#FIRSTLOOK: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES CANADA HOLIDAY 2018 PREVIEW

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

The year that was 2017 is almost over and that means we have an entire slate of 2018 Movies to look forward to. Whether you’re a fan of animation, superheroes, or space cowboys one studio has the answer to all your dreams: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada. As the home of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Animation and Disney Live Action among others, they are host to the Must-See Movies of 2018 than you can shake a lightsaber at.

Before you start trying to figure out how Coco fits into the greater Pixar universe or prepare to jump to lightspeed in anticipation of December’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the team here at Mr. Will Wong has your inside scoop to everything Disney in 2018.

Kicking things off in February, Chadwick Boseman returns as the eponymous hero in Marvel’s Black Panther. The action moves to the kingdom of Wakanda where T’Challa’s enemies are conspiring to take down the new king. Director Ryan Coogler has assembled a star-studded cast featuring a villainous Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger, and Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira members of Wakanda’s elite all-female special forces.

Madeleine L’Engle’s 1962 book A Wrinkle in Time can be found on the shelves of countless children and movie critics around the world. In March, Oscar-nominated Director Ava DuVernay will tackle this timeless Novel with a Cast featuring Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon. Frozen’s Jennifer Lee adapted this story of a girl who learns her father is being held captive on a distant planet decides to save him the help of her brother, a classmate, and a little interdimensional travel.

There is no end of excitement for May’s Avengers: Infinity War. This Movie will bring together heroes from all corners of the Marvel universe as they battle Josh Brolin’s Thanos.

One word has the ability to make all animation fans thrill: Pixar. In June Brad Bird returns to direct of one of the most highly anticipated animated, superhero Sequels in decades: The Incredibles 2. Joining Bob, Helen, Violet and Dash is baby Jack Jack whose powers manifested at the end of last Movie. Pixar is keenly-aware of never messing with a good thing and have reunited not only the Director and Cast but also many of the behind-the-scenes people including the Composer and Producers. Prepare to be dazzled but remember: no capes!

November marks the return of Vanellope and Ralph (Sarah Silverman and John C. Reilly) in Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2. Details of this Disney Animated Sequel were first shared in July at D23 and although we can’t tell you much we assure you Ralph Breaks the Internet is even better than the first.

As the holiday season approaches, Disney hopes to enchant audiences with their take on a Tchaikovsky classic in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Most people will be thrilled to see Keira Knightley in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy to Mackenzie Foy’s Clara. Devoted ballet enthusiasts will no doubt be more focused on the addition of Misty Copeland in this ballet inspired Movie. Morgan Freeman is along for the ride as the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

But wait, that’s not all! In May, head back to a galaxy far, far away when Solo: A Star Wars Movie hits the big screen. A third Marvel Movie is headed for theatres in July with Ant-Man and the Wasp. Finally, 2018 will definitely end on a high note when Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda sing their way to the big screen in December’s Mary Poppins Returns.

That’s just a small taste of the wonders Walt Disney Pictures Canada has in store for fans next year. Small kids and big kids alike are sure to find something to love in 2018.