Disney+’s October 2020 Lineup: The Mandalorian Season 2, Maleficent, and a Galaxy of New Content

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As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air settles in, Disney+ is ready to infuse your October with an unparalleled streaming experience. The platform, already a treasure trove of beloved classics and thrilling originals, is set to unleash a wave of exciting new content throughout the month. From long-awaited series premieres to iconic film additions and captivating documentaries, Disney+ subscribers have a wealth of entertainment to look forward to. Get ready to dive into a meticulously curated collection designed to delight every member of the family, whether you’re a fan of epic space operas, enchanting fantasy, or inspiring true stories.

October 2020 marks a significant expansion for the Disney+ library, with an array of new titles joining the extensive catalog. Kicking off the month with a touch of dark magic, Disney+ will welcome Angelina Jolie’s visually stunning fantasy epic, Maleficent. This fan-favorite film offers a captivating reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, exploring the untold story of its iconic villain. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Throughout the month, subscribers will be treated to a mix of family comedies like Cheaper By The Dozen 2, heartwarming dramas such as Mr. Holland’s Opus, and many more additions that promise to offer something for every taste.

Beyond the beloved library titles, October is particularly exciting for its robust lineup of all-new series and original movies. National Geographic’s highly anticipated series, The Right Stuff, promises an immersive journey into the early days of America’s space program, premiering on October 9. A brand-new Disney+ original film, Clouds, is set to touch hearts with its inspiring true story, making its debut on October 16. However, arguably the most anticipated event of the month is the grand return of The Mandalorian. Season 2 of the critically acclaimed Star Wars series will premiere on October 30, bringing with it the thrilling adventures of its titular bounty hunter and, of course, the adorable Baby Yoda. This premiere alone is enough to ignite excitement among fans worldwide, offering new chapters in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.

Accessing this incredible wealth of content is more affordable than ever. You can subscribe to Disney+ for just $6.99 a month, gaining entry to thousands of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. For those looking for an even more comprehensive entertainment package, Disney offers a fantastic bundle deal: get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for a combined price of just $12.99 a month. This trio unlocks a vast universe of streaming content, from live sports to a diverse library of TV shows and movies, making it an unbeatable value for endless entertainment.

Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent, a visually stunning dark fantasy, is among the exciting new additions coming to Disney+. (Everett Collection)

Key Disney+ Releases in October 2020: A Detailed Look

Let’s break down the exciting new additions arriving on Disney+ throughout October 2020, offering a glimpse into what makes each title a must-watch.

October 1: Kicking Off the Month with Dark Enchantment

Maleficent: Starring the magnificent Angelina Jolie, this live-action reimagining delves into the origins of Disney’s most iconic villain. Discover the untold story of the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and led her to curse the infant Princess Aurora. This visually spectacular film offers a compelling narrative exploring themes of betrayal, love, and redemption, making it a perfect opening act for October’s lineup.

October 2: A Trio of Family Fun, Laughter, and Global Adventures

Beverly Hills Chihuahua: This heartwarming family comedy follows the adventures of a pampered Chihuahua named Chloe who gets lost in Mexico and must rely on newfound friends to find her way home. Full of charm and humor, it’s a delightful watch for all ages.
Cheaper by the Dozen 2: The sequel to the popular family comedy sees the Baker family embarking on another chaotic and hilarious vacation. This time, they face off against a rival family in a series of competitive events, providing plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments about family bonds.
Mr. Holland’s Opus: A deeply moving drama starring Richard Dreyfuss as a passionate musician who reluctantly takes a job as a high school music teacher. Over the decades, he inspires countless students and finds his true calling, leaving a profound impact on the lives around him. This film is a beautiful testament to the power of music and teaching.
Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under (Season 1): Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the amazing animals and dedicated keepers of the Australia Zoo. This National Geographic series offers a fascinating glimpse into wildlife conservation, animal care, and the unique challenges of running a world-renowned zoo.
The Simpsons (Season 31): Join Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie for another season of their iconic antics in Springfield. This long-running animated sitcom continues to deliver sharp humor, satirical commentary, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
Zenimation Extended Edition (Premiere): An expanded version of the popular series, Zenimation celebrates the visual and sound artistry of Disney Animation. This collection offers a meditative escape, showcasing stunning animation sequences without dialogue, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of Disney’s artistry.

