Pinocchio

All images: Disney

I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard that Disney was turning yet another classic animated story into a live-action film. But so far, Pinocchio looks pretty good.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Robert Zemeckis directs this live action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his "conscience"; Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is "Honest" John; Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also in the cast are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana (and her marionette Sabina), Giuseppe Battiston as Señor Stromboli and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick. 

Pinocchio will arrive on DisneyPlus on September 8th, Disney+ Day.

Andor

All images: Lucasfilm

Have you ever wondered how the Rebellion began? Andor, the early story of Cassian Andor from Rogue One, may just fill in some of the blanks.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm:

The “Andor” series will explore a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.

Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor and is joined by cast members Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Denise Gough and Kyle Soller.

The first two episodes of Andor arrive on DisneyPlus on August 31, September 21. New episodes will debut each Wednesday.

Memorial Day

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." - Franklin D Roosevelt

This Memorial Day, let's take a moment to remember.

Quote of the Week

NASA

The universe is full of magical things

patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

- Eden Phillpotts, A Shadow Passes

Photo of the Week

I love Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs. The Indiana Jones theme is fantastic and so is the food.

Willow Is Returning For A New Adventure

Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm made the most amazing announcement yesterday: a sequel to Willow is coming to DisneyPlus. I can't believe, after all these years we're finally getting another story about Willow Ufgood. So cool!

"The world needs you again. It needs your magic."

The first episode of Willow (the series) arrives on DisneyPlus on November 30. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. Willow (the movie) is on DisneyPlus now.

Pride Rock Punch Recipe From Disney

Disneyland's latest festival, Celebrate Soulfully, has some amazing sounding food. The Pride Rock Punch is in honor of the new "Tale of the Lion King" show, which opens this Saturday. If you just can't wait, here's the recipe from Disney so you can make it at home.

Pride Rock Punch - Troubadour Tavern

Serves 4-6

1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

4 cups freshly brewed unsweetened black tea

1/3 cup mango beverage syrup *

1/2 cup orange juice

3/4 teaspoon tamarind paste

Orange slices

Dried mango slices

Dried pineapple

Place fresh pineapple in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Combine puréed pineapple, unsweetened tea, mango beverage syrup, orange juice, and tamarind paste in a large pitcher. Stir until tamarind paste is fully dissolved.

Fill 4-6 tall glasses halfway with ice. Add punch and garnish with orange slices, dried mango, and dried pineapple.

*If mango beverage syrup is unavailable, you can make your own using water, sugar, and mango. Bring 1/2 cup water, 1/2 sugar, and 1 cup of frozen mango pieces to a boil in a saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes. Cool completely and strain out mango pieces. Refrigerate up to one week.