Disney Hosts Exclusive Zootopia 2, Percy Jackson and the Olympians S2 Screenings and Learning Experiences for Aspiring Animators and Creatives
Disney Future Storytellers
January 20, 2026
From Zootopia 2 on the Walt Disney Studio Lot to a pre‑release peek at Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 in downtown L.A., Disney welcomed emerging artists to exclusive screenings, then handed the mic to the makers for a candid look at the creative journey from idea to screen. Popcorn in hand, notebooks out, students from community organizations, high schools, colleges, and universities settled in for first‑look magic and stayed for a masterclass in storytelling. In all, nearly 700 aspiring creators took part—part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to inspire future generations of storytellers and innovators.
Pre-Release Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 Viewing Party
Seventy-five 6th graders from Alliance Ready Middle School visited Inner City Arts, an innovative arts and creativity training organization in downtown Los Angeles, for a day full of surprises. The class recently completed the first novel in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and was excited to see how the creative teams at Disney brought the series to life in Season 2.
Students eagerly filled the theater to experience a pre-release viewing of the first episode of the second season. As the show ended and the lights came up, they were shocked to be greeted by Dior Goodjohn (Clarisse La Rue) and Daniel Diemer (Tyson) on stage.
Dior and Daniel shared details about their development as actors and storytellers and how joining the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has been transformative for their careers. Responding to students’ questions about the experience of filming the immersive show and how to pursue careers in creativity and entertainment, Dior and Daniel enthusiastically reflected on their upbringings and steps taken to get to where they are today and shared inspiring stories encouraging students to pursue their dreams and creative ideas.
Animation Comes to Life through Zootopia 2
PC: YouthBeat attendees enjoying the Zootopia 2 activation on the Studio lot.
At the Disney Studio Lot, the Zootopia 2 screenings kicked off with an exclusive panel featuring creatives from Walt Disney Animation Studios that offered an inside look at the creative process and a day in the life of a story artist. From Cal State Long Beach, Compton High School to the nonprofit YouthBeat, the event brought together a broad community of future creatives eager to leap into the world of animation.
Walt Disney Animation Studios was an integral partner in creating this experience, bringing artists, Recruiters, and creators to share their stories with the students.
At Walt Disney Animation Studios, we believe nurturing the next generation of artists and innovators is essential to the future of storytelling. Investing in their learning and development not only strengthens their craft; it enriches our entire creative community. Coming together to experience a film as artists reminds us why we do what we do - it inspires us, connects us, and hopefully, fuels the imagination of those who will shape the stories of tomorrow.
Stephanie Morse
Talent Connection, Walt Disney Animation Studios
Walt Disney Animation Studios talent discuss creative pathways and learning resources.
These experiences reflect Disney’s rich legacy of work to inspire future generations of storytellers and innovators. Through events like these, as well as signature initiatives like Disney Musicals in Schools, ESPN Take Back Sports, and Disney Future Storytellers, we expand access and opportunity to underserved kids across all 50 states and around the world. Learn more at impact.disney.com.