- 1 hour 19 minutesYou’ve Got a Land in Me: Toy Story’s Theme Park Journey (Ep. 587)
Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney’s most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone.
NEWS
• Bluey’s Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down.
• Victoria & Albert’s retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not.
• Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios.
• Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts.
• Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads.
FEATURE
• Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles.
• The team traces how Pixar’s growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
• Shull explains the “Andy’s backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land.
• The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design.
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com
GUEST
• Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com
FOLLOW
• Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
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8 June 2026, 4:00 am - 57 minutes 52 secondsEverything Keeps Catching Fire: Universal’s Backlot Blazes (Ep. 106)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a busy Universal news week, from Universal Kids Resort pricing and seasonal operations to new rotating experiences planned for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. They also check in on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Mega Movie Summer, including Wicked meet-and-greets, Minions menu items, Fast and Furious teases, Jaws treats, and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey getting some serious backlot synergy. Then Jim digs into the surprisingly fiery history of Universal Studios Hollywood, tracing nearly a century of backlot blazes, rebuilds, and close calls.
NEWS
• Universal Kids Resort in Frisco now has a July 1 grand opening date, with one-day tickets, two-day tickets, annual passes, and resort packages revealed.
• Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas appears to be leaning into a year-round event calendar, with rotating seasonal experiences planned through 2027.
• Universal Studios Hollywood’s Mega Movie Summer includes The Odyssey props, Minions meet-and-greets, Fast and Furious food, Jaws-themed treats, and Wicked photo opportunities.
• Jim and Eric speculate that all the Fast and Furious activity at Universal Hollywood may point to Hollywood Drift getting closer to opening.
FEATURE
• Jim walks through the major fires that have hit Universal Studios Hollywood, from brush fires in the 1930s and 1940s to suspected arson on the lower lot.
• The episode revisits the devastating 1990 fire that destroyed portions of New York Street, Courthouse Square, classic cars, and parts of the tram tour.
• Jim explains how the 2008 backlot fire destroyed the King Kong Encounter and led to King Kong 360 3D becoming part of the Studio Tour.
• The conversation also touches on Universal’s repeated rebuilding efforts, its water-pressure problems, and why so much of the backlot is more recreation than original movie history.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey, Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Epic Universal listeners can save up to 12% on theme park tickets and now purchase ExpressPass through UnlockedMagic.com.
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5 June 2026, 4:00 am - 32 minutes 22 secondsCarousel of Progress Gets an Update as Fans Chase Real Disney Experiences (Ep. 20)
Lauren and Eric explore why Disney fans seem to be craving real-world experiences again, from the surprising turnout at the reopening of the Disney Store in Pittsburgh to Disney's continued push toward immersive entertainment. They discuss what thousands of fans standing in line for a retail opening reveals about today's Disney audience, whether digital fatigue is driving people back to physical spaces, and how Disney may be adapting to that demand. Then they dive into Disney's newly announced overhaul of Carousel of Progress, examining the planned updates, fan reactions, and what the changes could mean for one of Walt Disney World's most historic attractions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Why thousands of Disney fans stood in line for the reopening of the Disney Store at Ross Park Mall and what it says about today's Disney audience.
- Lauren and Eric explore whether fans are craving real-world Disney experiences more than merchandise itself.
- Discussion of Disney's growing focus on immersive experiences, from retail concepts to theme park expansion.
- Could digital fatigue be driving fans back toward physical spaces, events, and shared fandom experiences?
- Ideas for how Disney could bring more regional experiences to fans who don't regularly visit the parks.
- Disney announces a major refresh of Carousel of Progress, including new scenes set in the 1960s, 1980s, and Y2K era.
- The hosts examine fan reactions to the changes and debate whether updating the attraction honors Walt Disney's original vision.
- Why Carousel of Progress remains one of Walt Disney World's most historically significant attractions and what its future could look like.
