Disney’s hugely hyped D23 Expo 2022 arrived this past weekend and brought with it a treasure trove of news, big reveals, surprise announcements, and first looks. Marvel, Star Wars, and more were covered at the expo, which has fans more excited than ever before.
If you missed it, no worries. We rounded up the biggest news and every single trailer that has been released. Catch up on all the action at this year’s D23 Expo below.
The Thunderbolts Lineup Is Revealed
After a year of speculation that the MCU Phase 4 was quietly setting up the Thunderbolts, and months of speculation about what the team lineup would be, Marvel finally announced it: Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier/White Wolf (Sebastian Stan), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kame), and the team mastermind, Contessa Val (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). As Marvel’s antihero answer to the Avengers, it will be interesting to see who their villain is. The real question now is: where’s Baron Zemo? Could he be part of their mission?
Samuel Sterns/The Leader Will Return for Captain America: New World Order
Marvel has done a great job of retroactively incorporating old characters from more outside projects into the MCU proper in the past few years. To that end, it’s had fans wondering who else might make a return. As it turns out, the answer to that is Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, a.k.a. The Leader. The brilliant scientist was last seen in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, and his story set him up to become the villainous Leader. Now, it appears that he’s about to reemerge. Also joining the Captain America: New World Order cast is the Israeli mutant super-spy Sabra, to be played by Shira Haas. Meanwhile, Carl Lumbly and Danny Ramirez will return as Isaiah Bradley and Joaquin Torres/Falcon, respectively.
Huy Ke Quan Is Joining Loki Season 2
2022 has truly been the Huy Ke Quan renaissance, and it’s been fantastic to see. Now, the fan-favorite is confirmed to be joining the cast of Loki season 2. He’ll be playing an employee of the Time Variance Authority, which should be a lot of fun. Footage showed the God of Mischief being sent across multiple new realities, and also confirmed Kang the Conquerer will have a big presence after the events of season 1.
Daredevil: Born Again Will Have 18 Episodes
Give Marvel credit: it knows what its fans want. And what they want right now is Charlie Cox as Daredevil. Marvel knew how beloved the Netflix series character was, and has taken pains to incorporate him and fellow Daredevil star Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin into the MCU. Now, it’s been confirmed that the Daredevil revival will be the longest MCU Disney+ show yet. At 18 episodes, Daredevil: Born Again is sure to give fans more of the dark action that they so loved in the Netflix series.
Eman Esfandi Cast As Ezra Bridger In The Ahsoka Live-Action Show
Okay, this news technically wasn’t from D23, but it might as well be: THR has reported that Disney has finally found its live-action Ezra Bridger. Reportedly, actor Eman Esfandi has been cast in the role of the beloved Star Wars Rebels character for the live-action Ahsoka series. Apparently, that puts to an end the rumors that Aladdin actor Mena Massoud would be cast in the role.
Star Wars Show Release Dates
Lucasfilm also announced the release dates for a few of its upcoming series:
- Andor season 1 will premiere on September 21, 2022.
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1 will premiere on October 26, 2022
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 will premiere on January 4, 2023.
- The Mandalorian season 3 will stream on a TBD date in 2022.
Trailers
The Little Mermaid – Official Teaser Trailer
Halle Bailey absolutely embodies the role of Ariel. What a voice!
Hocus Pocus 2 – Official Trailer
The Sanderson sisters’ chemistry is still going strong 30 years later. It’s amazing.
Disenchanted – Official Trailer
Just as much goofy fun as Enchanted with a realistic twist? Yes, please.
Willow – Official Trailer
What a gift Warwick Davis has been for decades. ’80s kids, mount up!
Andor – Official Trailer
This has a sneaky chance of being the best show Star Wars has ever made.
Tales of the Jedi – Official Trailer
The Star Wars animated series have some of the most unique and recognizable animation out there. P.S. Baby Ahsoka!
The Mandalorian – Season 3 Teaser Trailer
It’s good to see Mando back.
Secret Invasion – Official Trailer
Definitely giving us Captain America: The Winter Soldier paranoid thriller vibes. We’re into it.
Werewolf by Night – Special Presentation
This looks like the most ambitious thing Marvel has ever done. Incredibly cool concept.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – Sneak Peek
If you’re not watching She-Hulk, you’re missing out on one of the most fun projects Marvel has ever done.