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D23 2017: Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules

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It’s been 20 years since the arguably underrated Disney classic, “Hercules” made its way to the big screen. Ever since, audiences all over the world have embraced the film for its soulful, gospel take on Greek mythology. Disney commemorated the film’s 20th Anniversary with its very own panel at D23 Expo moderated by the film’s two legendary directors, John Musker and Ron Clements (“The Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin”, “Treasure Planet”).

Musker and Clements recanted their joys and process of working on the film, showing various never-before-seen clips and animatics of early sequences. Musker also displayed several photos of himself, Clements, and the animation team on various location scouts throughout Greece so that the animators could get a feel for what they would be drawing. The Directors also explained that they had shot several live-action scenes intercut with the early animatics so that the visual artists could see the human portrayal. One rather comical scene shown was a snippet of the famous Hydra battle sequence, in which an actor in a very cheaply made Hercules costume tussles with a cardboard Hydra head while Clements stood in for the role of Phil. Next, a video of the entire “Zero to Hero” number was played, with live actresses portraying the Muses intercut with the completed animated sequence.

 

Next, animators Eric Goldberg (Supervising Animator for “Phil”) and Ken Duncan (“Supervising Animator for “Meg”) took the stage to share stories of what it was like behind the desk. Goldberg showed some clips of early test footage of the Phil character while Duncan did the same for Meg. Duncan also displahyed a rather adorable drawing of Meg in a cast, which he had drawn for Susan Egan (Voice of “Meg”) after she broke her foot during a performance of “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway. The icing on the cake was a speech bubble reading “That’s the last time I let Herc rub my feet!”

Egan herself was welcomed to the stage next along with Hercules himself, Tate Donovan. Donovan shared his story of getting the role and later adopting it as a “Disney calling card” of sorts after reprising the role for the prequel animated series. Donovan revealed that he originally didn’t think he was going to be cast as widely known actors such as Kiefer Sutherland and Charlie Sheen had been in the audition room with him. He was also distraught when Musker and Clements had looked away from him during his audition, not realizing that since it was a voice audition they intentionally looked away, so as not to be swayed by his physical performance. Egan also shared her audition story of how she was originally told not to audition by Alan Menken, the composer of the film. At the time, Egan had been starring as Belle in Disney’s Broadway adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast”, which Menken had also composed. Menken felt that Egan’s sweet persona wouldn’t fit the sassy character of Meg. After having difficulty casting the character, Menken finally allowed Egan to audition and she completely won over the casting team. As a proper send off to the audience, Egan closed out the panel with a live rendition of Meg’s famous number in the film, “I Won’t Say I’m In Love”.

 

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Jurassic Park: Unraveling the Mystery in a World Gone Prehistoric!

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Hold onto your hats, dino fans! The highly anticipated sequel to the adrenaline-pumping Camp Cretaceous saga is here, and it’s taking us on a wild ride six years in the making. Following the harrowing events of Camp Cretaceous, our beloved “Nublar Six” are back, but they’re not out of the woods just yet. In fact, they’re about to plunge headfirst into a world where dinosaurs roam freely alongside dangerous humans, and trust us when we say, it’s a Jurassic jungle out there!

Picture this: a world where survival isn’t just about avoiding sharp-toothed predators but also navigating the treacherous waters of human greed and deceit. As our resilient heroes reunite in the aftermath of a heart-wrenching tragedy, they quickly realize that danger lurks around every corner, and trust is a luxury they can’t afford. 

But wait, there’s more! Prepare to embark on a globetrotting adventure like no other as the Nublar Six find themselves thrust into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens not only the fragile balance between dinosaurs and humanity but also their very existence. From the lush jungles of Isla Nublar to the bustling streets of bustling cities, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions as our intrepid group races against time to uncover the truth about one of their own and, ultimately, save both dinosaur and humankind from certain doom.

So, dear readers, if you thought you’d seen it all in Jurassic Park, think again! With heart-stopping action, pulse-pounding suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations, this latest installment promises to be a game-changer in the Jurassic universe. Get ready to roar with excitement because Jurassic Park: Unraveling the Mystery is about to take a bite out of your imagination and leave you hungry for more!

