ABC News Studios announced today Disney 100: A Century of Dreams – A Special Edition of 20/20, the special event commemorating the entertainment giant’s 100th anniversary. The documentary takes viewers on a journey that started in 1923, from the creation of the Disney Brothers Studio to modern storytelling brands such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox — celebrating Disney’s countless creators and telling the story behind the story. Viewers will also be treated to an inside look at an all-new Disney attraction.
Disney100: A Century of Dreams – A Special Edition of 20/20 airs Thursday, December 14 (9:02-11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC, streaming next day on Hulu and December 29 on Disney+.
More details:
The documentary chronicles all facets of the storied company — from animation to parks to television to music — spotlighting those who have played essential roles in Disney’s history. Starting with the creation of the iconic character Mickey Mouse and unspooling the story of how Walt Disney’s quest to make the very first feature-length animated film, Snow White, nearly bankrupted the young studio, viewers will learn how unbridled determination and imagination became the cornerstones of the Walt Disney Company.
The special features interviews with Disney CEO Bob Iger, the legendary stars of Disney’s critically acclaimed hit musical fantasy film Mary Poppins Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke and Walt Disney’s grandsons Chris Miller and Walter Miller. Award-winning musical collaborators — including songwriter Richard Sherman of the prolific Sherman Brothers, legendary recording artist Elton John, composer Alan Menken and singer/songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda — discuss the powerful role of music in Disney’s storytelling. Stars from Disney’s animated feature films — including Idina Menzel (Elsa, Frozen and Frozen 2), Jodi Benson (Ariel, The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (Belle, Beauty and the Beast) and Ariana DeBose (Asha, Wish) — talk about voicing the animated musicals. Additional appearances include journalists Chris Connelly and Kelley L. Carter, Katy Perry, Chris Evans, John Stamos, Mickey Mouse Club actor Josh Ackerman, Disney Channel star Christy Carlson Romano, Disney Legends, experts and more.
The special is produced by ABC News Studios and 20/20. Matt Lombardi serves as executive producer, and David Sloan is senior executive producer. Janice Johnston is executive producer for 20/20. ABC News Studios is led by Mike Kelley, and Reena Mehta is the SVP of Streaming and Digital Content.
