‘The Creator’ Director Gareth Edwards on Filming Locations and Cast Dynamics

September 22, 2023 Michael Lee

Gareth Edwards‘ The Creator is a fascinating blend of sci-fi elements with intriguing contemporary themes, which makes for a complex examination of the lives we live today and our relationship with technology, particularly A.I. With the release just a few days away, The Nerds of Color had a chance to talk to Edwards about the guerrilla filmmaking style that helped shape the film to what it is now, the conversations audiences will have after watching, and the cast dynamics.

Animation, Interview, Movies

‘Elemental’ Director Peter Sohn on Bringing His Personal Story To Life

September 20, 2023September 22, 2023 Michael Lee

Peter Sohn’s Elemental is set in the fictional city of Element City, where anthropomorphic elements of nature: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air co-exist. The story follows Ember (Leah Lewis) a tough, witty, and hot-headed fire element who has trouble controlling her emotions, and Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), a go-with-the-flow water element who is overly emotional has no trouble expressing his emotions openly.

Marvel, Theme Parks

New Avengers Vault Opens at Disney California Adventure

September 18, 2023November 16, 2023 Michael Lee

Disney California Adventure guests get to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe at Avengers Campus every time they visit. They can interact with some of their favorite heroes during meet-and-greets, and go on adventures with them. And with the opening of the new Avengers Vault, they can bring back a little piece of Avengers Campus home with them as they can shop for superhero gear or Infinity Saga relics.

Animation, Theme Parks

Mirabel Joins New Meet and Greet at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

September 15, 2023November 16, 2023 Michael Lee

Drawers, Floors, Doors, Let’s Go, as Disney is Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month with a magical New Meet & Greet! Beginning today, September 15, 2023, guests can step into a colorful courtyard outside the Casa Madrigal to Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto.

Movies, Streaming1 Comment

‘Launchpad’ Season 2 Trailer Spotlights Underrepresented Directors

September 13, 2023September 14, 2023 Michael Lee

Disney has released the newest trailer for Launchpad. The series is a collection of six short films from underrepresented filmmakers whose unique and evocative voices bring new perspectives to storytelling. And in an age where IPs and franchises rule, Launchpad is a breath of fresh air that brings back original filmmaking to the streaming world.

Movies, Sci Fi

Final ‘The Creator’ Trailer Puts Gareth Edwards’ Visual Storytelling on Full Display

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 Michael Lee

Gareth Edwards‘ The Creator is one of the most anticipated films of the Fall season. And with good reason. Not only is it an original story packed with stunning visual work, but it also has a stacked cast lead by John David Washington. Now, with the release just a few short weeks away, 20th Century Studios has released the final trailer for the film.

Conventions

Disney Announces D23 Expo 2024 Dates and Fan Events

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 Michael Lee

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a biennal one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Now, the studio has announced the dates and plans for the week-long event that will happen in August 2024.

Animation, Theme Parks

Shanghai Disney Resort Reveals New Look at ‘Zootopia’ Themed Land

September 5, 2023November 16, 2023 Michael Lee

Shanghai Disney Resort has released the first set of new images of Zootopia Themed Land. The latest park expansion will have attractions, foods, and an experience that puts guests into the world of the 2016 film of the same name.

Animation, Theme Parks

Disneyland to Have Spooky Fun During the Halloween Season

September 1, 2023November 16, 2023 Michael Lee

Things are about to get spooky at the Disneyland Resort and Disneyland California Adventure. The enhancement theme has been hard at work decorating the park with pumpkins and other fall colors. And guests will have plenty of fun celebrating the howl-day with Disney characters and sections all decked out for some spellbinding thrills and eerie chills.

Movies, Sci Fi

‘The Creator’ Footage Asks What it Means to Be Human

August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 Michael Lee

Coming off of two major IP blockbusters, The Creator marks Gareth Edwards’ return to original sci-fi films. The Nerds of Color joined their fellow journalists and fans for a three-scene sneak preview of the film, which teased the size and scope as well as some of the film’s inspirations.

Animation, Interview, Marvel

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Co-Director Kemp Powers on the Impact of Representation

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 Michael Lee

Sony Animation Pictures’ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was a massive sequel to say the least. As the follow-up to one of the most visually dazzling comic book movies, co-director Kemp Powers had his work cut out for him trying to make the next chapter bigger than its predecessor in story and in animation.

Reviews, Theme Parks

‘Tiana’s Palace’ is a Sweet and Savory New Orleans-Inspired Escape

August 23, 2023November 16, 2023 Michael Lee

Disneyland’s French Market Restaurant has been a staple of the park’s New Orleans Square for as long as I can remember. The quick-service Cajun- and Creole-inspired eatery featuring a garden patio and live jazz is being reimagined into Tiana’s Palace. Inspired by the princess’ dream restaurant in Disney’s The Princess and The Frog, Disney Imagineers transformed the French Market Restaurant space into a place that acts as a love letter to the film in its design and cuisine.

