The Walt Disney Company showcased its creative momentum at the 2024 Disney APAC Content Showcase on Nov. 20 in Singapore. The event featured an immersive presentation of its theatrical and streaming slate for 2025 and beyond, which looks set to transport audiences into captivating new worlds.

Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, speaks at the opening of the 2024 Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Nov. 20, 2024. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The event at Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands featured exclusive previews of highly anticipated releases and major title announcements from Disney's award-winning creative studios, including 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios. More than 500 journalists, filmmakers and industry professionals, along with leaders from Hollywood and attendees from China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Southeast Asia, were present.

"The Walt Disney Company is in a very unique position as we are entertaining and engaging consumers in multiple ways and touchpoints, centered on a legacy of creative excellence and relentless focus on quality storytelling," said Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, in his opening remarks. 

He continued, "I believe our storytelling is stronger than ever before, driven by the unmatched strength of our global and local creative studios across film, television and streaming, and the wide appeal of our beloved brands and franchises."

The company has had a remarkable year so far, as The Walt Disney Studios became the first studio to cross $4 billion globally, fueled by "Deadpool & Wolverine," the No. 1 R-rated release of all time, along with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," "Alien: Romulus," which saw unexpected success in China as a sci-fi horror film, and "Inside Out 2," the highest ever grossing animated movie.

It has also been a phenomenal year for Disney+, which is now an integral player in the maturing streaming ecosystem. In 2024, "Shōgun" became a major hit, topping viewership in markets like Japan and Australia. The Walt Disney Company also made history by winning a record 60 Emmy Awards, more than any other studio in the competition's history. Among them, "Shōgun" won 19 awards, setting a record for a series in a single year, while "The Bear" broke its own record with 11 wins for a comedy series.

(From left to right) Promotional images for "Captain America: Brave New World," "Moana 2," "Tron: Ares," "Toy Story 5," "Mufasa: The Lion King," "Dream Productions," "A Complete Unknown," "Avatar: Fire and Ash," "Star Wars: Visions Volume 3" and "Andor Season 2." [Image courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

"The best stories and global hits can come from anywhere, as evidenced by the phenomenal 'Shōgun.' The series exemplifies fearless authenticity," said Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. "Asia-Pacific is an important and vibrant growth region for The Walt Disney Company. When I look around the world, there is no region that makes me more excited — a region with rich stories to uncover, a deep pool of talent and an undeniable passion for great storytelling."

The success is expected to continue through the end of the year with "Moana 2" debuting globally, including in China, at the end of this month. Its first trailer, which dropped on May 29, attracted 178 million views in 24 hours to make it Disney's most-watched animated trailer. In North America, the movie has already topped the first-day pre-sale box office. 

Meanwhile, another live-action blockbuster prequel, "Mufasa: The Lion King," will drop on Dec. 20, exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. The Singapore showcase featured a special message from the film's director Barry Jenkins and an APAC-first screening of a clip featuring the original song "I Always Wanted a Brother."

The event also saw the unveiling of several previews and sneak peeks never seen before in APAC, including another two song previews from upcoming Disney movies "Snow White" and "Moana 2." Additionally, there were first looks at Disney's "Tron: Ares"; Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootopia 2"; Pixar's "Elio," "Hoppers" and "Dream Productions"; Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian and Grogu"; Marvel Television's "Daredevil: Born Again"; and Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps"; as well as concept art from 20th Century Studios' "Avatar: Fire and Ash."

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige speaks via video link to attendees at the 2024 Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Nov. 20, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Disney's showcase further delighted those in attendance with a surprise virtual appearance by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and an in-person appearance by "Captain America: Brave New World" star Anthony Mackie.

Feige said he is excited about all the upcoming projects, but specifically pointed to the "Fantastic Four" logo on his cap to show his greatest excitement amid loud cheers. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family. The executive and producer also promised to gradually introduce the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in upcoming films, leading to a new age of mutants — something long anticipated by fans.

Mackie took to the stage to promote the upcoming "Captain America" installment, in which he stars as the new Captain America, and noted that the franchise's storyline has always reflected a more realistic time in the world compared to the space, mythology or multidimensional worlds of other Marvel superheroes. He mentioned that this movie stays true to the original Captain America with its thriller elements, espionage, and well-rounded storytelling. He also added that he was most excited about fans of the new film seeing him "kicking ass."

Actor Anthony Mackie (right) shares behind-the-scene insights about his new film "Captain America: Brave New World" at the 2024 Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Nov. 20, 2024. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The Disney content showcase also featured exclusive reveals spotlighting the future of Disney General Entertainment and APAC Local Originals coming to Disney+, while fans had the chance to see the stars of Disney storytelling from Hollywood, South Korea and Japan.

"If there is one thing that sets The Walt Disney Company apart — it is our IPs, and how it manifests in so many ways in people's lives," Luke Kang said. "From Disney+, to our films, games, consumer products, publishing, music, parks and experiences, we are bringing new stories and new worlds to everyone, every day, creating memories that will last generations."

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