Disney is kicking off 2023 with a brand new batch of original programming from around the world, with new episodes of “Willow” and “National Treasure: Edge Of History”. plus the return of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” and much more.

Here’s the rundown:

Note: This list is subject to change


Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Season 2

“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army—each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.

In Season 2, months have passed since the events on Kamino and the Bad Batch continue their journey navigating the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They will cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they take on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will take them to unexpected and dangerous new places.

New episodes are being released weekly throughout January.


Willow

An epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty, “Willow” features a diverse international cast with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers. The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness. Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home, where they must face their inner demons and come together to save their world.


National Treasure – Edge Of History

Jess Valenzuela’s life is turned upside down when an enigmatic stranger gives her a clue to a centuries-old treasure that might be connected to her long-dead father. Jess has a knack for solving puzzles, and her skills are put to the test as she and her friends follow a series of clues hidden in American artifacts and landmarks. But can Jess outsmart a black-market antiquities dealer in a race to find history’s greatest lost treasure and unbury the truth about her family’s past?

There is a new episode being released every Wednesday throughout January.


Chasing Waves

In the wake of surfing’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, “CHASING WAVES” shines a spotlight on the people and places that are defining Japan’s reach in the global surf culture and examines the diverse regions, unique characters, and endless surf along the over 18,000 miles of coastline that makes Japan one of a kind.

This new documentary arrives onto Disney+ on Wednesday, 11th January 2023


Gina Yei

Gina, a cheerful and creative girl, has a dream to write songs. Thanks to her lyric-writing abilities, she gets the chance of a lifetime when she wins a scholarship to the prestigious Caribbean Music Institute (CMI) on the island of Puerto Rico. It’s the best place in the world to study Latin music and the birthplace of reggaeton.

This new Latin American series arrives on Disney+ on Wednesday, 11th January 2023.


If These Walls Could Sing

“If These Walls Could Sing,” a Disney Original Documentary, gives exclusive access to the most famous and longest-running studio in the world, Abbey Road Studios. In this personal film of memory and discovery, director Mary McCartney guides us through nine decades to tell the stories of some of the studio’s most iconic recordings — and the people who made them happen.

“If These Walls Could Sing” arrives on Disney+ around the world on January 6th 2023.


Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?

Beloved Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel’s many triumphs include iconic Broadway roles in productions of “Rent” and “Wicked” as well as the legendary voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen.” Yet, one dream goal has evaded her grasp: to perform a concert at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City. From Disney Branded Television and Ideal Partners comes the joyous, inspirational and in-depth look at Idina Menzel as you’ve never seen her before. In “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?,” filmmaker Anne McCabe follows Menzel on a national tour over the course of 16 shows as she juggles the challenges of being a working mom with a grueling travel schedule, all while preparing finally to realize her dream.

“Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” is coming to Disney+ around the world on Friday, 20th January 2023.


Mila in the Multiverse

Mila is 16 years old and living the adventure of her life travelling through the multiverse in search of her mother, Elis. As she travels, she will come face to face with The Operators, a mysterious and dangerous group that wants to exterminate all universes. She will have to face them in order to save the vast multiverse.

This Latin American Disney+ Original series arrives on Wednesday 25th January 2023.


King Shakir Recycle

Scientists trying to solve the environmental crisis of pollution devise a way to send the collected garbage into space via rocket ships. When this garbage starts to land on alien planets, the outraged aliens head to Earth for revenge. King Shakir and his family must do their best to protect the world from alien destruction.

This Turkish Disney+ Original arrives on Wednesday, 18th January 2023


Magic Of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Season 2

This 10-episode docu-series showcases the vast array of animals in our care, and our dedicated team of animal experts who manage the around-the-clock needs of the animals, ranging from pulling a big tooth from Lil Joe, the manatee; throwing a birthday party for Galápagos tortoises; releasing sea turtles back into the wild after rehabilitation; hatching baby flamingos and more! From special enrichment programs and nutrition to encouraging animals to participate in their own medical care, our team has established strong bonds with the animals to maintain their health and promote their wellbeing. This series was a Disney+ Original but is now debuting on the Nat Geo channel on New Year’s Day.

