Disney lets Deadpool drop f-bombs, debuts new 'Captain America' first look at CinemaCon
LAS VEGAS – Deadpool? And Wolverine? In Vegas? That's what you call a jackpot.
Marvel's two extremely stabby superheroes – Ryan Reynolds' masked Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman's iconic X-Man – made quite the splash at Disney's presentation at CinemaCon Thursday. Director Shawn Levy debuted new footage from "Deadpool & Wolverine" (in theaters July 26), Pixar showcased the first 35 minutes of its upcoming sequel "Inside Out 2" (June 14), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made an appearance to debut a sneak peek at the new animated sequel "Moana 2" (Nov. 27) and director Barry Jenkins gave theater owners a taste of what's coming in the live-action prequel "Mufasa: The Lion King" (Dec. 20).
Plus, there were so many f-bombs that Mickey Mouse is probably going to get Deadpool a swear jar.
Here's all the news and highlights from the Disney panel:
Dwayne Johnson says 'Moana 2' is 'deeper than a movie for me'
Dwayne Johnson arrives with island drummers and dancers – and does a few moves himself – to say "Aloha!" and preview the new animated sequel "Moana 2" (Nov. 27). He says the character Maui is inspired by his grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia. "It's so much deeper than a movie for me," says Johnson, who's presented with a Spirit of the Industry Award from the National Association of Theatre Owners. He also introduces a sneak peek, including a new song, "We're Back," sung by Moana (Auli?i Cravalho) as she returns home from a seafaring trip.
Barry Jenkins previews 'Lion King' prequel 'Mufasa'
Director Barry Jenkins says taking on the prequel "Mufasa: The Lion King" (Dec. 20) is "one of the best decisions of my life." The "Moonlight" director adds that it's "a very personal film for me": He watched the original animated "Lion King" "maybe 200 times" with his nephews. The prequel "explores Mufasa's rise to become the king that he is" and helps kids understand "how people who are great become the way that they are."
Marvel debuts nine amazing minutes of 'Deadpool & Wolverine'
The first "Deadpool" footage doesn't disappoint: Director Shawn Levy shows nine super-fun, foul-mouthed minutes, where Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool has literally hung up the tights and is now selling cars. But when he's captured by the Time Variance Authority, a mystery man named Mr. Paradox (Matthew McFadyen) gives him a chance to jump from his timeline to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "Suck it, Fox! I'm going to Disneyland," Deadpool proclaims.
Deadpool popcorn bucket is coming, new 'Captain America' gets a trailer
Yes, you read that right: Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige says Deadpool is "designing" his own popcorn bucket a la that "Dune Part Two" travesty. In other news, "Thunderbolts*" (out May 5) now has an asterisk in its title (apparently that will make sense later) and "Captain America: Brave New World" (Feb. 14, 2025) will be a political thriller. "It's been amazing," Anthony Mackie says of taking on Cap's shield. He introduces a sneak peek where Sam Wilson (Mackie) meets President "Thunderbolt" Ross (Harrison Ford) in the Oval Office, and POTUS wants him to rebuild the Avengers.
'Inside Out 2' debuts some new emotions as Joy meets Anxiety
After a first trailer for "The Young Woman and the Sea," a period biopic with "Nyad" vibes, Amy Poehler arrives to introduce the first 35 minutes of "Inside Out 2." The now-teenage Riley navigates changing friendships and fitting in at hockey camp, and Joy (Poehler) and the old emotions are challenged by Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and a new crew.
'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' premieres new footage
Next up: 17 minutes from "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" (May 10), which is set several generations in the future as apes rule the world instead of humans. Two scenes show the atmosphere and breathtaking effects as young ape Noa seeks hawk's eggs with his friends and picks up the pieces after a tragic attack.
Wolverine and Deadpool kick off the show!
Our two fun-loving antiheroes begin the presentation with a video of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine launching into a curse-laden rant at folks to turn their phones off. "So much testosterone," Deadpool quips. That's followed by a sizzle reel of past and future movies, including a look at Gal Gadot's Evil Queen in upcoming live-action "Snow White" – so evil! – and Harrison Ford's President "Thunderbolt" Ross in Marvel's "Captain America: Brave New World."
What have been the highlights at this year's CinemaCon?
Disney is the last studio to roll out a presentation this week, but the rest brought out a lot of good stuff. A few noteworthy items:
Paul Mescal starred in the epic first footage from Ridley Scott's sequel "Gladiator II."
John Wick is back! Keanu Reeves makes an appearance in the new spinoff "Ballerina."
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo talked about their roles in the upcoming "Wicked" musical.
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" spooked with a sneak peek featuring returning star Michael Keaton.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney's biggest Marvel, Pixar highlights at CinemaCon