7 Disney, Pixar films to watch out for

MANILA, Philippines — Filmmakers from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios introduced D23 EXPO 2015 fans to an array of new stories and characters.

The audience were treated to sneak peeks, musical performances and appearances from stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dwayne Johnson, Randy Newman and Ty Burrell, among others.

John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, led the presentations, calling on a host of filmmakers from both studios to introduce the upcoming slate of films.

"We really have an unbelievable range of movies in production at our studios right now," Lasseter said. "The stories are dynamic, fresh and so much fun; the characters new and old are so appealing. I'm excited to share some of our long-held secrets for the first time at the D23 EXPO."

Following are the films presented on behalf of both studios.

'The Good Dinosaur'

Image from Disney-Pixar

Anticipation for Disney·Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" was amplified when director Peter Sohn and producer Denise Ream shared breathtaking sequences with fans, including never-before-seen footage of a trio of T-Rexes in action.

In theaters on Nov. 25, 2015, the film introduces audiences to Arlo, a sheltered Apatosaurus who finds himself far from home, and Spot, Arlo's unlikely human friend.

"Arlo and Spot journey through a world that has been greatly inspired by the American Northwest," said Sohn. "It is epic in scope, soul-enriching and simultaneously beautiful and treacherous. In this world, we meet up with a very special family of T-Rexes, who help Arlo find a way through his personal fears and ultimately teach Arlo what he's truly made of."

'Zootopia'

Image from Disney-Pixar

International superstar Shakira is lending her voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in "Zootopia." Ginnifer Goodwin is the voice of the film's rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps. The film is directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and produced by Clark Spencer.

Hilarious new scenes from the film were unveiled, plus a tease of the all-new original song, "Try Everything," written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate, and performed by Shakira.

"For the role of Gazelle, Zootopia's most beloved superstar, there was only one person on our wish list: Shakira. Luckily for us, she said yes. Her immense talent and charm bring Gazelle and her song, ‘Try Everything,' to life," Howard said.

Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootopia" opens nationwide March 4, 2016.

'Finding Dory'

Image from Disney-Pixar

Ellen DeGeneres is the voice of everyone's favorite forgetful blue tang, celebrating Disney·Pixar's upcoming film "Finding Dory."

Joining DeGeneres on stage this afternoon were Ed O'Neill who lends his voice to Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Ty Burrell is the voice of Bailey, a misguided beluga whale; and Kaitlin Olson who voices Destiny, a kind-hearted whale shark. Andrew Stanton will direct the film with his co-director Angus MacLane. It's produced by Lindsey Collins.

Collins said the film is about the all-new story, which reunites Dory with friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. Disney·Pixar's "Finding Dory" swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

'Moana'

Image from Disney-Pixar

Dwayne Johnson lends his voice to the mighty demi-god Maui in Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana." Renowned directors John Musker and Ron Clements, and producer Osnat Shurer shared dazzling early test footage and revealed plans for the film's inspired music and the extraordinary team behind it.

"Moana" sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.

'Toy Story 4'

Image from Disney-Pixar

Pixar Animation Studios marks the 20th Anniversary of "Toy Story" this year.

"All the characters from ‘Toy Story'—especially Woody and Buzz—are so close to us. They seem more like family members than just creations," said Lasseter. "Not only do we dearly love the characters, but we also love the world of ‘Toy Story'—the world where toys come to life when people are not in the room has always been rich with many story possibilities."

"I'm very proud of our films," Lasseter added. "When we made the first three ‘Toy Story' films, we didn't realize what we had done was to change the genre of each of the films' story. For ‘Toy Story 4,' we are doing a type of story we have not done before: a love story. It's a story about a relationship between Woody and Bo Peep."

"Toy Story 4" is co-directed by Josh Cooley and produced by Galyn Susman. It will be directed by Lasseter and produced by Susman, is slated for release on June 16, 2017.

'Gigantic'

Image from Disney-Pixar

Things are looking up at Walt Disney Animation Studios. "Gigantic," Disney's unique take on "Jack and the Beanstalk."

The songs in the film were written by songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and will be directed by Nathan Greno, produced by Dorothy McKim.

"I always wanted to be part of the Disney legacy," Greno said. "I loved those classic stories brought to life ‘Snow White' or ‘Cinderella'—in a way that made those films the definitive version for generations. I want to carry on that tradition by bringing ‘Jack and the Beanstalk' to modern audiences. We're taking parts of the story we all remember and adding twists and turns, emotion and humor."

Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Disney's "Gigantic" follows adventure-seeker Jack as he discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds. He hatches a grand plan with Inma, a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl, and agrees to help her find her way home.

"Gigantic" hits theaters in 2018.

'Coco'

Image from Disney-Pixar

Director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson revealed the title of their upcoming film: Disney·Pixar's "Coco."

It is the celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion.

"As artists and filmmakers, we couldn't help but be drawn to the striking visuals of Dia de los Muertos," said Unkrich and Anderson. "But it was the celebration's core themes of family, remembrance and connection across generations that resonated within and truly inspired us. Dia de los Muertos is as singular as the Mexican culture, while at the same time completely universal in its message."

"In our story," they continued, "the celebration of Dia de los Muertos serves as the perfect backdrop for our main character to ask where he comes from, what his place is within his family, and how families stay woven together across time through the simple act of remembrance."