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A brand-new feature documentary is coming to Disney+. Directed by Academy Award- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, "Disney Worldbuilders" dives deep into how storytellers transform beloved stories and locations from the screen into real-world, one-of-a-kind immersive experiences.
During the film, viewers will learn how beloved theme park worlds, like Pandora—The World of Avatar and Toy Story Land, are transformed into living, breathing places through the ultimate meeting of technology and storytelling.
The filmmaker behind "The Imagineering Story" and "Disneyland Handcrafted," it’s a topic deeply personal to Leslie, granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, who co-created Mickey Mousealongside Walt Disney, and daughter of Don Iwerks, an innovative camera technician responsible for revolutionary inventions, including the first 360-film techniques.
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During the film, Leslie joins the field’s top creatives and visionaries as fans learn about the rides, parks and “creative sparks” that shaped them.
Disney Parks Blog shared: “Through personal reflections on their earliest inspirations, pivotal moments along the way, and the formative Disney memories they’ve carried with them over the years, these storytellers share the experiences that have helped shape their creative journeys.”
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Throughout the documentary, Iwerks sits down with a powerhouse roster of Disney leaders and legendary storytellers who have shaped the company’s vast narrative universe. Viewers will hear from former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who reflects on pivotal acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Fox, alongside current Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro.
The film also features insights from iconic visionaries across Disney’s major studios, including legendary Avatar filmmaker James Cameron, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, and The Mandalorian and Grogu filmmaker Jon Favreau. Rounding out the lineup are animation heavyweights Pete Docter (Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios),Jennifer Lee (Oscar-winning writer and director of Frozen), and Jared Bush (Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios).
In addition to hearing directly from the creatives behind fan-favorite attractions and characters, the film will also offer never-before-seen looks at upcoming projects, including rare glimpses at new experiences, areas and lands.
Always looking ahead is a cornerstone of the Walt Disney Company and this film will explore how the next worlds are built for fans to enjoy for decades to come. And park fans have much to look forward to in the coming years, with a brand new "Monsters, Inc."-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a highly anticipated "Encanto" ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
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While the film will be released later in August, fans attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will have the opportunity to preview it at its debut screening during a special panel presentation.
"Disney Worldbuilders" will premiere on Disney+ in August and until then, eager fans can enjoy "Disneyland Handcrafted," a documentary film created from over 50 hours of raw footage of the pioneering theme park’s very first days.