Animation, Streaming, Trailers

‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ Trailer Teases Frenzied Animation Style and Rocking Music

August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 Michael Lee

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Edgar Wright‘s live-action adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel of the same name, now considered to be a cult classic, is getting the animation treatment from Netflix. The streaming giant has released first trailer Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Movies, Streaming

‘The Little Mermaid’ Digital Release is Full of Under the Sea Wonder

August 11, 2023August 11, 2023 Michael Lee

Now that Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as the titular character, has ended its theatrical run, the film is now available for you to own for your home entertainment viewing pleasure. That means you can watch your favorite moments again and again. Not only that, the bonus features dives deep into the making of this film, what it means to have Bailey play the iconic role that is beloved by so many, and invites you to sing-along to your favorite songs.

Movies, Trailers

‘Wonka’ Trailer Teases a Sweet and Whimsical Origin Story

July 11, 2023July 12, 2023 Michael Lee

When Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory came out in 1971, it was a fun, delightful, slightly dark in tone musical escapade that explored the morality of humanity and how some of the characters got just what they deserved for their unruly behavior.

Marvel, Theatre

Disney California Adventure’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ is a Smashing Showstopper

June 30, 2023July 3, 2023 Michael Lee

When Hawkeye introduced us to Rogers: The Musical’s “Save the City” number, MCU fans wondered if they would ever experience a Marvel Musical in real life in any shape or form. Shortly afterward, D23 attendees got an exclusive answer when that same number was performed live in front of an audience.

Interview, Movies

‘Joy Ride’ Cast and Crew on Being Unapologetically Funny and Changing the Narrative

June 26, 2023June 27, 2023 Michael Lee

Joy Ride is just as much a celebration of friendship as it is of finding your identity and family. And all of that is seen through the Asian lens. So while there may be cultural specificities, there’s a universal story that should resonate with audiences abroad.

Animation, Movies

‘Elemental’ Cast and Crew Open Up About Animating and Emoting the Elements

June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 Michael Lee

Disney and Pixar’s Elemental is anything but a simple love story about opposites attracting. The studio’s latest animated film is a nuanced exploration of culture clashes and the immigrant experience told through science and set in a world where elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Air co-exist.

Marvel, Streaming

Oh, Daddy: These are Our Favorite Dads of the MCU

June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 Michael Lee

The Marvel Cinematic Universe may be a big place full of a wide array of super humans, demigods, and aliens who brought peace to their homes or galaxies. Though saving the day from a villain is a dangerous part of Marvel Superhero job, some of the best heroes are the parents guide and share wisdom to their progeny. And to celebrate Father’s Day and the release of Secret Invasion, we take a look at some of the best fathers and father figures of the MCU.

Animation, Movies, Trailers

Pixar’s Newest Kid Adventure Gets Intergalactic in ‘Elio’ Trailer

June 13, 2023June 14, 2023 Michael Lee

As Disney and Pixar prep for the release of Elemental, they are already starting to launch the marketing for their next film, Elio. And now, the studio has released a brand new trailer teasing an all-new and original story that follows a young boy who heads off into space and meets aliens. The only thing is that the aliens believe the kid to be “uuhh-Earth’s” ambassador. As you can imagine, this has the potential to be hilarious but also very problematic.

Animation, Trailers

‘Carl’s Date’ Trailer Teases ‘Up’ Hero on a Dating Adventure in Pixar’s Newest Short

June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 Michael Lee

Pixar’s Up is considered one of the best-animated features of all time. And the studio is honoring the film’s legacy with a brand-new short that follows Carl Fredricksen (voiced by the late Ed Asner), who goes on a brand-new life-changing adventure with his loyal dog companion Dug (voiced by Bob Peterson).

Animation, Movies

Pixar Releases New ‘Elemental’ Original Song From Lauv

June 2, 2023June 3, 2023 Michael Lee

Hot off the releases of its Cannes debut, and poster and featurette drops earlier this week, Pixar has unveiled the original song “Steal the Show” for their upcoming original feature Elemental.

Animation, Movies

‘Elemental’ Featurette and Posters Mix Cast Chemistry and Theatrical Experiences

June 1, 2023June 2, 2023 Michael Lee

With the release of Pixar’s Elemental just a few short weeks away, the studio has dropped some incredible marketing pieces from its massive debut at Cannes to a clip. Now, they have dropped a few new posters teasing the theatrical viewing experiences you can watch and an all-new featurette of the cast and crew talking about the recording process.