Disney has announced that Disney Worldbuilders, a new feature-length documentary, will premiere on Disney+ on August 20. Directed by Academy Award and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, the film explores the creative processes behind some of the company’s most iconic stories and how those narratives are transformed into immersive experiences at Disney theme parks around the globe.
The documentary features candid conversations with key figures who have shaped the modern Disney landscape, including Bob Iger, James Cameron, Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, Jennifer Lee, Pete Docter, Dave Filoni, Jared Bush, and Josh D’Amaro. These storytellers discuss the memories and creative breakthroughs that influence their work, tracing the connection between the films they create and the physical spaces where those stories come to life.
A Look Inside the Creative Process
The film highlights how a story can inspire a physical location, which in turn can spark the next creative project. This cycle of innovation is presented as a tradition dating back to Walt Disney himself. By pulling back the curtain on the development of franchises like Avatar, Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the worlds of Frozen and Zootopia, the documentary aims to show how these massive properties are built into tangible environments.
Beyond reflecting on past achievements, the documentary provides a glimpse into upcoming lands currently in development at Disney destinations worldwide. This look at future projects serves as a window into what the company describes as one of the most ambitious periods of creative expansion in its history.
Why This Documentary Matters
For fans of Disney history and theme park design, this project offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the architects of these franchises. Iwerks, who has a deep personal connection to the studio as the granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, brings a unique perspective to the subject. Her previous work, including The Imagineering Story and The Pixar Story, has established her as a chronicler of the studio’s creative legacy. This new film serves as a bridge between the company’s cinematic history and its future physical expansions.
Ahead of its streaming debut, Disney Worldbuilders will hold its world premiere at D23, the official Disney fan event, on Sunday, August 16. Attendees at the event will be among the first to view the film in its entirety.
Source: Disney+
