Rapunzel Returns in March for ‘Tangled’ TV Movie & Series

Disney Channel has dated the small-screen debut of the all-new animated movie and TV series set in the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled. Taking place between the story events of the original feature and the short Tangled Ever After, the Disney Channel Original Movie Tangled Before Ever After debuts Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m. ET, leading into the premiere of Tangled: The Series on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The new Tangled tales feature stars Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi reprising their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene — the charmer formerly known as Flynn Rider. Both the movie and series will have same-day launches on Disney Channel VOD platforms, and will roll out worldwide in 162 countries following their US debut.

Rapunzel & Co. will also appear in new print and e-book titles (including original middle grade series by Leila Howland) from Disney Publishing; Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media will debut new playsets, dolls, role-play, apparel and accessories later this Fall at Disney Store and all other retailers; the singles “Wind in My Hair” performed by Mandy Moore and “Life After Happily Ever After” performed by Moore, Zachary Levi and Clancy Brown releasing on February 10 and March 10, respectively, from Walt Disney Records, and a DVD of the TV movie and four animated shorts releasing April 11 by Disney Studios.

The vibrant, energetic new adventure-comedy animation projects unfold as Rapunzel gets to know her parents, kingdom, and the people of Corona. With her irrepressible spirit and natural curiosity, she realizes there is a lot to learn about the world and herself before she can assume her role as Princess. Along for the ride are beloved Tangled characters including loyal chameleon Pascal, no-nonsense horse Maximus, and the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs.

In Tangled Before Ever After, Rapunzel grapples with the responsibilities of being a princess and the overprotective ways of her father. While she wholeheartedly loves Eugene, Rapunzel does not share his immediate desire to get married and settle down within the castle walls. Determined to live life on her own terms, she and her tough-as-nails Lady-in-Waiting Cassandra (voiced by Broadway’s Eden Espinosa) embark on a secret adventure where they encounter mystical rocks that magically cause Rapunzel’s long blonde hair to grow back. Impossible to break and difficult to hide, Rapunzel must learn to embrace her hair and all that it represents.

Starring alongside Moore, Levi and Espinosa are Julie Bowen (Modern Family) as Rapunzel’s mother, Queen Arianna, and Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redemption) as her father, King Frederic.

The recurring guest voice cast includes: Jeffrey Tambor as Big Nose, Sean Hayes as Pete the Guard, Jeremy Jordan as teen alchemist Varian, comedian Jeff Ross as Hook Hand’s brother Hook Foot, Richard Kind as Uncle Monty, Paul F. Tompkins as Shorty; Jonathan Banks as Varian’s father, Quirin; Peter MacNicol as Nigel the Advisor; Diedrich Bader as Stan the Guard; M.C. Gainey as Captain of the Guards; Laura Benanti as Lady Caine; Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as blacksmith Xavier; Pat Carroll as Old Lady Crowley; Charles Halford as Vladimir; Steve Blum as Attila Buckethead; and James Monroe Iglehart as Eugene’s friend Lance Strongbow.

Produced by Disney Television Animation, Tangled: The Series was developed by animation veterans Chris Sonnenburg (Enchanted) and Shane Prigmore (The LEGO Movie). Sonnenburg serves as executive producer and supervising director; Benjamin Balistreri (How to Train Your Dragon) is supervising producer; Jase Ricci (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero) is story editor; and Alan Bodner (The Iron Giant) is art director. Celebrated artist Claire Keane (Frozen, Tangled), who painted Rapunzel’s tower murals in the feature film, is the series’ Visual Development Artist.

The series features songs by Academy Award-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Emmy Award-winning Kevin Kliesch (Tangled Ever After) serves as score composer.

Tangled Before Ever After (Photo credit: Disney Channel 2017)

‘Doc McStuffins’ Visits ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ Jan. 18

The Doc is in for a delightful adventure one blustery day when an all-new episode of Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning series Doc McStuffins debuts on Wednesday, January 18 — National Winnie the Pooh Day! — at 7:30 p.m. ET. In “Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” the Doc and her toys welcome A.A. Milne’s beloved cast of characters to McStuffinsville.

“Winnie the Pooh books and animation have always been hugely important to me, so it’s a personal dream come true to be able to bring together the worlds of the Hundred Acre Wood and McStuffinsville, especially since Christopher Robin is the original human famous for talking to his stuffed animals and toys,” said creator and executive producer Chris Nee. “This episode is an homage to the original Disney animation and storytelling styles, from the original songs, including a hat tip to the Sherman Brothers, to the visuals which evoke old school Winnie the Pooh.”

The episode begins when Doc and the toys spot Winnie the Pooh floating through the air, unable to alight. On their way to the rescue, they are magically swept away by the wind to the Hundred Acre Wood, where they team up with Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore to find Pooh in time for his favorite event of the year: The Honey Festival. When they finally find him, a tree branch rips Pooh’s tummy on his way down, and Doc must rush him to McStuffins Toy Hospital for emergency surgery. A worried Christopher Robin arrives and bonds with Doc over their ability to talk to toys. Meanwhile, Piglet and Lambie get to work organizing a Honey Festival in McStuffinsville just for Pooh.

“Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” features two original songs, “Follow That Bear!” and “Think Heavy Thoughts,” both written and produced by Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley and Dan Petty. Winnie the Pooh also sings the series’ iconic song “I Feel Better.”

Guest starring are Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Travis Oates as Piglet, Peter Cullen as Eeyore and Oliver Bell as Christopher Robin. Doc McStuffins stars Laya DeLeon Hayes as Doc, Loretta Devine as Hallie, Lara Jill Miller as Lambie, Robbie Rist as Stuffy, Jess Harnell as Chilly, Andre Robinson as Donny McStuffins, Kimberly Brooks as Mom McStuffins, and Gary Anthony Williams as Dad McStuffins.

“Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” was written by Chris Nee and directed by Brónagh O’Hanlon.

Winnie the Pooh and Doc McStuffins Crossover

‘Mickey and the Roadster Racers’ Speeds to Disney TV

An all-new series starring Mickey Mouse and pals is revving up for its debut on Disney Junior, with Mickey and the Roadster Racers set to premiere in simulcast Sunday, January 15 at 9 a.m. EST on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Two more episodes will cross the finish line Monday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. on Disney Channel.

Episodes will also be available on the Disney Junior app and Disney Junior VOD beginning Jan. 15 and on iTunes Jan. 16. Starting Dec. 25 on the Disney Junior app, kids can unlock daily content including short videos and mini-games via a Hot Dog Hills interactive map counting down to the show’s premiere. A suite of games featuring each “Fabulous Five” character will arrive on the app Jan. 15.

Rolling out internationally throughout 2017, the series takes Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy and Donald and their unique transforming vehicles on humorous, high-spirited races around the globe — as well as hometown capers in Hot Dog Hills. Off the track, Minnie and Daisy also run their successful Happy Helpers business, solving problems for anyone in need. Aimed at kids 2-7, Mickey and the Roadster Racers is designed to impart social and emotional lessons about friendship, teamworks, optimism and good sportsmanship.

Joining Mickey and friends will be NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick and Jeff Gordon in recurring guest star roles as Jiminy Johnson, Danni Sue and Gordon Gear. Also lined up as special guest voices are Jay Leno, as announcer Billy Beagle; Tim Gunn (Project Runway) as Robbie Roberts; Gordon Ramsay (MasterChef) as Chef Oxley; Hoda Kotb (The Today Show) as Mrs. Sweetums; Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) as Dr. Crutchley; Jane Leeves (Frasier) as the Queen of England; Fred Willard (Best in Show) as Mr. Doozy; Hector Elizondo (Last Man Standing) as Grandpa Beagle; Tony Shalhoub (Monk) as Luigi; Kate Micucci (Garfunkel and Oates) as Emmy Lou; Tia Carrere (Wayne’s World) as Antie Olina; and comedian Patton Oswalt as Mr. McSnorter.

The production team is headed by the Emmy-nominated creatives behind Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Never Land Pirates: EP Rob LaDuca, co-EP and supervising story editor Mark Seidenberg, and story editor Thomas Hard. Mickey and the Roadster Racers is a production of Disney Television Animation.

Mickey and the Roadster Race

Fathom and Disney Celebrate Mickey’s B-Day with Kids’ Screening

Mickey Mouse is having a big screen celebration in honor of his big day, as Fathom Events and Disney Junior invite kids and their guardians to celebrate the iconic character’s birthday at a special one-day, interactive cinema event. On November 12, youngsters can jump up and sing, dance and play along with some of Disney Junior’s most-loved shows and characters, including Elena of Avalor, Miles from Tomorrowland, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, Sofia the First and more.`

Plus, attendees will be among the first to see the upcoming new series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the big screen before its TV debut in January. Theatergoers will also receive a $5 offer for Disney Stores, a free e-book download and more giveaway goodies.`

“We’re thrilled to be working with Disney Junior to celebrate Mickey Mouse in movie theaters across the country,” said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey. “This is a great opportunity for young kids to experience the magic of going to the movies with all of their favorite Disney Junior characters.”`

Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration” will screen in more than 450 select movie theaters nationwide for one day only, Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets are available online now through FathomEvents.com or at participating box offices.`

Mickey’s BIG Celebration

Disney XD Details ‘Big Hero 6’ Series Cast

Disney XD’s upcoming 2D series adaptation of its smash-hit, Oscar-winning Marvel Comics movie Big Hero 6 will see many of the original cast members return when it debuts in 2017, joined by a couple fresh voices.

