In a move that has left fans and industry watchers scratching their heads, Disney has unveiled the full panel schedule for its 2025 Destination D23 event—and there’s a glaring omission: no dedicated presentation on theme park developments.
Marvin Montanaro
Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary.
Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture.
Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership.
He can be reached via email at mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com
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Email: mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com
Freakier Friday Becomes the Latest Disney Film to Underperform in a String of 2025 Underachievers
In what has become a troubling pattern for Disney in 2025, the studio’s latest release, Freakier Friday, has debuted to underwhelming box office results, adding to a string of films that have failed to live up to expectations.
The sequel to the 2003 body-swap comedy, featuring returning stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, opened with $28.6 million domestically over the August 8-10 weekend, falling short of higher-end projections that ranged from $35 million to $45 million.
8/8-8/10 Box Office Report: Weapons Trounces Disney to Take #1 Spot — Another Horror Win for 2025
In a weekend packed with high-profile releases and holdovers, Zach Cregger’s mystery horror film Weapons knocked The Fantastic Four: First Steps down the box office ladder and demolished Disney’s Freakier Friday to claim the top spot, pulling in an estimated $42.5 million from North American theaters over its opening three days.
Alan Tudyk Reveals He Was Dropped From ‘I, Robot’ Marketing After Scoring Higher Than Will Smith With Test Audiences
In a recent podcast appearance on Toon’d In with Jim Cummings, actor Alan Tudyk opened up about a lesser-known chapter in his career involving the 2004 sci-fi thriller I, Robot.
Known for his versatile voice work and motion capture roles, Tudyk shared how his performance as the robot Sonny apparently stole the spotlight in test screenings—so much so that it resulted in him being sidelined from the film’s promotional efforts seemingly for overshadowing the film’s star Will Smith. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the film’s history, hinting at the delicate egos and studio politics that often shape Hollywood blockbusters.
Shrek 5 Delayed to Summer 2027 After First Trailer Racked Up 648K Dislikes
DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures have pushed back the release of Shrek 5 yet again. Originally slated for a July 1, 2026 debut, the film was first delayed to December 23, 2026, before landing on its latest date: June 30, 2027.
Paramount Snags UFC U.S. Rights From Disney in $7.7 Billion Deal Shortly After Skydance Merger
Paramount has made its first big move following its merger with Skydance, striking a major agreement to obtain the U.S. broadcasting rights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from TKO Group.
Ewan McGregor Not Returning for Ahsoka Season 2 Despite Rumors
Recently, a wave of speculation swept through fan communities after reports surfaced claiming that Ewan McGregor would reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the upcoming second season of Disney+’s Ahsoka. The rumor originated from McGregor’s appearance at FanExpo Boston, where he allegedly confirmed his involvement during a Q&A panel.
Roblox Chief Safety Officer Sells $800K in Stock Amid Backlash Over Banning Vigilante Predator Hunter
In a unfolding controversy that has sparked widespread debate on child safety in online gaming, Roblox Corporation’s Chief Safety Officer, Matthew Kaufman, sold over $800,000 worth of company stock shortly after the platform issued a cease-and-desist order to a prominent YouTuber known for exposing child predators.
Gina Carano Opens Up on Health, Resilience, and Moving Forward After Disney Lawsuit Settlement
With a heartfelt and introspective post on X, actress and former mixed martial artist Gina Carano opened up about her journey following a high-profile lawsuit legal settlement with Disney and Lucasfilm.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Crashes Again at Box Office in Third Weekend
Marvel Studios’ latest superhero entry, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, experienced a significant 60% decline in its third weekend at the domestic box office, grossing an estimated $15.5 million.
Former Marvel Writer Exposes “Toxic” Kevin Feige Creative Meetings in Explosive X Thread
In a scathing long post on X, Beau DeMayo, the ousted creator of Disney+’s X-Men ’97, has pulled back the curtain on what he describes as dysfunctional and demoralizing creative meetings with Kevin Feige at Marvel Studios.
James Gunn Swiftly Debunks Insneider Rumor Claiming Robin Will Debut in ‘The Batman Part II’
Supposed Hollywood insiders believe that Robin will appear in The Batman Part II, but James Gunn put those rumors to bed quickly.