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
- Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey
- Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_
FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4 June 2026, 4:00 am - 50 minutes 50 secondsThe Animation Courtyard Has a Florida-Sized Footnote (Ep. 102)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into Disney’s latest wave of merch-driven experiences, from a London pop-up built around Disney UU collectibles to Trader Sam’s 15th anniversary tiki mug celebration. They also track the growing Toy Story 5 promotional push, including Papa John’s Pizza Planet packaging, movie theater collectibles, and Grogu’s new blue Nilla Nummies. Then Jim turns to Disney’s newly reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios and asks whether Disney will properly honor the Florida animation team that helped create Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and more.
NEWS
• Disney tests another ticketed-style merch experience with a Disney UU collectible pop-up in London.
• Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar celebrates 15 years with a new anniversary mug and expanded food offerings.
• Papa John’s rolls out Pizza Planet boxes and Toy Story 5 personal pan pizzas tied to the film’s release.
• AMC, Cinemark, and Regal prepare exclusive Toy Story 5 popcorn buckets, cups, blankets, and collectible tie-ins.
• Grogu gets his own blue Nilla Nummies cookies as Mandalorian and Grogu merch keeps expanding.
FEATURE
• Jim looks at the newly opened Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• The reimagined space pays tribute to Disney’s California animation history, from Hyperion to Burbank.
• The conversation turns to the often-overlooked legacy of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida.
• Jim hopes the finished Magic of Disney Animation attraction includes meaningful nods to Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, John Henry, and the artists who made them.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2, Instagram: @lauren_hersey_
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If a 2026 park trip is on your radar, head over to UnlockedMagic.com and let their team help make your next vacation a little more magical.
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4 June 2026, 4:00 am - 21 minutes 17 secondsPark Hoppers vs. Lightning Lane: The Disneyland Dilemma (Ep. 20)
On this episode of The Case For, Len Testa and Chris Cox debate one of the most practical planning questions facing Disneyland visitors: if you can only choose one upgrade, should you spend your money on Park Hopper access or Lightning Lane? Along the way, they compare the unique advantages of Disneyland's compact layout, discuss how Lightning Lane functions differently in California, and explore whether staying off-site might actually unlock a better overall vacation strategy. As always, Jim Hill presides over the proceedings before inviting listeners to help render the final verdict.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Len and Chris compare the value of Park Hopper and Lightning Lane at the Disneyland Resort.
• A look at how Disneyland's Lightning Lane system differs from Walt Disney World, including day-of booking and frequent attraction drops.
• Why Disneyland's walkable layout makes park hopping dramatically easier than at Walt Disney World.
• The surprising math behind off-site hotels versus Disneyland Resort hotel pricing.
• How Lightning Lane Premier Pass can eliminate much of the planning and phone-checking that comes with a park day.
HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com
FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3 June 2026, 4:00 am - 43 minutes 56 secondsToy Story 5 Brings Jessie Full Circle (Ep. 361)
Drew Taylor and Jim Hill dive into one of the busiest weeks in animation and entertainment news, from early reactions to Pixar's Toy Story 5 and its surprisingly Jessie-focused story to major developments involving Rick & Morty, X-Men '97, Jorge Gutierrez, and Netflix animation. Along the way, they unpack box office surprises, discuss the end of Disney Twenty-Three magazine, and explore what the future may hold for some of animation's biggest franchises. This episode also includes Drew's thoughts after seeing the first 45 minutes of Toy Story 5 and a look at why Pixar may have another blockbuster on its hands.
NEWS
• Early box office projections suggest Toy Story 5 could set a new franchise opening weekend record.
• Pixar's Hoppers arrives on home video as the film continues its strong theatrical run.
• Universal launches major Minions & Monsters promotion ahead of the film's July debut.
• D23 members react to the discontinuation of Disney Twenty-Three magazine.
• Rick & Morty's President Curtis is getting his own Adult Swim spin-off series.FEATURE
• Drew shares impressions after seeing the first 45 minutes of Toy Story 5.
• New details reveal a deeper continuation of Jessie's story from Toy Story 2.
• The film revisits one of the franchise's most emotional storylines in an unexpected way.