October 9: Epic Journeys, Environmental Mysteries, and Mutant Adventures

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The third installment in The Chronicles of Narnia film series takes Lucy and Edmund Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace, on a magical voyage aboard the magnificent ship Dawn Treader. They encounter mystical creatures, face perilous challenges, and discover hidden truths about themselves and Narnia.
Oil Spill of the Century: A compelling National Geographic documentary exploring one of the most catastrophic environmental disasters in history. This film delves into the causes, immediate aftermath, and long-term ecological impact of a massive oil spill, offering critical insights into environmental protection and human responsibility.
Wild Portugal: A stunning nature documentary that showcases the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Portugal, from its rugged coastlines to its dense forests and vibrant wildlife. Experience the hidden beauty and unique ecosystems of this European gem through spectacular cinematography.
X2: The acclaimed sequel in the X-Men film series. When the mutant-hating Colonel William Stryker launches an assault on Professor Xavier’s school, the X-Men must join forces with their old nemesis, Magneto, to fight for their survival and the future of mutantkind. Packed with thrilling action and compelling character development.
The Right Stuff (Premiere): Based on Tom Wolfe’s iconic book, this National Geographic original series chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program and the Mercury Seven astronauts. As they become instant celebrities, these brave men and their families grapple with the immense pressures and dangers of their groundbreaking mission to be the first in space. This dramatic series offers a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in human history.

‘The Right Stuff’ features a talented ensemble cast including Jake McDorman, Patrick J. Adams, James Lafferty, and more, bringing the Mercury Seven astronauts’ story to life. (Disney+)

October 16: Heroes, High Stakes, and Heartfelt Originals

Disney Junior the Rocketeer (Season 1): Inspired by the classic comic book character, this animated series follows Kit Secord, a young girl who discovers a mysterious rocket-powered jet pack and becomes the Rocketeer. She uses her new abilities to protect her community and fight crime, embodying courage and heroism for a new generation.
Drain (Season 3): Dive deep into the mysteries of the underwater world as National Geographic explores what happens when water is drained from the most iconic bodies of water on Earth. Using CGI and expert analysis, this series reveals submerged landscapes, ancient ruins, and hidden secrets of our planet’s aquatic environments.
Lost on Everest: A gripping National Geographic documentary that delves into the enduring mystery of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, who disappeared during their 1924 attempt to summit Mount Everest. This film explores new evidence and theories in an effort to uncover whether they reached the peak decades before Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
Marvel’s Iron Man & Captain America: Heroes United: Join two of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, Iron Man and Captain America, as they team up to face a formidable new threat. This animated adventure is packed with action, witty banter, and showcases the powerful synergy between these legendary Avengers.
Clouds (Premiere): This poignant Disney+ original movie tells the incredibly true story of Zach Sobiech, a talented high school musician living with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. As he faces his mortality, Zach writes and records a farewell album that unexpectedly becomes a viral hit, inspiring millions with his story of hope, love, and the power of music.
Meet The Chimps (Premiere): An intimate six-part National Geographic series offering an unprecedented look at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary. Follow the lives of these fascinating primates, many of whom are rescued from medical testing or the entertainment industry, as they find a safe haven and rediscover joy in their new home.

