing the Spanish-language version of the upcoming Disney+ series Andor themselves. “Our voices are going to be heard in all the countries of [Latin] America,” Luna told the crowd. “I want to thank you for your love and support. It means a lot to us. You follow us in every step that we make.”
2
Ariana Debose in 'Wish'
Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose will lead a voice cast in the animated feature Wish. The film follows Asha, a young princess who “is driven, incredibly smart, and an optimist with a sharp wit. She sees darkness in the kingdom that nobody else sees and must find a way to help the people she loves.” During the D23 Expo, DeBose gave audiences a taste of what the film was all about with a performance of one of its songs, “More for Us.” Wish is scheduled to hit theaters in November 2023.
3
Tenoch Huerta Meets Fellow Latino Stars
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Tenoch Huerta made his rounds at the D23 Expo and photographers took notice when he hung around to speak to some of his fellow Latino actors who are making a big impact in Hollywood like he is. In one photo, Huerta is seen shaking hands and talking to The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal. In another, the camera catches him in a serious discussion with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star Danny Ramirez. We love watching Latine talent sharing their experiences with one another. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters November 11, 2022.
4
America Ferrera Cast in Pixar’s 'Elio'
Actress America Ferrera (Superstore) is joining the Pixar Cinematic Universe with the sci-fi space adventure Elio. In the film, she plays Olga Solis, the mother of the title character, an 11-year-old boy “who finds himself transported across the galaxy and mistaken for the intergalactic Ambassador for our planet Earth.” The movie will be directed by Coco’s Adrian Molina. “[Olga] beams [Elio] into space by accident,” Ferrera told Variety on the red carpet at D23. “The only way for him to save Earth is to be his most authentic self.” Elio is expected to premiere in Summer 2024.
5
Rita Moreno to Narrate 'Beauty and the Beast' Live TV Special
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, Academy Award-winning actress and Hollywood icon Rita Moreno (West Side Story) has been cast to narrate a two-hour film reimagining. The stage production will be shot in front of a live studio audience and star Josh Groban as the Beast and R&B singer H.E.R. as Belle. The event will be broadcast on December 15 on Disney+ and ABC.
6
Danny Ramirez Confirmed as New Falcon
After much speculation, Danny Ramirez has been confirmed to play the new version of The Falcon in the upcoming movie sequel Captain America: New World Order. He takes the mantle from Anthony Mackie’s character Sam Wilson, who has also been promoted to the new Captain America. At the end of the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam leaves his falcon wings with Ramirez’s character, intelligence officer Joaquin Torres. “Wait, yo, you forgot the wings,” Joaquín yells to Sam. “Keep ‘em,” Sam replies. Now, we know why. Captain America: New World Order is scheduled to hit theaters on May 3, 2024.
7
Anthony Ramos Confirmed as Hood in 'Ironheart'
There was also a lot of speculation about Anthony Ramos’ role in the upcoming TV series Ironheart. During D23, it was confirmed that he will be playing Parker Robbins, AKA the Hood. Last month, a photo from the set leaked showing Ramos sporting a dark red hooded cloak, so it was a good guess that he would be portraying the supervillain. Ironheart is scheduled to be released on Disney+ in Fall 2023.