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Netflix’s Upcoming Thriller ‘Trigger Warning’ Promises Action-Packed Intrigue”

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Get ready to buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride as Netflix prepares to drop its latest original thriller, “Trigger Warning,” on June 21, 2024. Directed by Mouly Surya and boasting an all-star cast, including Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Tone Bell, Jake Weary, Gabriel Basso, Anthony Michael Hall, Kaiwi Lyman, and Hari Dhillon, this film is set to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The plot centers around Special Forces commando Parker, portrayed by the talented Jessica Alba. Parker’s life takes an unexpected turn when she receives the heartbreaking news of her father’s sudden passing, prompting her to return to her hometown. As she steps into her new role as the owner of the family bar, Parker quickly realizes that there’s more to her father’s death than meets the eye.

Reconnecting with figures from her past, including her former flame turned sheriff, Jesse (Mark Webber), and his volatile brother, Elvis (Jake Weary), Parker finds herself embroiled in a dangerous web of deceit and violence. With the influential Senator Swann (Anthony Michael Hall) casting a shadow over the town, Parker must navigate treacherous waters to uncover the truth about her father’s demise.

As tensions rise and alliances shift, Parker taps into her elite commando training, determined to unravel the mysteries plaguing Swann County. Assisted by her covert ops partner and hacker, Spider (Tone Bell), and the enigmatic local dealer, Mike (Gabriel Basso), Parker embarks on a perilous journey filled with twists and turns.

Penned by John Brancato & Josh Olson and Halley Gross, “Trigger Warning” promises to deliver a gripping narrative packed with action, suspense, and unexpected revelations. With a powerhouse cast bringing the characters to life and a talented creative team behind the scenes, this Netflix original is primed to captivate audiences worldwide.

Produced by Erica Lee, Basil Iwanyk, and Esther Hornstein, “Trigger Warning” offers a thrilling glimpse into the murky depths of small-town politics and criminal underworlds. With its pulse-pounding action sequences and compelling storyline, this film is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Mark your calendars for June 21, 2024, as “Trigger Warning” arrives on Netflix, ready to ignite your senses and keep you guessing until the credits roll. Don’t miss out on this adrenaline-charged cinematic experience that promises to be the ultimate summer blockbuster.

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Unveiling the Epic Journey of Ayrton Senna: Netflix’s New Limited Series

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Buckle up, racing enthusiasts, as Netflix gears up to premiere its highly anticipated limited series, “Senna,” in late 2024. Delving into the captivating life and career of Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, this six-episode fictional saga promises to deliver an immersive experience like no other.

In a mesmerizing teaser video released today, viewers catch a glimpse of the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 as they witness the recreation of Ayrton Senna’s historic victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix. Narrated by the iconic Galvão Bueno, the teaser provides a tantalizing peek into Senna’s triumph on the Interlagos circuit, a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.

Portrayed by the talented Gabriel Leone, Ayrton Senna takes center stage as the series chronicles his journey from the genesis of his motor racing career in England’s Formula Ford to his tragic accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Through triumphs, disappointments, joys, and sorrows, viewers will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster, unveiling the true essence of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time.

But “Senna” is not just about racing; it’s about the man behind the helmet. The series delves deep into Senna’s personality and personal relationships, offering a nuanced portrayal of the enigmatic figure who captured the hearts of millions around the globe.

Behind the scenes, “Senna” boasts an impressive lineup of talent, with Vicente Amorim and Julia Rezende serving as showrunner and co-director, respectively. Produced by Gullane in collaboration with Senna Brands and the driver’s family, the series promises to stay true to the spirit of Ayrton Senna’s legacy.

Joining Gabriel Leone in bringing this epic tale to life are Alice Wegmann as Lilian Vasconcelos, Camila Márdila as Vivianne Senna, Christian Malheiros as Maurinho, and a stellar international cast including Kaya Scodelario, Arnaud Viard, Patrick Kennedy, and more.

From the exhilarating race tracks to the intimate moments behind closed doors, “Senna” offers a front-row seat to the captivating story of a racing icon. So rev up your engines and mark your calendars for the premiere of “Senna,” coming soon to Netflix. Get ready to experience the thrill, the drama, and the legacy of Ayrton Senna like never before.

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