“Disney Worldbuilders,” a new documentary by Leslie Iwerks — granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, who co-created Mickey Mouse alongside Walt Disney, is set to premiere on Disney+ on Aug. 20.
“Disney Worldbuilders” goes behind-the-scenes of how movies and franchises such as “Frozen,” “Zootopia” and more are turned into immersive worlds across the Disney parks. James Cameron, Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau, Pete Docter, Jennifer Lee and Jared Bush are among the filmmakers who feature in the documentary.
Favreau, who directed the latest “Star Wars” film “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” says, “Technology with a good piece of storytelling creates this immersive experience.”
Earlier this year, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” made its debut on the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run rides at Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Back in March, Lee, former chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation, saw Olaf and the magical kingdom of Arendelle come to life when the World of Frozen opened at Disneyland Paris.
The doc also offers rare glimpses of new lands, areas, and experiences taking shape across Disney properties.
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger sets the stage by reflecting on the power of uniting a singular caliber of storytellers — and the impact that creative convergence has across the Walt Disney Company. The company’s current CEO, Josh D’Amaro, carries that narrative forward, speaking to the legacy of Disney storytelling and how it continues to evolve.
The documentary is set to premiere at D23 followed by a conversation with Iwerks. Last year, Iwerks released “Disneyland Handcrafted” – an inside look at Walt Disney’s dream to build the “happiest place on Earth” at Disneyland.