After a relatively low output in January, Disney Plus is pressing down on the gas pedal and cracking their knuckles for the year to come. With fan-favourite shows such as ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ coming out with more episodes well into February, Disney is looking to tie loose ends to continue expanding the many universes up its sleeve.

Check out this month’s mixed bag of movies, documentaries, and series, curated by The Beat Asia, including five-time Academy nomination ‘Wakanda Forever’, white-collar crime documentary series ‘Water and Power: A California Heist’, and new adaptations with comic-only characters like Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’.

Films

‘Wakanda Forever’

As one of 2022’s biggest hits, Wakanda Forever’ makes its streaming premiere on Disney Plus at the top of the month for eager fans around the world.

During the events of ‘Black Panther’, King T’Challa appears before the United Nations to reveal Wakanda’s true nature to the world, unveiling the power of the elusive vibranium metal. When Wakanda needed him most, T’Challa fights for his life against a deadly illness, leaving the Black Panther mantle empty and unfulfilled. Pressures amp up for Wakanda as nations grow greedy for the finite source of vibranium, with some countries attempting to steal it by force. As the nation struggles to protect themselves, the need for a new black panther is inevitable.

When: Feb. 1

Series

‘LEGENDS’

Ahead of the streaming release of ‘Ant-Man And the Wasp: Quantumania’ set for mid-February, Disney Plus has announced three brand new episodes to revisit our favourite heroes and set the stage for the stories to come.

‘LEGENDS’ traces back to the moments in thief-turned-hero Scott Lang’s life, from fighting off with his powerful adversaries, meeting his wife, and doing anything he could to provide for his family. The remaining two episodes chronicle the original inventor of the Ant-Man and Wasp suits, scientist Hank Pym and his daughter Hope. From dedicated scientist to overprotective father, Hank learns to trust his technology again after reuniting with his long-lost wife – the original Wasp. Hope inherits the superhero identity of her mother, displaying epic shows of bravery in her turn.

When: Feb. 10

‘Dug Days’

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, Carl from Disney’s ‘Up’ tries his hand at modern dating in the upcoming short film ‘Dug Days: Carl’s Date’. From the curious perspective of adopted talking dog, Dug, we watch as Carl prepares for his first date since his dearly departed best-friend and wife, Ellie. As the helpful friend he is, Dug steps in to rest his pre-date jitters and offers tried and true tips on how to befriend others, that is, if you’re a dog.

As part of the ‘Dug Days’ series released in 2021, we watch this rag-tag family of boy scout Russell, Dug, and their grumpy but well-meaning surrogate grandpa Carl, as they go about their daily lives.

When: Feb. 10

‘Water and Power: A California Heist’

In this 2017 National Geographic investigative documentary, the practices of ‘The Wonderful Company’ are put under the microscope to unveil how and why of an unprecedented water theft that left nearby towns with drought.

Set for release under the Disney Plus umbrella this month, find out how mega-agribusiness could steal water to farm acres upon acres of luxury crops, leaving nearby residents desperate and helpless. This real-world water theft provides a clue to the loopholes abused by those with power, posing a powerful story for the ages that is strangely much more relevant today than ever.

When: Feb 8

'j-hope IN THE BOX'

Worldwide sensation and 21st century pop icons BTS have taken the music industry by storm. As underdogs in the global music scene in the early 2010s, each member has amassed critical acclaim in their independent ventures since.

In this tell-all documentary, viewers follow rapping genius and dancing maniac j-hope as he works to release his first ever solo album – Jack in The Box. From never-before-seen creative challenges during the making of the album, to front row looks at the 2022 Lollapalooza performance, as well as the album listening party, this one is a must-see for music industry geeks and BTS stans alike.

When: Feb. 17

‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’

Based on Marvel’s hit comic book, ‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ follows the adventures of thirteen year old super genius, Lunella Lafayette, as she accidentally brings her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, to present day New York via a time vortex.

With Moon Girl’s brilliant mind, Devil Dinosaurs impressive physical strength, the duo work together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.

When: Feb. 15