DISNEY+ DEBUTS TRAILER FOR NEW SERIES ‘AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’ FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

 

BURBANK, Calif. (June 13, 2022) – Disney+ debuted the trailer for its newest original series from National Geographic, “America the Beautiful.” As part of their Independence Day celebration this summer, all six episodes will stream Monday, July 4, exclusively on Disney+. Narrated by Emmy^®-nominated actor and producer Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther,” “Creed”), the documentary series takes viewers on an epic journey across North America’s most spectacular regions to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the most diverse land on Earth while showcasing its many unique creatures. The goal is to inspire audiences to conserve the precious habitats and inhabitants found in our own backyards.

 

From the multiple BAFTA- and Emmy Award^®-winning team of Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield (“Planet Earth,” “Frozen Planet”) at Wildstar Films, “America the Beautiful” is the first natural history series to place cinema-grade cameras on fighter jets, taking viewers on a jaw-dropping ride through some of the most impressive scenery on Earth, revealing rich and textured worlds that are unique to the continent. The jet-mounted cameras show how America’s landscapes fit together and shape one another: a single shot can reveal how the Sierra mountains made the Mojave Desert or the Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon. The same aerial system proved a revelation for also filming wild weather, enabling footage of supercells and tornados from close range. For the series, National Geographic has purchased carbon credits from projects that reduce emissions, benefit communities, and support biodiversity to compensate for production emissions, including the emissions of the aircraft used in filming.

 

Each episode of “America The Beautiful” showcases smart and brave animal heroes of all sizes — from grizzlies to bald eagles, mountain lions to honeypot ants — whose funny and amazing antics are brought to life with character-led storytelling. To capture elusive and never before seen animal behaviors on the ground, a new generation of remote cameras and gyro-stabilized cameras were used. In the final episode, to celebrate the human conservation heroes of America, producers worked directly with Indigenous tribes such as the  Chippewa Cree of Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana to film bison reintroduction and the Gwich’in people of Alaska to document the battle to protect the arctic refuge from oil exploration.

 

The six-part series features an inspiring soundtrack that not only evokes pride but also the diversity of America. The score was composed by Joseph Trapanese. Music from the series features performances from Ojibwe powwow singer Joe Rainey Sr., Native drum maker and singer Dylan Jennings (Bizhikiins-Young Buffalo), Italian Korean American violinist Lucia Micarelli, Black American bluesman Leonard “Lowdown” Brown, Los Angeles-based multiethnic vocal ensemble Tonality lead by Black American conductor Alexander Blake, and more. Drummer and supporting vocalist from Bon Iver, S. Carey co-wrote and produced the album’s theme music alongside Trapanese.

All six episodes are available to stream on July 4, only on Disney+:

Land of Heroes

Never-before-seen stories of heroic animals — endearing, majestic and downright bizarre — play out against a breathtaking backdrop of America’s most iconic landscapes. Aerial cameras take viewers on a thrilling journey from the ice caps to the desert, from sea to shining sea. From grizzlies hunting caribou in the Alaskan mountains to prairie dogs battling a tornado, find out what it takes to be an American hero.

 

Waterland

The wetlands of the southeastern USA are a magical world where the boundary between land and water is blurred. Black bears must carry their tiny cubs through gator-infested swamps while dolphins hurl themselves onto land to hunt. Here, Florida panthers have fought their way back from extinction, with a little help from humans, while tiny mice work to protect our shoreline from deadly hurricanes.

 

Northland

The north of America is a world of rugged mountains, including Denali, the highest peak on the continent, and sweeping Arctic tundra. Up here, the wild heroes, from grizzly bears to musk oxen to beavers to bald eagles, must battle through the continent’s most brutal winter, lit only by the ethereal beauty of the northern lights. For those who can make it, a spectacular summer of plenty awaits.

 

Wild West

The southwestern USA, the setting for some of the most famous desert landscapes on our planet, is a world of animal heroes who can overcome anything that’s thrown at them, from the baking desert to the mighty Pacific Ocean. Mountain lions patrol the Grand Canyon looking for mates, gray whales tackle the longest mammal migration on Earth, and hummingbird supermoms raise chicks in the blistering heat.

 

Heartland

The heart of America experiences the biggest temperature swings and the wildest storms on the planet. Life here has to endure four seasons in a day — sometimes in an hour! A cast of all-American heroes, from bison to wolves, burrowing owls to bobcats, uses courage, strength and cunning to overcome the elements and make a living in this wild and beautiful land.

