As D23 Expo 2026 wraps up, many Disney fans are feeling heard. From theme park announcements — like the long-awaited fix for the Yeti audio-animatronic on Expedition Everest and the return of Dreamfinder to Journey Into Imagination With Figment at EPCOT — to what was revealed at Friday night's Disney Entertainment Showcase, it's clear the company is paying attention. And on the film side, one announcement in particular is giving fans of original storytelling a reason to celebrate.

A Brand-New Original Film: Clay (2028)

Walt Disney Studios did share updates on several upcoming sequels at D23, including Coco 2 (2029), Incredibles 3 (2028), Frozen 3 (2027), Zootopia 3 (release date unconfirmed), and the live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 (2028). But tucked among those franchise updates was an exciting announcement for fans craving something fresh: an all-new, original film from Walt Disney Animation Studios called Clay.

Clay will star Kieran Culkin as a man named Flip, who is selected to serve as a mentor to a young, living ball of clay named Mushy. The story follows the unlikely duo as they journey together through a fantastical forest. Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, confirmed that Clay will premiere in November 2028, though an exact release date has not yet been announced.

Following the Disney Entertainment Showcase, Disney Animation shared concept art of Flip and Mushy on X (formerly Twitter), giving fans their first glimpse of the film's enchanting world:

Meet Flip and Mushy from Disney's Clay, starring Kieran Culkin, in this new concept art and coming to theaters November 2028. #D23

Can't Wait Until 2028? Hexed Is Coming Sooner

Fans eager for original Disney animation don't have to wait two-plus years for Clay. Walt Disney Animation Studios also shared a first look at the previously announced film Hexed at D23 Expo, which is set to premiere in theaters on November 25, 2026.

Between Hexed arriving later this year and Clay on the horizon for 2028, it looks like Walt Disney Animation Studios is making a genuine push to bring fresh, original stories back to the big screen — and that's something worth getting excited about.