Ever since I went to D23 Expo in 2017, I have been waiting for 2019 like crazy. We got a bit of a preview of what the Walt Disney Company is bringing to the big screen and – oh my goodness – it’s unbelievable.

Check out the 2019 Walt Disney Studios motion picture slate!

March 9, 2019 – CAPTAIN MARVEL (Marvel Studios) #CaptainMarvel

This is one of my most anticipated movies this year and I think you know why. Not only she’s the hero I’ve been waiting for, I actually got to visit the live set last year! I have so much to share with you!

Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. 

The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.

 

Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patricia Whitcher and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman and Joe Shrapnel & Anna Waterhouse, and the screenplay is by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck and Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Jac Schaeffer.

 Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL opens on March 8, 2019 in U.S. theaters.

March 29, 2019 – DUMBO (Walt Disney Studios) #Dumbo

I cried with the trailer alone! From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight.

Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus.

But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

 

I was at D23 Expo when they announced the making of a Dumbo live action and I saw the model they used and I’m telling you I got chills down my spine.

I just visited Walt Disney World, so I rode Dumbo and even traded one of my pins for a cute Dumbo pin, too! 

My friend Meg and I were chatting about how this story is so touching and teaches us to believe and soar! 

Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”).

April 17, 2019 – PENGUINS (Disneynature) #DisneynaturePenguins

Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Penguins” is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family.

None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he’s targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after. From the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s “Penguins” opens in theaters nationwide in time for Earth Day 2019.

Disneynature’s PENGUINS opens in theaters on April 17, 2019 and my daughters and I are so excited! I’m sure we’ll be adding to our plush collection when this happens, too, just like we did with Born In China!

April 26, 2019 – AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Marvel Studios) #AvengersEndgame

I think this is the most anticipated movie in the world and the trailer views are proof. I am so excited about it and I’m just obsessed with it, to be honest with you.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theaters on April 26, 2019, and we all agree we can’t come soon enough!

There are so many theories in my head and so many hopes for my favorite heroes, and I’m sure you do too. 

May 24, 2019 – ALADDIN (Walt Disney Studios) #Aladdin

I have been excited about Aladdin for quite a while but I wasn’t allowed to spill any details, yet. It’s going to be amazing and revolutionary!

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and Genie who may be the key to their future.

Directed by Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”), who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August (“Dark Shadows,” “Big Fish”) and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.”

The film stars Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the larger-than-life Genie; Mena Massoud (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as the charming scoundrel Aladdin; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Jasmine, the beautiful self-determined princess; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer; Navid Negahban (“Legion”) as the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future; Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as the handsome and arrogant suitor Prince Anders; and Numan Acar (“The Great Wall”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards.

“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin (“Sherlock Holmes”) and Jonathan Eirich (“Death Nate”) with Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Marc Platt (“La La Land”) and Kevin De La Noy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”) provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar-winning lyricists Howard Ashman (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hanson”).

The film, which was shot on practical stages in London and on location amidst the stunning desert vistas of Jordan, has a talented creative team helping to bring Agrabah to life, including director of photography Alan Stewart (“The Commuter”), production designer Gemma Jackson (“Game of Thrones”) and costume designer Michael Wilkinson (“American Hustle”).

ALADDIN opens in U.S. theatres nationwide on May 24, 2019.

June 21, 2019 – TOY STORY 4 (Disney·Pixar) #ToyStory4

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie.

But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”).

I’m so excited about Toy Story 4 and during my recent trip to Walt Disney World, I spent a day at Toy Story Land and it was amazing. 

My favorite moment was hanging out with Buzz Light Year. I am convinced he thought I was a little doll and he was flirting with me!

July 19, 2019 – THE LION KING (Walt Disney Studios) #TheLionKing

Okay, you know The Lion King is my FAVORITEST MOVIE EVER in the history of the planet and you know I even designed my logo to mimic a certain scene in The Lion King. Hint:

I cried like a baby when they gave us a sneak peek and Jon Favreau announced that there would be a The Lion King live action movie. Every moment at D23 Expo was EPIC but I can say without a doubt that that was THE best moment for me.

Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savannah where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother–and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

 

The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, “The Lion King” utilizes pioneer filmmaking techniques to bring these treasured characters to life in a whole new way.

August 9, 2019 – ARTEMIS FOWL (Walt Disney Studios) #ArtemisFowl

I am quite intrigued about this one and my daughters want to read the book series! Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared.

With the help of his loyal protector Butler, Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. 

Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.

“Artemis Fowl” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, with Josh Gad, and Judi Dench. Judy Hofflund and Branagh are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers. Conor McPherson wrote the screenplay.

I want to know all your thoughts about Artemis Fowl!

November 22, 2019 – FROZEN 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Arendelle heats up in 2019 when Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf return to the big screen in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” the much-anticipated follow-up to 2013’s Oscar®-winning “Frozen”—the highest grossing animated film of all time.

Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad reprise their roles, while Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the team behind “Frozen,” return to the directors’ chairs.

The teaser trailer just about made my heart stop. They all look amazing and the possibilities are promising!

I met Idina Menzel at the Coco red carpet and I still haven’t washed the piece of my hair that touched hers… just kidding, that would be gross.

FROZEN 2 opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019 and I can’t wait for the trailer – and the hashtag! 

December 20, 2019 – STAR WARS: EPISODE IX (Lucasfilm)

Last but not least, there is no trailer or hashtag, but we are all on the edge of our seats wanting to learn more about Star Wars Episode X!

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX opens in U.S. theaters on December 20, 2019, just a few days after my birthday – that will be quite a way to celebrate!

What Disney movies are you most excited about this year? Share your top 3 picks in the comments below!

Elayna is a single mom of 4, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.

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