Brave New World

Across North America, a growing band of wildlife heroes is fighting to preserve our most iconic animals and wildest places. Whether the battle is to rewild the northern prairies, save our rarest big cat or restore an underwater forest, these champions are everyday people of all ages and from all walks of life, sharing one thing in common: They care enough to make a difference.

 

“America The Beautiful” is produced by Wildstar Films for National Geographic. For Wildstar, executive producers are multiple BAFTA- and Emmy Award-winning Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz (“Planet Earth,” “Frozen Planet”). The showrunner is Dan Rees (“Frozen Planet,” “Atlantic”). Ashley Hoppin is executive producer for National Geographic.

DISNEY+ DEBUTS FIRST LOOKS, EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE, AND NEW TRAILERS IN CELEBRATION OF DISNEY+ DAY

 DISNEY+ DEBUTS FIRST LOOKS, EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE, AND NEW TRAILERS IN CELEBRATION OF DISNEY+ DAY

 

BURBANK, Calif. (November 12, 2021) – In celebration of Disney+ Day, the second anniversary of the streaming platform, Disney+ not only premiered more than 25 new pieces of content, but also debuted dozens of first looks, new trailers, and exclusive clips from The Walt Disney Company’s world-class studios that showcase the incredible breadth of content coming to the service in the years ahead. Additionally, Disney+ subscribers were treated to a slate of all new content from each of its marquee brands, Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and in international markets, Star.

 

Today’s announcements featuring Originals coming from the Company’s content studios to Disney+ include:

 

Disney

 

Cheaper by the Dozen: Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff announce that their reimagining of the hit family comedy “Cheaper by the Dozen” will be coming to Disney+ in March 2022. 

 

Disenchanted: Stars Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey share that “Disenchanted,” the sequel to the hit film “Enchanted,” will stream exclusively on Disney+ in Fall 2022. 

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Writer and producer Jeff Kinney reveals all-new key art for “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” The animated adventure starts streaming December 3, 2021 on Disney+. 

 

Rodrick Rules: Jeff Kinney announces that a second animated film from the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series will be coming to Disney+. “Rodrick Rules” will premiere on Disney+ in 2022. 

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers: John Mulaney and Andy Samberg, stars of the upcoming hybrid live-action/CG animated feature based on everyone’s favorite animated chipmunks, unveil teaser art for the new movie streaming on Disney+ in Spring 2022. 

 

The Beatles: Get Back: Watch a new clip from Peter Jackson’s upcoming docuseries, “The Beatles: Get Back,” showing the legendary band performing “I’ve Got a Feeling.” The three-night event starts streaming on Disney+ on November 25, 2021.   

 

Better Nate Than Ever: Based on the book by Tim Federle, “Better Nate Than Ever” will premiere on Disney+ in Spring 2022. The comedy adventure stars Aria Brooks, Joshua Bassett, Michelle Federer and introduces Rueby Wood as Nate, with Norbert Leo Butz and Lisa Kudrow. 

 

Hocus Pocus 2: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy will run amok again as The Sanderson Sisters in “Hocus Pocus 2,” the sequel to Disney’s Halloween cult classic, premiering Fall 2022 exclusively on Disney+. 

 

Pinocchio: Inspired by Disney’s animated classic, this retelling, directed by Robert Zemeckis, combines live action and visual effects and stars Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo, Luke Evans and the voices of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key and Lorraine Bracco. “Pinocchio” premieres on Disney+ in Fall 2022. 

 

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild: Simon Pegg is back as Buck in “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild,” an all-new movie, premiering January 28, 2022 on Disney+. 

 

Sneakerella: Lace up and dream big with the new trailer for the Disney+ Original Movie “Sneakerella.” Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, the high-energy, music-driven movie puts a gender-flipped twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale. “Sneakerella” premieres exclusively on Disney+ on February 18, 2022. 

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: It’s time to get loud with the Prouds in the trailer debut for “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.” The new series, based on the Disney Channel series from the 2000s, starts streaming February 2022.   

 

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: Love is an open door outside the halls of East High. Season three of the show will follow its characters to sleepaway camp for a summer of campfires, romances, and curfew-free nights. 

 

The Spiderwick Chronicles: Disney+ announced a new live-action series, "The Spiderwick Chronicles," a modern coming-of-age story combined with fantasy adventure from Paramount Television Studios and 20th Television, one of the Disney Television Studios. The series, based on the beloved, best-selling books, follows the Grace Family—twin brothers Jared and Simon, their sister Mallory and mother Helen—as they move into their dilapidated ancestral home. They begin to unravel a dark mystery about their great-great Uncle who once discovered the secret and sometimes dangerous faerie world.

