Sequel to Disney Movie 'Descendants' Being Developed

Fan fervor for Disney's "Descendants" grows around the world, so now a sequel script has been commissioned from the movie's screenwriters, Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon, who will also serve as executive producers on the project, "Descendants 2" (working title). It was announced today by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. "Descendants" is cable television's fifth highest-rated movie of all-time.

Marsh said, "By almost every measure - domestically and globally - 'Descendants' has already become one of the biggest entertainment properties of the year, and we're eager to delve deeper into the unfolding mythology of Auradon and Isle of the Lost. This kind of compelling, innovative storytelling, alongside our animated 'Descendants: Wicked World' shorts and unique transmedia campaign, continues to lay the groundwork for multiple franchise opportunities across virtually every line of business at The Walt Disney Company."

Disney's 'The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar' Starring Rob Lowe, Gabrielle Union and James Earl Jones, to Premiere in November on Disney Channel

The epic storytelling of Disney's The Lion King continues with The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, a primetime television movie event premiering in November on Disney Channel. The movie follows Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, as he assumes the role of leader of the Lion Guard, a team of animals tasked with preserving the Pride Lands. The movie is a precursor to "The Lion Guard" television series, premiering in early 2016 on Disney Channels and Disney Junior channels around the globe. A special preview of "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" will be presented at Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, on SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 (2:00 p.m.).

James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella reprise their roles from The Lion King as Mufasa and Pumbaa, respectively, alongside Rob Lowe (The Grinder) as Simba and Gabrielle Union (Being Mary Jane) as Nala. Max Charles (The Strain) stars as Kion. The voice cast also includes Joshua Rush (The Adventures of Puss in Boots) as Kion's best friend, Bunga, a fearless honey badger; Atticus Shaffer (The Middle) as Ono, an intellectual egret; Diamond White (Sofia the First) as Fuli, a confident cheetah; and Dusan Brown (Blaze and the Monster Machines) as Beshte, a friendly and good-spirited hippo.

2015 Program Writers Join Disney | ABC Ranks Today

Now in its 26th year, the Disney | ABC Television Group Writing Program will launch the 2015 group of 8 writers on Monday, February 2. On the comedy front is web-series “East Willy B” co-creator Julia Grob (New York, NY), script coordinator Amy-Jo Perry (Garner, NC) and executive producer’s assistant Graham Thiel (Los Angeles, CA). This year’s drama line-up includes award-winning graphic novelist Brandon Easton (Baltimore, MD), writers’ assistants Jewel McPherson (Suffolk, VA) and Miguel Nolla (Miami, FL) as well as Manhattan Beach Healthcare Partners Lead Physician Dr. David Renaud (Toronto, Canada) and screenwriter and former indie record label owner Matt K. Turner (Honolulu, HI).

Disney | ABC Syndicated Talk Show 'The F.A.B. Life' Cleared in Over 70 Percent of the Country

Tyra Banks

The upcoming syndicated daytime talker The F·A·B Life (fun and beautiful), featuring the multi-talented Tyra Banks, has already been cleared in over 70% of the country. It was announced today by Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution. The F·A·B Life is slated to debut in national syndication in the fall of 2015.

Disney | ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution has secured outstanding station clearances for the one-hour daytime lifestyle talk show. Sales to date include 24 out of the top 25 markets. In addition to the previously announced launch partner – ABC Owned Television Stations Group – The F·A·B Life has now been sold to leading stations from broadcast groups including Cox Media Group, Gannett Broadcasting, Scripps Broadcasting, Sinclair Broadcast Group, LIN Broadcasting and Raycom Media Group, among others. The most recent clearances for The F·A·B Life include WFAA Dallas, WFXT Boston, WSB Atlanta, WWJ Detroit, KNXV Phoenix, KIRO Seattle, WFTS Tampa, KARE Minneapolis, WSVN Miami, KTVD Denver, WFTV Orlando and WOIO Cleveland.

'Baby Daddy' Actors Derek Theler and Melissa Peterman To Guest Star on 'General Hospital' (Spoilers)

Melissa Peterman, Derek Theler

Kelly Monaco (ABC's General Hospital) will appear on the February 4 episode of ABC Family's Baby Daddy, playing a very exaggerated and over-the-top version of herself. The following week, two Baby Daddy actors visit GH.

Derek Theler and Melissa Peterman, who play Danny and Bonnie Wheel on the ABC Family series, will make their way to Port Charles for the Valentine’s Day-themed episode.

Spoilers below (via EW):

When Olivia (Lisa LoCicero) has a surprise visitor from her Bensonhurst days, Melissa Santoro Picard (Peterman), it quickly becomes clear that Olivia is upset on V-day because she’s carrying a torch for Ned… who is carrying a torch for Alexis… who is carrying a torch for Julian. (Soaps, right?) Melissa sets out to give Ned a piece of her mind over the way he's treated Olivia and is surprised to find a familiar face working at the Quartermaine mansion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) is called to consult on a case at the last minute, delaying his date at the Metro Court with Sam (Monaco). His colleague, Derek (Theler), also happened to be stood up by his date, so he keeps Sam company, and the two discover the true meaning of Valentine's Day.

