D23 Expo 2026 delivered a wave of sequel announcements, but buried among the returning franchises was a reveal that original storytelling isn't dead at Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it's coming sooner than fans might expect.
The Original Film in the Room
Walt Disney Studios used Friday night's Disney Entertainment Showcase to announce updates on several high-profile sequels — Frozen 3 (2027), Incredibles 3 (2028), Coco 2 (2029), Zootopia 3 (no release date), and the live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 (2028), among them. For fans who have been vocal about Disney's reliance on existing intellectual property, the lineup could have felt like more of the same.
Then came Clay (2028).
Walt Disney Animation Studios announced Clay, an original animated film set to arrive in November 2028, starring Kieran Culkin. The story follows Flip, a man selected to serve as a mentor to Mushy — a young, living ball of clay — as the pair journeys through a fantastical forest. Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush confirmed the November 2028 premiere window at the showcase, though an exact release date wasn't announced.
Following the Friday night presentation, Disney Animation shared concept art of Flip and Mushy on X (formerly known as Twitter):
Meet Flip and Mushy from Disney's Clay, starring Kieran Culkin, in this new concept art and coming to theaters November 2028. #D23
Meet Flip and Mushy from Disney's Clay, starring Kieran Culkin, in this new concept art and coming to theaters November 2028. #D23 pic.twitter.com/A6nA6vzJHs
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) August 15, 2026
The image shows the two characters in the fantastical forest setting.
For Fans Who Can't Wait Until 2028
Fans eager for original Disney animation don't have to hold out two years for Clay. Walt Disney Animation Studios also shared a first look at Hexed (2026) at D23 Expo — a previously announced original film that premieres in theaters on November 25.
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Two original animated films are on the horizon alongside the sequel slate. It may not be the complete pivot some Disney fans have been asking for, but it's a start.
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