 

Baymax: Check in with everyone’s favorite healthcare companion in a trailer for his new Disney+ Original Series. “Baymax,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first-ever animated series, starts streaming exclusively on Disney+ in Summer 2022. 

 

Zootopia+: Go back to the fast-paced mammal metropolis of Zootopia with new art from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia+,” a new short-form series coming to Disney+ in 2022. 

 

Tiana: Walt Disney Animation Studios announced that Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) will be director and writer of the new long-form musical series, “Tiana,” coming to Disney+ in 2023. In the series, Tiana sets off for a grand new adventure as the newly crowned Princess of Maldonia, but a calling to her New Orleans past isn’t far behind. 

 

Disney Intertwined (Entrelazados): “Disney Intertwined” (“Entrelazados”), the first Disney+ Original Series produced in Latin America, is now available on the streaming service. In the series, Allegra is ready to change the past in order to reach her dream. 

Pixar

 

Watch the “Pixar 2021 Disney+ Day Special” on Disney+ to see Pete Docter take fans behind the scenes of Pixar Animation Studios to look at some of their upcoming projects for Disney+.

 

Cars on the Road: Larry the Cable Guy reveals the title of Pixar’s upcoming “Cars” series: “Cars on the Road.” Join Mater and Lightning McQueen in this fun-filled cross-country road trip streaming in 2022. 

 

Pete Docter announces an exclusive peek behind the curtains of Pixar in two brand-new documentaries coming to Disney+ in 2022 that explore the making of “Turning Red” and “Lightyear.”

 

Win or Lose: Directors Michael Yates and Carrie Hobson reveal concept art for Pixar’s first-ever original long-form animated series “Win or Lose,” coming to Disney+ in 2023. Each 20-minute episode of “Win or Lose” highlights the perspective of a different character as a middle school coed softball team prepares for their championship game.  

 

Marvel

 

As a celebration of the MCU on Disney+, “Marvel Studios' 2021 Disney+ Day Special” is now streaming on Disney+, where subscribers can see sneak peeks of the next Marvel Studios series coming to the service, including:

 

Hawkeye is set in post-blip New York City where Clint Barton aka Hawkeye has a seemingly simple mission: get back to his family for Christmas. But when a threat from his past shows up, Hawkeye reluctantly teams up with 22-year-old skilled archer Kate Bishop to unravel a criminal conspiracy. The series stars Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton and newcomer Alaqua Cox. Episodes are directed by executive producer Rhys Thomas and directing duo Bert & Bertie; executive producer Jonathan Igla is head writer.  The series premieres November 24, 2021. Enjoy an action-packed look in the Marvel Studios special on Disney+.

Moon Knight: Get a first look at “Moon Knight,” a new globetrotting action-adventure series featuring a complex vigilante who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. The multiple identities who live inside him find themselves thrust into a deadly war of the gods against the backdrop of modern and ancient Egypt. “Moon Knight” is directed by executive producer Mohamed Diab; Jeremy Slater is head writer. The series is coming to Disney+ in 2022.

 

She-Hulk: See Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who specializes in superhuman-oriented legal cases. “She-Hulk” will welcome a host of Marvel characters to the series, including the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, and the Abomination, played by Tim Roth. The new comedy series coming to Disney+ in 2022 is directed by executive producer Kat Coiro with Anu Valia also directing. Executive producer Jessica Gao serves as head writer.

 

Ms. Marvel introduces Kamala Khan—a 16-year-old Pakistani American from Jersey City.  An aspiring artist, an avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, she is a huge fan of the Avengers—and one in particular, Captain Marvel.  But Kamala has always struggled to find her place in the world—that is, until she gets super powers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel. The series is directed by executive producers Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Meera Menon and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, with executive producer Bisha K. Ali serving as head writer. “Ms. Marvel” premieres on Disney+ in Summer 2022.