RELATED:
* 'General Hospital' Star Kelly Monaco to Guest on 'Baby Daddy'
* 'Revenge' Star Christa B. Allen Joins 'Baby Daddy' as Robyn
* ABC Family Reveals January Premiere Dates

ABC Family Hosts End-of-the-Year Programming Event 'That's So Throwback'

Raven-Symoné, Hillary Duff

ABC Family says goodbye to 2014 with its "That's So Throwback" programming block, featuring Disney Channel classic comedy series Lizzie McGuire, That's So Raven, Even Stevens, and original movies The Cheetah Girls and Halloweentown. "That's So Throwback" airs Monday, December 29, 2014 through Friday, January 2, 2015, from midnight to 2 a.m. ET/PT.

There is no better time for nostalgia than the end of the year, so why not spend those late nights catching up on the favorite shows of your tween years? Life was simpler when all you had to worry about was whether or not Lizzie was actually going to find Aaron Carter, if Luis beats those mean school bullies at their own game, or if The Cheetah Girls will get their record deal. So instead of reminiscing about your Disney Channel friends or going online to watch clips, hang out with ABC Family and watch the real thing instead.

Check out the "That's So Throwback" schedule below:

Watch the Trailer for Disney's 'Into the Woods'

Mackenzie Mauzy plays Rapunzel and Billy Magnussen is her Prince in Into the Woods.

Disney has released the first trailer for its upcoming film adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine musical Into the Woods, which will hit theaters December 25. Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt are among the stars.

Rob Marshall (Chicago, Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) directs the film, based on the Tony-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and composer Sondheim, who provides music and lyrics.

The cast includes Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada, The Iron Lady) as the Witch, Emily Blunt (Looper, The Young Victoria, The Devil Wears Prada) as the Baker's Wife, James Corden (One Man, Two Guvnors) as the Baker, Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air) as Cinderella, Chris Pine (Star Trek Into Darkness, Jack Ryan) as Cinderella's Prince, Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lone Ranger, Sweeney Todd) as the Wolf, Daniel Huttlestone (Les Misérables) as Jack, Lilla Crawford (Annie) as Little Red, Tracey Ullman as Jack's Mother, Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia!, The Good Wife) as the Stepmother, Mackenzie Mauzy (The Bold and the Beautiful) as Rapunzel and Billy Magnussen (As the World Turns) as Rapunzel's Prince.

Disney-ABC Announces ABC Owned Station Group as Launch Partner for Fall 2015 Talk Show 'THE F·A·B' with Tyra Banks

Disney-ABC announced today that it has garnered clearances for its upcoming syndicated lifestyle show THE F·A·B (Fun and Beautiful) on the ABC Owned Stations for Fall 2015. In addition, social media buff and foodie Chrissy Teigen, fashion guru Joe Zee, interior design professional Lauren Makk, and do-it-yourself YouTuber Leah Ashley will join Tyra Banks as co-hosts when the show debuts in national syndication.

The ABC Owned Television Stations Group represents 23% of the nation's TV households and 6 of the top 10 markets. The eight ABC Owned stations are New York (WABC-TV), Los Angeles (KABC-TV), Chicago (WLS-TV), Philadelphia (WPVI-TV), San Francisco (KGO-TV), Houston (KTRK-TV), Raleigh/Durham (WTVD-TV) and Fresno (KFSN-TV).

The Walt Disney Company and the National Cable Television Cooperative Announce Robust Long-Term Distribution Agreement

The National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) and The Walt Disney Company today announced a comprehensive multi-year distribution agreement to deliver Disney's robust lineup of top quality sports, news and entertainment content to participating NCTC members' customers across TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and connected devices. The cable co-op serves nearly 1,000 member companies across the United States.

"NCTC is pleased to again offer our members access to top-tier sports and family channels under our new agreement with Disney & ESPN Networks Group. The addition of the SEC Network, Longhorn Network and digital platform rights helps strengthen the long-term partnership and enhances the value the agreement brings to members," commented Judy Meyka, Executive Vice President of Programming, NCTC.

'Into The Woods' Movie Trailer Released

Disney has released the trailer for the much-anticipated big screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's fairy tale-themed musical Into The Woods. Watch it below:

'Into The Woods' Photos Including Billy Magnussen, Mackenzie Mauzy, Tammy Blanchard

Billy Magnussen (As the World Turns) as Rapunzel's Prince.

Disney's hotly anticipated big screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's fairy tale-themed musical Into The Woods is set to be released on December 25, 2014.

Into The Woods is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.

The cast for Into The Woods includes Meryl Streep as The Witch, James Corden as The Baker, Emily Blunt as The Baker's Wife, Johnny Depp as The Wolf, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince, Billy Magnussen (As the World Turns) as Rapunzel's Prince, Mackenzie Mauzy (The Bold and the Beautiful) as Rapunzel, Lucy Punch as Lucinda, Tammy Blanchard (Guiding Light) as Florinda, Christine Baranski as Cinderella's Stepmother and Tracey Ullman as Jack's Mother, with Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood and Daniel Huttlestone as Jack. The film is directed by Rob Marshall.