Reprising their roles are Maya Rudolph as Aunt Cass; Jamie Chung as no-nonsense, speed genius, Go Go; Scott Adsit as huggable robot, Baymax; Alan Tudyk as tech guru, Alistair Krei; Ryan Potter as tech genius, Hiro; Genesis Rodriguez as quirky scientist, Honey Lemon; David Shaughnessy as the butler, Heathcliff; and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee as Fred’s dad.

Also joining the main voice cast are Khary Payton (The Lion Guard) as control freak Wasabi and Brooks Wheelan (Saturday Night Live) as fanboy Fred.

The show is executive produced by Emmy winners Mark McCorkle, Bob Schooley and Nick Filippi — the team behind Kim Possible. Filippi also serves as supervising director on the Disney Television Animation production.

Big Hero 6 the series picks up immediately after the events of the film, continuing the adventures and friendship of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro and his compassionate, cutting-edge robot, Baymax. With their friends Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go and Fred, they form the high-tech superhero team Big Hero 6 to protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains. And that’s on top of Hiro’s everyday academic challenges and social trials as the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology.

Additional guest cast includes: Jenifer Lewis (black-ish) as strict Professor Granville; Andrew Scott (Sherlock) as villain Obake; comedian Andy Richter as Globby; Diedrich Bader (American Housewife) as Bluff Dunder; Susan Sullivan (Castle) as Fred’s mother; Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs) as Richardson Mole; John Ross Bowie (Speechless) as Mel; and Haley Tju (Bella and the Bulldogs) as classmate Karmi.

Big Hero 6

‘Muppet Babies’ Return to Disney TV in 2018

Muppet Babies will fulfill its old theme song promise and make your dreams come true in 2018, when Disney Junior premieres a brand-new, reimagined series chronicling the playroom antics of Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal and Miss Nanny. Production has just kicked off on the CG-animated series, a co-production of Disney Junior, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media’s Content & Media Group, and The Muppets Studio.

“We are proud, and a little bit giddy, to begin production on our new version of the much-loved Muppet Babies,” said Nancy Kanter, EVP of Original Programming and General Manager for Disney Junior Worldwide. “Parents will delight in seeing their favorite Muppets in the mixed animation style they remember from the original series, and kids will be introduced to this warm and zany world made just right for the Disney Junior audience.”

Aimed at kids 4-7, each episode will feature two 11-minute romps designed to impart creative and critical thinking skills by harnessing the power of imaginative play, as the Muppet Babies let their imaginations take them to the farthest corners of the universe. Tom Warburton (The 7D) will executive produce, with Emmy-winner Eric Shaw (SpongeBob SquarePants) on board as story editor.

The return of Muppet Babies was in part sparked by The Muppets Studio’s recognition of nostalgia and fan demand for the Jim Henson cartoon (which ran from 1984-1991) evidenced on digital and social media channels run by DCPI’s Content & Media group.

“Bringing Muppet Babies to Disney Junior is a wonderful opportunity to reach a new generation of viewers and to creatively build on the innovative original series,” said Debbie McClellan, VP of The Muppets Studio. “We hope to engage and delight the nostalgic fans while also entertaining new kids, parents and diverse audiences through heart and humor as only the Muppets can deliver.”

Muppet Babies COPYRIGHT ©2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Celebrate ‘Disney Junior at the Movies’ and be Among First to See the New Series Mickey and the Roadster Racers, in Cinemas for One Day

Interactive Event Includes Episodes of Disney Junior’s Upcoming Series on Big Screens Nationwide November 12 Only

“Oh Boy!” Mickey Mouse is having a big celebration – on the big screen. Kids and parents will celebrate Mickey's birthday during this one-day interactive cinema event, where they will be invited to jump up and sing, dance and play along with some of Disney Junior’s most-loved shows and characters, including Elena of Avalor, Miles from Tomorrowland, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, Sofia the First and more.

 In addition, fans young and old are invited to be among the first to see the upcoming series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the big screen before its television debut in January 2017. Attendees will also receive a $5 offer to the Disney Stores and a free e-book download, as well as other giveaways.

This special one-day event, “Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration,” will screen in cinemas nationwide on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00a.m. local time, from Fathom Events and Disney Junior.

Tickets for “Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration” can be purchased beginning Friday, October 14, 2016 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 450 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“We’re thrilled to be working with Disney Junior to celebrate Mickey Mouse in movie theaters across the country,” said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey. “This is a great opportunity for young kids to experience the magic of going to the movies with all of their favorite Disney Junior characters.”

"We are excited to work with Fathom Events to bring Disney Junior to preschoolers and their families through this unique in-theater experience designed just for them," said Jennifer Rogers-Doyle is Vice President, Franchise Management, Disney Channels Worldwide.

For artwork/photos related to “Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration,” visit the Fathom Events press site.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 887 locations and 1,354 screens in 181 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Disney Junior
Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior's series blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. In the U.S., Disney Junior is a daily programming block on Disney Channel and a 24-hour channel reaching over 73 million U.S. homes. In total, there are 35 Disney Junior channels in 27 languages around the world.