 

Additionally, Marvel Studios announced new projects for its future series including:

• Echo: a series starring Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez, who will be introduced in “Hawkeye”
• Ironheart: a series starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a genius inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man
• Agatha: House of Harkness: a series starring Kathryn Hahn as her character from “WandaVision.”  Jac Schaefer returns as executive producer and head writer.
• Secret Invasion: a series starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull Talos—characters who first met in “Captain Marvel.” The crossover comic event series showcases a faction of shape-shifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating Earth for years.
• The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special: a special written and directed by “Guardians of the Galaxy” veteran James Gunn
• X-MEN ‘97: an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ‘90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.
• What If…? (Season 2): the second season of the fan-favorite animated series. After enlisting the Guardians of the Multiverse to stop Infinity Ultron, The Watcher returns in Season 2 of “What If...?” to meet new heroes and explore more strange new worlds in the MCU’s ever-expanding Multiverse. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley serving as head writer.
• Spider-Man: Freshman Year: an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we've ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.
• I Am Groot: a series of original shorts exploring Baby Groot’s glory days growing up, and getting into trouble, among the stars. Directed by executive producer Kirsten Lepore.
• Marvel Zombies: an animated series from Marvel Studios that reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews.

 

Lucasfilm

 

Willow: From the set of the upcoming Lucasfilm series “Willow,” Warwick Davis introduces the supporting cast, including Ruby Cruz (“Mare of Easttown”), Erin Kellyman (“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier”), Ellie Bamber (“The Serpent”), Tony Revolori (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”), Amar Chadha Patel (“The Third Day”) and Dempsey Bryk (“The Birch”). “Willow” premieres exclusively on Disney+ in 2022. 

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) and director Deborah Chow share an exclusive look at the series with behind-the-scenes footage and concept art. The Disney+ Original Series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” premieres on Disney+ in 2022. View the exclusive look on Disney+.

 

Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett: Celebrate the origins and legacy of Star Wars’ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett, in a special look for “Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett,” now streaming on Disney+. 

 

National Geographic

 

Welcome to Earth: Explore Earth’s greatest wonders with Will Smith on an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world in the new trailer for “Welcome to Earth,” the six-part original series from National Geographic streaming December 8, 2021. 

 

America The Beautiful: Visit the spacious skies, the amber waves of grain, and the purple mountain majesties in the new trailer for “America The Beautiful,” a new six-part series streaming on Disney+ in 2022. 

 

Limitless with Chris Hemsworth: See Chris Hemsworth discover the full potential of the human body in the trailer debut for “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.” The six-part Disney+ Original Series from National Geographic starts streaming in 2022. 

DISNEY+ RELEASES FIRST LOOK TRAILER FOR “EARTH MOODS” FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

 

BURBANK, Calif. (March 15, 2021) – Today, Disney+ shared the trailer and key art for “Earth Moods” from National Geographic. “Earth Moods,” a visual and soundscape experience, takes viewers on the ultimate retreat—transporting them to a vast array of colorful and calming corners of the world. Viewers travel to blue glaciers, arid deserts, lush rainforests and pulsating metropolises to escape from the cacophony of everyday life.  With an original score produced by Neil Davidge, known for “Massive Attack” as well as collaborations with Snoop Dogg and David Bowie, each “mood” gives the audience an opportunity to relax and reset as the sound of music and the natural world washes over them.

 

All five episodes, will be available on Disney+ on Friday, April 16.  Episodes include “Frozen Calm,” “Night Lights,” “Tropical Serenity,” “Desert Solitude,” and “Peaceful Patterns.”

MAGIC OF DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM - OFFICIAL TRAILER

 

 

Today, Disney+ shared the trailer for its upcoming original series “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” premiering globally on Friday, September 25. 

Disney+’s “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” produced by National Geographic and narrated by the award-winning, fan-favorite Josh Gad, gives viewers a backstage pass to explore the magic of nature within Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT. Each of the eight episodes dives into the details, unveiling the multifaceted aspects of animal care, conservation and Disney Imagineering and showcases the parks’ magnificent array of more than 300 species and 5,000-plus animals and the herculean tasks their animal care experts undertake to keep things running day and night.

Take The Road Less Traveled on "Rogue Trip" On Disney+ Starting July 24th

“Rogue Trip”, led by ABC News Correspondent Bob Woodruff and his 28-year-old son Mack Woodruff, takes viewers on a father-son adventure to some of the world’s most unexpected places – roguish nations and territories mostly known for conflict, but each possessing a unique power to surprise, amaze and inspire. They’ll visit Colombia, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Lebanon and Ukraine. Along the journey, Bob and Mack will share raw, big-hearted moments when “going rogue” together changes their perspectives – not just on their own relationship, but on other people and places. 