• Could Toy Story 5 set the stage for even more adventures beyond the fifth film?HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.workFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - StrongMindedAgency.comSPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 theme park vacation is on your radar, their team can help you save money while making the planning process easier.
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2 June 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 2 minutesA Great Big Beautiful Redo: Carousel of Progress Gets a New Future (Ep. 586)
Len Testa and Jim Hill recap a busy week in the parks, from the debut of Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience to Universal's latest expansion rumors. They also dive deep into Disney's surprise announcement that Carousel of Progress will receive its most significant overhaul in decades, including new scenes, new narration, and a fresh look at the future. Along the way, Jim shares the attraction's fascinating history, from its roots in Edison Square to its journey through the 1964 World's Fair and beyond.
NEWS
• Len shares his experience aboard the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring new Mandalorian and Grogu story elements.
• Bluey officially arrives at Disney's Animal Kingdom, drawing massive opening-day crowds and virtual queue demand.
• Disney announces a major reimagining of Carousel of Progress, with new time periods and an all-new future scene.
• Universal removes Express Pass access from Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure beginning July 1.
• New permits and construction activity hint at future expansions for Dark Universe and the Wizarding World at Epic Universe.FEATURE
• The surprising origins of Carousel of Progress and Disney's abandoned Edison Square concept.
• How General Electric helped transform the attraction from a Disneyland proposal into a 1964 World's Fair centerpiece.
• The attraction's move from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and the evolution of its story over six decades.
• Why Disney's latest update may secure Carousel of Progress as a Magic Kingdom staple for generations to come.For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
UnlockedMagic.com - https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish
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1 June 2026, 6:07 pm - 49 minutes 15 secondsThe Canadian Simulator Ride That Changed Theme Parks Forever (Ep. 105)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a series of accidental leaks. Then Jim looks back at the creation of Back to the Future: The Ride and the forgotten Canadian simulator attraction that helped inspire it, all while tracing the career of visual effects legend Doug Trumbull.
NEWS
• Universal officially announces a Sinners haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood, inspired by the Oscar-winning vampire film set in 1930s Mississippi
• Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets go on sale with RIP Tours, Frequent Fear passes, and premium add-ons already available
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is quietly removed from Universal Orlando’s Express Pass lineup beginning July 1
• Universal’s Mega Movie Parade return is delayed until June 5 as operational adjustments continue behind the scenes
• Universal Orlando prepares a Steven Spielberg Summer Tribute Store featuring Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and the upcoming Disclosure Day film
• Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas accidentally leaks July opening details and early ticket pricing onlineFEATURE
• Jim revisits the origins of Back to the Future: The Ride on its 35th anniversary
• The forgotten Tour of the Universe attraction inside Toronto’s CN Tower helped inspire Star Tours and Universal’s simulator rides
• Visual effects pioneer Doug Trumbull’s work on 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters, and Blade Runner shaped the future of theme park attractions
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Trumbull’s Massachusetts rope mill studio where the Back to the Future ride film was created
• Why Universal originally planned an entirely different Back to the Future ride experience before switching to the Biff Tannen storylineHOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia - Instagram: @JimHillMedia - Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey - Instagram: @erichersey - Website: strongmindedagency.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
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29 May 2026, 4:00 am - 59 minutes 52 secondsThe Disney Store Is Back? Inside the Wild Return of Disney Retail (Ep. 101)
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the surprising return of Disney retail as thousands of fans flood Ross Park Mall for the grand opening of Disney’s newest limited-time store. Along the way, they unpack the latest Disneyland 70th merchandise reveals, the unexpectedly successful Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and why Disney’s renewed focus on immersive shopping experiences may signal a much larger strategy under new CEO Josh D’Amaro. Plus, Lauren shares firsthand stories from standing in line for hours alongside Disney fans from across multiple states just to shop exclusive merch.