Disney has released the first photos from the film. Check our more images below:

Laura Marano and Leigh-Allyn Baker to Star in the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Bad Hair Day'

Popular actresses Laura Marano (Austin & Ally) and Leigh-Allyn Baker (Good Luck Charlie) team up to star in the comedic buddy adventure Bad Hair Day, a Disney Channel Original Movie scheduled to premiere in 2015. Leigh-Allyn Baker makes her foray into producing as executive producer of the movie.

Marano stars as a high school tech whiz who's bound and determined to be crowned prom queen. But on the big day, everything that can go wrong does go wrong, starting with her sudden and epically uncontrollable hair and her once lovely yet now destroyed prom dress. She soon comes to rely on a down-on-her-luck cop (Baker) who's in pursuit of a missing necklace that the teen unwittingly has in her possession. Prom day goes from bad to mad as the pair is pursued by a dogged jewel thief on a wild ride across the city. Christian Campbell ("Neighbor") has been cast as the jewel thief.

<@-- more -->Laura Marano stars in the hit comedy Austin & Ally, the #1 series on TV among Tweens and the #2 series among Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11 for 2013. 2014 to-date, it is TV's #1 series in its primary timeslot among Kids 2-11, Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. Marano was UNICEF Ambassador for the 63rd annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.

For 100 episodes and a record-setting Disney Channel Original Movie, Leigh-Allyn Baker played mom Amy Duncan on the hit sitcom Good Luck Charlie. Encore episodes continue to rotate on Disney Channels around the world. Baker also voices Queen Delightful in the new animated comedy series The 7D and is known for her recurring roles on Charmed and Will & Grace.

To be filmed in Montreal, Canada, Bad Hair Day will be directed by Erik Canuel (Bon Cop, Bad Cop) and produced by Muse Entertainment. The writers are Eric M. Gardner, Steven H. Wilson, and Billy & Matt Eddy (Zapped, Teen Beach 2). Along with Baker, Joel Rice, Denise Carlson, Dawn Wolfrom and Michael Prupas also serve as executive producers.

In Total Viewers, five of the top six movies in cable TV history are Disney Channel Original Movies. Disney Channel has also presented five of the top six movies in cable TV history and the #1 TV movie telecast among Tweens for 12-consecutive years (2002-13).

China Anne McClain and Kelli Berglund Star in Disney Movie 'How to Build a Better Boy'

Recording artist China Anne McClain (Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm and recent winner of Sing Your Face Off) and Kelli Berglund (Disney XD's Lab Rats) star as tech whizzes who computer-program the perfect boy and in the process trigger a national incident in How to Build a Better Boy, a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering Friday, August 15 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

AP science and math tests are no sweat for Gabby Harrison (McClain) and Mae Hartley (Berglund) but fitting in at school doesn't come as naturally. So, using design software that belongs to Mae's father, the girls engineer a high-definition version of Mae's fake boyfriend, Albert, who she's dreamt up as everything a high school girl could want in a guy. However, when Albert comes to life as an advanced robotic soldier, the two best friends soon learn that Mae's father works for a top secret military branch, which is now in pursuit of Gabby and Mae, as well as Albert, to ensure he doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

The Disney/ABC Television Group Receives Six Daytime Emmy Awards at the 41st Annual Daytime Emmys

The Disney/ABC Television Group received two Daytime Emmy Awards during the 41st Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards presented June 22, and four at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards presented on June 20.

ABC's Good Morning America was named Outstanding Morning Program.

Katie Couric received her first Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Talk Show Host for Katie.

Disney Channel to Debut New Worldwide Logo and On-Air Look

Disney Channel will launch a vibrant new channel logo and overall on-air graphics design on Friday, May 23 in the U.S. and on each of the other 42 Disney Channels worldwide this year. All interstitial programming, identification spots and programming menus will feature the new logo, style and palette. The design provides the unified global business with a creative, contemporary new look that authentically celebrates the faces, families and environments of Disney Channel viewers throughout the world.

Disney Renews 'Jessie' For Fourth Season

Jessie and the Ross kids will return for a fourth season of "Jessie," the hit comedy series for kids and families, it was announced today by Adam Bonnett, Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide. Production resumes in Los Angeles in August with season four scheduled to premiere in January 2015 on Disney Channel. Meanwhile, new episodes of season three are currently airing, including one directed by the series 21 year-old star/producer Debby Ryan, and a wedding story arc this fall in which Jessie gets engaged.

2014 to date, "Jessie" is TV’s #1 telecast in its time period, and overall, it is TV’s #2 live-action series in Kids 2-11 (1.6 million/4.0 rating) and Kids 6-11 (1.3 million/5.4 rating), and the #4 TV series in Tweens 9-14 (1.2 million/4.8 rating).