Competition for viewers’ time is driving entertainment companies to offer more than films and television alone. Disney is combining streaming, cinema, sport and family experiences in its latest African showcase, with new releases and initiatives planned across the continent.
The Walt Disney Company Africa revealed its 2026–2027 entertainment slate at a Johannesburg showcase on 21 October, highlighting upcoming films, streaming series, live sport, consumer products and community programmes.
Blockbusters and sport on Disney+
Disney’s upcoming cinema releases include Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday on 16 December 2026, followed by Ice Age: Boiling Point, Pixar’s Gatto, Star Wars: Starfighter and The Bluey Movie in 2027.
On Disney+, Formula E coverage will begin on 18 December under a multi-year agreement, giving subscribers access to practice, qualifying and race sessions, alongside highlights and preview and review shows.
The streaming lineup will also include new seasons of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Ahsoka and Only Murders in the Building, as well as new true-crime content.
New content across Disney’s channels
Disney Channel and Disney Jr. will introduce new animated series, including Doomies, Cars: Lightning Racers and Marvel’s Avengers: Mightiest Friends. The music-driven film The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, which wrapped production in South Africa, is also on the schedule.
National Geographic’s upcoming programming includes Animal Oddballs, arriving in December, as well as the documentaries Everest: The Other Side and Wolves Up Close With Bertie Gregory.
Sports fans can look forward to international competitions across ESPN and ESPN 2, as well as the new ESPN hub on Disney+. Coverage includes France’s Top 14 rugby competition, European football leagues, the NBA Finals and the build-up to the NFL Super Bowl.
Expanding local social impact programmes
Disney Africa’s Healthy Happy Play Program will enter its 12th year with Sporting Chance. Its 2027 programme aims to bring the initiative’s cumulative reach to more than 300,000 South African schoolchildren.
The company is also partnering with solar-powered media network Sunshine Cinema for a third time, bringing local-language Disney Jr. content to early childhood development centres. Children, parents and caregivers will take part in activities and discussions around shows including The Lion Guard and Doc McStuffins.
Festive retail campaign returns
Disney’s annual “Make the Holidays Magic” campaign will return in South Africa with toys, games, accessories, apparel and festive programming across its channels and streaming service.
The Chari-Tree initiative will also return for its 12th year, continuing its support for Reach for a Dream.
The company’s latest slate spans entertainment, sport, retail and community initiatives, with release dates subject to change.