The second season will arrive on Disney+ in the US on Wednesday, 4th January 2023.


There are also some new originals coming to Disney+ around the world throughout January, which can be found on Hulu in the US.


Extraordinary

“Extraordinary” is set in a world where everyone develops a power on their 18th birthday… everyone, that is, except for Jen. She’s turning 25 and is still waiting to get hers. She’s not even fussy about what that could be: super speed? Laser eyes? The ability to plug in a USB the right way every single time? She’ll take it. Like a caterpillar surrounded by butterflies, Jen feels unable to move forward, stuck in a dead-end job in a party shop and occasionally hooking up with Luke, a flaky young man with the irritatingly cool ability to fly. Luckily, Jen has Carrie to stop her from wallowing in her own self-pity. Inseparable since school, their relationship cycles between sister, parent, and wingman. Together they share an East London flat with Carrie’s long-term boyfriend, Kash. Carrie has the power to channel the dead but feels she’s been overshadowed by her own party trick: doesn’t anyone care about what she has to say? Kash takes his power – the ability to turn back time – very seriously, but he’s not above using it to undo minor embarrassments, or moments when he says exactly the wrong thing to long-suffering Carrie. The fourth member of the flat is a stray cat, named Jizzlord by the gang, who’s harbouring a surprising secret: turns out even cats have more power than Jen.

Adrift in a big, confusing world and armed with nothing but a bit of hope and a lot of desperation, Jen begins her journey to find her maybe-superpower. But in doing so, she might discover the joy of being just kind of ok.

This new British Disney+ Original series arrives on Wednesday, 25th January 2023, and it will be available on Hulu in the US.


Koala Man

]Koala Man” follows middle-aged dad Kevin and his titular not-so-secret identity, whose only superpower is a burning passion for following rules and snuffing out petty crime in the town of Dapto. Though it may seem like any other Australian suburb, forces of evil both cosmic and man-made lie in wait to pounce on unsuspecting Daptonians. On a quest to clean up his hometown, and often roping his frustrated family into his adventures, Koala Man stands at the ready. He’ll do whatever it takes to defeat villainous masterminds, supernatural horrors, or worse: jerks who don’t take their rubbish bins down on the proper days.

“Koala Man” is coming out on Monday, 9th January 2023, on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.


Welcome To Chippendales (Europe)

A sprawling true-crime saga, Welcome To Chippendales tells the outrageous story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire. The series will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon.

Steve Banerjee works hard to achieve the American dream to provide for his family and leave a legacy behind that they can be proud of. While his attempt to build a booming business by exploiting sexual empowerment, which features scantily clad men gyrating over eager women is a success, Steve very quickly becomes obsessed with wealth and power. He will do anything it takes to remove anyone in his way even if it means getting his hands a little bloody.

“Welcome To Chippendales” is coming to Disney+ in Europe on Wednesday, 11th January 2023.


Super Junior Last Man Standing

The documentary will feature never-before-seen interviews with the group’s active members – Lee Teuk, Hee Chul, Ye Sung, Shin Dong, Eun Hyuk, Dong Hae, Si Won, Ryeo Wook, and Kyu Hyun – who will recount their personal stories and share insights on the group as well as the modern K-pop industry.

This Korean original series arrives on Disney+ on Wednesday 18th January 2023


Darby and The Dead (Canada)

After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper gains the ability to see dead people. She becomes introverted and recluses from her peers. But all that changes when Capri unexpectedly dies in a freak accident.

“Darby and The Dead” is coming to Disney+ in Canada on Friday, 27th January 2023.


What original are you looking forward to watching in January?

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Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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