October 23: Frosty Fables, Fact-Finding, and Ancient Wonders

Once Upon A Snowman (Premiere): This heartwarming Disney Animation original short film explores the untold origins of Olaf, the lovable snowman from Disney’s Frozen. Discover what happened to Olaf in the moments after his creation by Elsa, as he takes his first steps and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle.
The Big Fib: A fun and engaging Disney+ original game show where kids must use their detective skills to distinguish between two adults – one who is an expert in a specific field, and one who is simply pretending. It’s a hilarious and educational challenge that encourages critical thinking.
Gathering Storm (Season 1): A National Geographic series that takes viewers to the front lines of some of the world’s most extreme weather events. Witness the raw power of nature as scientists and storm chasers investigate severe storms, unraveling the mysteries behind their formation and impact.
India from Above (Season 1): Soar over one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic countries in this stunning National Geographic aerial documentary. Explore India’s vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and modern marvels from a unique perspective, revealing its rich history and promising future.
Marvel Super Hero Adventures (Shorts) (Season 4): A collection of animated shorts designed for younger audiences, featuring their favorite Marvel Super Heroes. These bite-sized adventures teach valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and problem-solving, all while battling villains and saving the day.
Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead: Unearth the mysteries of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This National Geographic documentary uses cutting-edge technology and archaeological insights to reveal the final moments of its inhabitants and the secrets preserved beneath the ash.
Ultimate Viking Sword: A captivating National Geographic exploration into the legendary swords of the Vikings. Discover the advanced metallurgy and craftsmanship that went into creating these formidable weapons, and learn about their role in Viking warfare, culture, and mythology.

‘The Mandalorian’ makes its highly anticipated return for Season 2, promising more adventures with everyone’s favorite bounty hunter and the beloved Baby Yoda! (Disney+)

October 30: The Return of a Legend and Mystical Journeys

The Mandalorian (Season 2 Premiere): The moment fans have been waiting for! Season 2 of the Emmy-winning Star Wars series picks up with the Mandalorian and the Child (affectionately known as Baby Yoda) continuing their perilous journey through a dangerous galaxy. Expect more thrilling action, compelling storytelling, and the expansion of the Star Wars lore as they seek out the Child’s origins and destiny. This is a monumental return for one of the most popular streaming series of all time.
Disney the Owl House (Season 1): A quirky and imaginative animated series following Luz, a confident teenage girl who stumbles upon a portal to a magical realm where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and a tiny demon, King. She embarks on an adventure to become a witch herself, despite not having magical abilities, in this enchanting tale of self-discovery and friendship.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: A visually spectacular live-action fantasy film starring Nicolas Cage as a master sorcerer who recruits a seemingly ordinary college student (Jay Baruchel) to be his apprentice. Together, they must defeat a powerful evil sorcerer, showcasing dazzling magical battles and a journey of unexpected heroism.
X-Ray Earth (Season 1): A groundbreaking National Geographic series that uses advanced visualization techniques to reveal the hidden structures and processes beneath the Earth’s surface. Explore the geological forces that shape our planet, from volcanic activity to plate tectonics, and understand the dynamic forces that lie beneath our feet.

Spotlight on Original Premieres: The Right Stuff and Clouds

Among the many exciting additions this October, two Disney+ original premieres stand out for their compelling narratives and high production value:

The Right Stuff: This dramatic series, based on Tom Wolfe’s iconic book, delves into the heart of the 1960s space race. It meticulously follows the Mercury 7 astronauts, a group of military test pilots chosen to be America’s first space travelers. As these men, including Jake McDorman as Alan Shepard and Patrick J. Adams as John Glenn, navigate the intense physical and mental demands of their training, they also contend with sudden celebrity and the immense pressure of a nation’s hopes. The series explores not just the technological challenges of space flight but also the personal sacrifices and complex relationships of these pioneering heroes and their families. It’s a deep dive into an era of unparalleled bravery and scientific ambition.
Clouds: This moving original film is based on the real-life and truly inspiring story of Zach Sobiech. Portrayed by Fin Argus, Zach is a high school student with a vibrant spirit and an incredible talent for music, but he is living with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. As his health declines, Zach decides to pursue his passion, writing and recording an album as a final message to his loved ones. Unbeknownst to him, his song “Clouds” becomes a global sensation, touching millions with its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The film, also starring Sabrina Carpenter and Madison Iseman, is a powerful tribute to Zach’s enduring legacy and the profound impact one life can have.

Disney+ continues to solidify its position as a premier streaming destination, constantly enriching its library with content that entertains, educates, and inspires. The October 2020 lineup is a testament to this commitment, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic favorites, groundbreaking originals, and captivating documentaries. Whether you’re settling in for a family movie night, catching up on an epic space adventure, or exploring the wonders of the natural world, Disney+ has your entertainment needs covered. Don’t miss out on these fantastic releases!

We’ll keep you updated if more exciting titles are added to this already stellar October schedule.