All six episodes of National Geographic’s “Rogue Trip” will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning July 24,2020. 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S ‘THE RIGHT STUFF’ TO PREMIERE ON DISNEY+ THIS FALL

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S ‘THE RIGHT STUFF’ TO PREMIERE

ON DISNEY+ THIS FALL

  

Disney+ Original Scripted Series Is an Adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s Bestseller,

Recounting Pioneering Chapter of Historic U.S. Space Race

  

From Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and Warner Horizon Scripted Television,

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Are Executive Producers;

Mark Lafferty (“Castle Rock,” “Halt and Catch Fire”) Is

Executive Producer and Showrunner

  

 

   

BURBANK, Calif. (May 5, 2020) – Disney+ announced today that the original scripted series “The Right Stuff” from National Geographic will premiere this fall on Disney+. Produced for National Geographic by Appian Way and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, “The Right Stuff” is adapted from Tom Wolfe’s iconic, bestselling nonfiction account of the early days of the U.S. space program.

   

The eight-episode, scripted series takes a clear-eyed look at what would become America’s first “reality show,” as ambitious astronauts and their families become instant celebrities in a competition that could kill them or make them immortal.

  

The two men at the center of the story are Major John Glenn, a revered test pilot and committed family man with unwavering principles, portrayed by Patrick J. Adams (“Suits”), and Lieutenant Commander Alan Shepard, one of the best test pilots in Navy history, portrayed by Jake McDorman (“What We Do in the Shadows,” “Lady Bird”). 

   

At the height of the Cold War in 1959, the Soviet Union dominates the space race. To combat a national sentiment of fear and decline, the U.S. government conceives of NASA’s Project Mercury, igniting a space race with the Soviets and making instant celebrities of a handful of the military’s most accomplished test pilots. These individuals, who come to be known as the Mercury Seven, are forged into heroes long before they have achieved a single heroic act. The nation’s best engineers estimate they need several decades to make it into outer space. They are given two years.

  

The rest of the Mercury Seven includes Lieutenant Gordon Cooper, portrayed by Colin O’Donoghue (“Once Upon a Time,” “Carrie Pilby,” “The Rite”), the youngest of the seven who was selected to everyone’s surprise; Wally Schirra, portrayed by Aaron Staton (“Mad Men,” “Narcos: Mexico,” “Castle Rock”), a competitive pilot with a gift for pulling pranks; Scott Carpenter, portrayed by James Lafferty (“The Haunting of Hill House,” “Small Town Crime”), a soulful man who was dubbed “The Poet” by the other astronauts; Deke Slayton, portrayed by Micah Stock (“Brittany Runs a Marathon,” “Escape at Dannemora”), a taciturn but incredibly intelligent pilot and engineer; and Gus Grissom, portrayed by Michael Trotter (“Underground,” “The Evening Hour”), a no-nonsense test pilot who eventually becomes the second man in space.

  

The astronauts’ strengths are equaled only by their flaws. As the men succumb to the temptations that surround them, Project Mercury threatens to come apart. At the heart of the historic drama populated by deeply human characters are two men who become icons — Glenn and Shepard — as they jockey to be the first man in space. The entire program is nearly brought to its knees by their intense rivalry.

   

The series also follows NASA’s engineers, who work against the clock as pressures mount from Washington and a transfixed public. And we witness the underbelly of a myth-making propaganda machine headed by NASA’s PR department and aided by the writers and editors at LIFE Magazine.

   

“This true story of scientific innovation and human perseverance could not be more timely,” said Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Global Television Networks. “National Geographic’s The Right Stuff’ is an aspirational story about exploration, ambition, determination and resilience and reminds us that human beings can achieve the extraordinary when united by a common purpose. This series provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the flawed, but heroic Mercury 7 astronauts and we are thrilled that it has found its perfect home on Disney+.” 

   

“As our audiences around the world turn to Disney+ to find inspiration and optimism, we believe the true-life heroism of the Mercury 7 will showcase the tenacity of the human spirit and inspire a new generation to reach for the stars,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing, Disney+. “The wonderful team of storytellers at National Geographic, Warner Horizon Scripted Television and Appian Way have crafted a compelling and entertaining tale and we are honored to give it a global home as the first scripted Disney+ original series from National Geographic.”

   

“Tom Wolfe’s book brilliantly captured a critical moment in American history that really resonated with all of us at Appian Way and Nat Geo," noted Davisson, "Disney+ is the perfect partner to bring forth this story of what it takes to truly achieve something extraordinary, but also the personal costs of that ambition.”

