Disney Takes a Break From Sequel After Sequel, Announces New Original Movies
Between the Frozen (2013) threequel, the third story inspired by the Incredibles (2004), Coco 2, and a live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) sequel, Friday night’s Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 Expo 2026 had enough returning franchises to fill a Multiverse. But tucked inside the sequel avalanche was something fans of original storytelling have been waiting years to hear: Walt Disney Animation Studios has a brand-new idea, and it’s coming to movie theaters.
Clay Is Coming in November 2028
At the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday night, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced Clay (2028)— an entirely original animated film starring Kieran Culkin as Flip, a man chosen to mentor Mushy, a young living ball of clay, as the two travel together through a fantastical forest. Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush confirmed the November 2028 premiere window at the event without locking in a specific release date.
After the showcase, Disney Animation shared concept art on X (formerly known as Twitter), giving the public its first visual look at the film:
Meet Flip and Mushy from Disney’s Clay, starring Kieran Culkin, in this new concept art and coming to theaters November 2028. #D23
Meet Flip and Mushy from Disney's Clay, starring Kieran Culkin, in this new concept art and coming to theaters November 2028. #D23 pic.twitter.com/A6nA6vzJHs
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) August 15, 2026
A Second Original Movie That’s Already Almost Here
Fans who don’t want to wait until 2028 for original Disney animation have good news. At D23 Expo, Walt Disney Animation Studios also provided a first look at Hexed (2026) — a previously announced original film arriving in theaters on November 25. The footage shown at the event offered the most substantial peek yet at what the movie will bring.
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Two original films alongside the sequels isn’t a wholesale reinvention of Disney’s release strategy, but it’s a meaningful signal that new ideas still have a path to the screen at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Which entertainment announcement from D23 Expo were you most excited about? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
