Disney+ Sets Titles for Streamer’s Nonfiction Slate

Disney+ has unveiled details of its nonfiction content slate, which will include the critically acclaimed documentary Howard.

Directed by Don Hahn (Beauty and the Beast), the doc tells the story of Howard Ashman, the lyricist behind such Disney classics as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid; and the creator of Little Shop of Horrors. Howard will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2020.

Also on the slate is People & Places, produced by Supper Club’s Jason Sterman, Brian McGinn and David Gelb (13th, Amanda Knox, Chef’s Table), which relaunches the original Walt Disney documentary short film series from the 1950s and 1960s. The National Geographic feature documentary Science Fair will stream exclusively on the service. From producer Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, 20 Feet From Stardom) and director Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol, Shangri-la) is a yet-to-be-titled Mickey Mouse documentary. Wolfgang, directed by Supper Club co-founder David Gelb (Jiro Dreams of Sushi), is also set to join the platform. Further, Gillian Jacobs (Love, Community) will direct the first episode in the previously announced documentary anthology series Marvel’s 616.

Ricky Strauss, president of content and marketing at Disney+, said: “Disney has a rich history in nonfiction storytelling that dates back to the 1940s. The projects announced and showcased here today reflect Disney+’s commitment to building on Walt’s storytelling ethos and core values of creativity, innovation and exploration.”