  

Added Lafferty, “’The Right Stuff’ evokes the wonder and awe of the moment we first escaped the bounds of our only home and ventured into the unknown. But the show is as much about who we are today as it is about our historic achievements. At a time when the world is confronted with significant challenges, this story reminds us that what seems impossible today can become the triumph of tomorrow.”

   

The rest of the ensemble cast includes Nora Zehetner (“Brick,” “Creative Control”) as Annie Glenn, the wife of John Glenn and his childhood sweetheart who has a speech impairment that can sometimes make communication difficult; Eloise Mumford (“Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise) as Trudy Cooper, Gordon Cooper’s wife and an accomplished pilot herself, with her rocky marriage to Gordon providing conflict throughout the season; and Shannon Lucio (“Prison Break,” “True Blood”) as Louise Shepard, Alan Shepard’s devoted and long-suffering wife.

   

Patrick Fischler (“Twin Peaks,” “Mad Men”) plays Bob Gilruth, a soft-spoken rocket scientist who is the partner of the more brash Chris Kraft, who is portrayed by Eric Ladin (“American Sniper”). They are critical members of NASA’s Space Task group, charged by President Dwight Eisenhower with putting a man into space faster than seems humanly possible. They’re racing against the clock as pressures mount from Washington and a transfixed public.

  

As the Mercury 7 astronauts are thrust into the public eye, NASA’s PR department goes into overdrive to paint the perfect picture, aided by the writers and editors at LIFE Magazine. Danny Strong (“Billions”) plays John “Shorty” Powers, NASA’s omnipresent PR man, constantly taking the astronauts on glad-handing trips to factories and rubber-chicken dinners in order to spur public enthusiasm, and thus, appropriations from congress for the space program. Josh Cooke (“Grace and Frankie,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) plays Loudon Wainwright Jr., LIFE Magazine’s star reporter, who is tasked with writing the biographies of all seven astronauts and has the keenest look at what’s really transpiring.

  

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson are executive producers, along with Mark Lafferty (“Castle Rock,” “Halt and Catch Fire”), who is showrunner. Chris Long (“The Americans,” “The Mentalist”) directed and executive produced the first episode. Will Staples (“Animals,” “Shooter”) and Howard Korder (“Boardwalk Empire”) are also executive producers. Academy Award® winner Thelma Schoonmaker (“Raging Bull,” “GoodFellas,” “The Departed”) and Emmy® winner Danny Strong (“Empire,” “The Hunger Games” movies, “Game Change”) are consulting producers. Michael Hampton shepherded this project on behalf of Appian Way and is co-producer.

   

   

# # #

  

   

About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

 

About National Geographic Partners LLC

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

 

 

About Appian Way

Appian Way Productions is a Los Angeles-based film and television production company founded by Leonardo DiCaprio. Jennifer Davisson serves as president of production. Since its launch, Appian Way has released a diverse slate of films, including Alejandro Iñárritu’s three-time Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner The Revenant, Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award®- and Golden Globe®- nominated The Wolf of Wall Street and Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning The Aviator, along with Shutter Island, Scott Cooper’s Out of the Furnace, George Clooney’s Golden Globe®-nominated The Ides of March, the psychological thriller Orphan and the film adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s critically acclaimed novel Live by Night with Ben Affleck, among others. Currently in post production on The Right Stuff based on the acclaimed Tom Wolfe book for National Geographic. 

 

The company has put forth strong efforts to gain headway in the documentary world, especially as it pertains to progressive environmental change. Appian Way recently worked in partnership with the History Channel on “Frontiersman,” and National Geographic to produce “Before the Flood,” a documentary film that sheds light on that aforementioned change. It also worked with Netflix on the Academy Award®-nominated Virunga, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, and Kip Anderson’s Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.  Appian is in partnership with Netflix on several additional documentaries, including critically acclaimed The Ivory Game, How to Change the World and Catching the Sun. Recently released projects included; Sea of Shadows with National Geographic which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Ice on Fire with HBO along with And We Go Green which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.

 

 

About Warner Horizon Scripted Television

A division of the Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Horizon Scripted Television was founded in 2006 and is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of dramatic and comedic programming for the cable and subscription/on-demand streaming marketplace. Series produced by Warner Horizon Scripted Television include “Animal Kingdom” and “Claws” for TNT, “Cherish the Day,” “David Makes Man” and “Queen Sugar” for OWN, “The Flight Attendant” for HBO Max, “Fuller House,” “Medical Police,” “Special” and “You” for Netflix, “Pennyworth” for EPIX, and “The Right Stuff” for National Geographic and Disney+.