The 2026 edition of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is set to be a blockbuster for Marvel Studios, with a packed schedule of panels and events that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the recent success of the Hall H panel at Comic-Con 2026, Marvel is looking to build on that momentum with a slate of dedicated Marvel panels, legacy celebrations, and a highly anticipated Disney Entertainment Showcase. Here's a breakdown of the schedule, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Disney Music Presents: The Art of the Score
On the heels of the success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Michael Giacchino, the award-winning composer, takes center stage in this panel. Giacchino's work on the Tom Holland-led movie has been a hit, and now he's diving into his creative process, restrictions, and creative input from directors and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. This panel is a must-see for music lovers and Marvel fans alike, as Giacchino provides a rare insight into the development process of creating music for Marvel movies. What makes this particularly fascinating is the opportunity to hear from a composer who has worked on a wide range of projects, from Pixar to Lucasfilm, and now Marvel. In my opinion, this panel is a behind-the-scenes look at the art of scoring, and it's a chance to appreciate the talent that goes into creating the iconic themes and scores that we love.
Disney Entertainment Showcase
This is the main event for Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, and Pixar movies at D23. It's the primary site for exclusive reveals and special looks at upcoming shows like VisionQuest and potentially Daredevil: Born Again Season 3. Marvel's time during this marquee presentation is expected to be limited, but that only adds to the excitement. The potential reveals, such as the X-Men reboot cast for the Mutant Saga, have been circulating in the rumor mill, and fans are eagerly awaiting any news. What many people don't realize is that this showcase is not just about the big announcements; it's also about the storytelling and the creative process behind these iconic franchises. It's a chance to see the future of these universes and the direction they're taking.
Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel’s Spider-Man!
This panel is a celebration of Spider-Man's legacy, with a focus on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the animated series Marvel's Spidey and His Amazing Friends, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 2. But it's not just about the on-screen projects. The panel will also highlight Spider-Man's milestone 1,000th comic issue, exclusive toys, and other media appearances. What this really suggests is that Marvel is not just celebrating the past but also looking to the future. Exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes stories are in the cards, and fans can expect a deep dive into the web-slinger's past and future. This panel is a testament to the enduring popularity of Spider-Man and the impact he has had on Marvel's success.
Disney/Marvel: A Legacy of Stories
This panel takes a look at Disney and Marvel's historic storytelling across different forms of media. While the extent of Marvel Studios' participation is still unclear, there's a good chance that a special lookback at the MCU's Infinity Saga and the Multiverse Saga could be featured. This panel is an opportunity to appreciate the evolution of these franchises and the impact they have had on popular culture. It's a chance to see the bigger picture and understand how these stories have shaped the entertainment industry. If you take a step back and think about it, this panel is a celebration of the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of Marvel and Disney.
General Marvel D23 Schedule
Marvel Fanfare
This panel is exclusively centered on Marvel Comics, with Spider-Man at the forefront. It explores the biggest stories of the web-slinger and features an exclusive comic giveaway after the session. While it's still unknown, there's a chance that other Marvel Comics stories will be discussed. This panel is a testament to the power of comics and the impact they have had on Marvel's success. It's a chance to celebrate the medium and the creativity that goes into creating these iconic characters and stories.
Future of Digital Comics: Disney, Marvel, & WEBTOON
This panel brings together representatives from Disney, Marvel, and WEBTOON to explore how different stories are reimagined for WEBTOON's vertical-scroll, mobile-first digital comics format. The discussion is expected to center around the creative process, how this medium stands out, and the future releases that could define the digital side of Marvel storytelling. This panel is a fascinating look at the future of storytelling and the impact of digital media. It's a chance to see how Marvel is adapting to new formats and reaching new audiences.
Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase
This panel is dedicated to theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and experiences news. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the showcase is built around storytelling inspired by the Carousel of Progress attraction. Fans can expect progress updates at major theme park projects, new artwork for future experiences, and engaging behind-the-scenes stories from the world of Disney Parks. Expansions or updates connected to Avengers Campus or other new Marvel lands could also be announced in the panel. This panel is a testament to the power of Disney's theme parks and the impact they have on the company's success. It's a chance to see the future of these experiences and the creativity that goes into creating them.
Disney Worldbuilders
This presentation serves as the world premiere screening of Leslie Iwerks' feature-length documentary. The panel features top filmmakers and special guests, including Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush, Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni, and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. The discussion examines the creative process behind turning films and franchises into physical attractions. This panel is a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating these immersive experiences. It's a chance to see the talent and creativity that goes into bringing these stories to life in the real world.
