ANAHEIM, California — Nobody puts on a show like Walt Disney, a point proven once again Friday morning (September 11) in a massive event featuring appearances by Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Miley Cyrus and big news on the future of the "Pirates of the Caribbean," "National Treasure" and other franchises.
Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook took the stage after a live orchestra presented a tribute to Disney films new and old, addressing a crowd of 5,000 people at the Anaheim Convention Center as part of the studio's massive D23 fan convention.
Among the big news announced by Cook as he looked into the crystal ball at Disney's next several years on film:
» "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" finally has a title ("On Stranger Tides") and a release date (summer 2011). Depp thrilled the crowd by "sailing" onstage as Captain Jack Sparrow, staying in character the whole time while asking Cook where he could get some rum.
» Disney announced a new venture with Guillermo del Toro called "Disney Double Dare You" that will focus on scarier genre films. The "Pan's Labyrinth" director appeared via videotape from the New Zealand pre-production offices of "The Hobbit" to say the book, merchandise and film division was inspired by his childhood love for the darker side of Disney attractions like the Haunted Mansion. The first film is based on an original idea by del Toro and is called "The Troll Hunters."
» Cook referred to Andrew Stanton's upcoming blockbuster "John Carter of Mars" as the first in a trilogy, showed stunning concept art and called the possible series "a new Disney franchise for years and years to come."
» Cage came onstage to unveil a trailer for "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" that featured a dragon, a magical nesting doll and the now-infamous car chase. Cook then asked Cage if he was onboard for a third "National Treasure" film, and the star said "absolutely" to great applause.
» After Kermit, Fozzie and Jim Henson's other creations took over the stage for an updated take on "The Rainbow Connection," Cook announced a new film called "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made." He did not mention whether this film — whose title was shown crudely scribbled on a cocktail napkin — is the same project Jason Segel has discussed in recent years.
» In a touching surprise, John Travolta, Kelly Preston and their daughter Ella Blue Travolta came onstage, in what was the family's first public appearance since the recent death of Jett Travolta. They were met with massive applause, and a few people in the crowd could be seen choking back tears.
» Cook announced that Travolta and his old co-stars will return for "Wild Hogs 2: Bachelor Ride."
» Audiences were shown a 3-D slide promoting "The Yellow Submarine," which Cook announced will be made by Robert Zemeckis. "Yes, it is true, we are making a 'Yellow Submarine' movie with Bob piloting the sub," he explained. "You're going to see Pepperland and the Blue Meanies as you never have before — and the greatest soundtrack of all time."
Among other films unveiling never-before-seen footage were "Alice in Wonderland," "The Prince of Persia," "Tron: Legacy" and "Oceans," a 2010 sequel to the Disney nature flick "Earth." Cook briefly reiterated prior details on Jerry Bruckheimer's "Lone Ranger" reboot with Depp, but noticeably absent from his comments was anything regarding the massive acquisition of Marvel that occurred recently.
Zemeckis, Bruckheimer and Tim Burton also made appearances, along with Miley Cyrus, who discussed her recently wrapped Nicholas Sparks tearjerker "The Last Song." The mostly older crowd greeted her performance of "The Climb" with polite applause but went wild moments later when Depp sailed onstage to announce that Captain Jack will soon be back.
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