NEWS
• Disney and LEGO unveil a massive 3,899-piece Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. set celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary
• The new LEGO set includes Walt Disney’s apartment, Dapper Dans figures, attraction references, and a $399 collector price tag
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets earns rave early reviews from previews at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney releases a full line of new Muppets merchandise tied to the coaster retheme, including apparel, magnets, pins, and license plates
• Disney partners with Elf on the Shelf for the first-ever line of Disney-themed scout elves featuring Marvel, Olaf, Mickey, and Minnie-inspired designs
FEATURE
• Lauren shares her firsthand experience attending the grand opening of Disney’s new limited-time store at Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh
• Thousands of Disney fans from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Canada lined up hours before opening for a chance to shop
• Disney implemented virtual queues, wristbands, timed entry windows, and exclusive Pittsburgh merchandise during opening weekend
• Jim and Lauren explore how Michael Eisner originally launched the Disney Store chain in 1987 and why the stores disappeared
• The conversation examines whether Josh D’Amaro’s focus on immersive retail experiences could lead to a larger Disney Store comeback nationwide
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
• UnlockedMagic.com - Your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets, resorts, and vacation planning assistance.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
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28 May 2026, 4:00 am - 33 minutes 48 secondsSpoiler Alert: Why We Avoid Disney POV Videos Before Our Trip (Ep. 19)
Eric and Lauren dive into one of the biggest debates in the Disney fan community: should you spoil upcoming attractions before your vacation, or go in completely blind? From ride POV videos and vlog coverage to hotel walkthroughs and foodie recommendations, they unpack when spoilers help and when they ruin the magic. Then, they take a spoiler-free look at Walt Disney World's newest additions, including the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey’s debut at Animal Kingdom, and the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Disney fans debate whether ride POV videos enhance vacations or ruin the surprise
- The new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster officially opens at Hollywood Studios
- Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new interactive experience
- Animation Courtyard gets a major refresh with Disney history Easter eggs and walkaround characters
- New entertainment offerings debut across Walt Disney World for “Cool Kids Summer”
- Eric and Lauren break down the pros and cons of Disney spoilers before a big trip
- Why hotel and resort walkthrough videos may actually improve your vacation planning
- The internet reacts to the Muppets coaster retheme and whether younger fans will embrace it
- First impressions of Bluey’s Animal Kingdom experience and why fans are already divided
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
- Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey
- Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_
FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 May 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 3 minutesThe Mandalorian, Marvel Shakeups, and the Punisher’s 100 Kills (Ep. 18)
Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down a huge week for both Star Wars and Marvel, from the theatrical debut of The Mandalorian and Grogu to major leadership changes inside Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics. They also dig into the evolving future of Galaxy’s Edge, the surprisingly strong response to Punisher: One Last Kill, and why Disney may already be positioning Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter as the franchise’s next major theatrical relaunch.
NEWS
• Jim and Dan share their reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu and discuss whether the film feels like “The Mandalorian: Season 4” on a much bigger scale
• The opening Bond-inspired action sequence signals a more cinematic approach while still leaning heavily into the Disney+ series formula
• Burger King’s Mandalorian and Grogu promotion sparks a deep dive into Disney’s former McDonald’s exclusivity deal and how fast-food tie-ins changed after 2006
• Marvel officially promotes Brad Winderbaum to oversee television, animation, comics, and franchise operations as longtime Marvel executive Dan Buckley steps down
• Vision Quest finally gets a Disney+ release date, positioning it between Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: DoomsdayFEATURE
• Jim and Dan break down why Punisher: One Last Kill may be Marvel’s strongest street-level project in years
• Jon Bernthal’s creative control over Frank Castle appears to redefine how Marvel approaches mature Disney+ specials moving forward
• The hosts discuss the surprising reveal that Frank Castle racks up exactly 100 kills during the special
• Disney updates Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with an entirely new Mandalorian-themed adventure featuring Grogu, Coruscant, Endor, and new bounty missions
• Box office projections for The Mandalorian and Grogu shift dramatically over Memorial Day weekend as Disney focuses on theatrical success and Disney+ subscriber impact alikeHOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
• UnlockedMagic.com - Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets through the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=marvelus
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
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