Captain Jack Sparrow’s Sword Shakes D23 as Disney Drops New X‑Men Cast

On Saturday, the Anaheim Convention Center filled with fans attending Disney’s biennial D23 event. The crowd gathered around a stage for a live unboxing that revealed the sword used by Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow.

The moment sparked excitement among collectors and movie enthusiasts.

The unboxing was led by two Disney cast members who lifted the lid to reveal the prop, drawing cheers and applause. Fans in the front row recorded the reveal on their phones, while other attendees queued for merchandise across ten shops. The sword was displayed beside a backdrop of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Beyond the unboxing, D23 showcased new projects, including a new X‑Men film cast, a forthcoming Pixar title called Ghost Market, and fresh tracks from the upcoming Frozen 3 soundtrack. The event also featured performances by Mëtal Möuse and a stage show at the nearby Honda Center.

The weekend concluded with the Disney Legends ceremony honoring industry figures.

## Background & Context

D23 is Disney’s flagship fan gathering that occurs every two years, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Anaheim. The convention offers exclusive previews, merchandise, and interactive experiences related to Disney parks, studios, and media properties. Past editions have launched major releases and honored influential creators.

This year’s event continued the tradition of combining nostalgia with new content. Guests were given early access to limited‑edition items and could queue virtually for popular merchandise. The convention also highlighted behind‑the‑scenes looks at park attractions, such as a model of Walt Disney’s miniature railroad.

## Highlights & Reactions

The centerpiece of the weekend was the live reveal of Captain Jack Sparrow’s sword. Disney officials explained that the prop had been preserved in the company’s archives for decades before being selected for the unboxing. Fans expressed excitement on social media, posting screenshots and reactions to the discovery.

Another headline announcement came during a stage presentation where actors were introduced for a new X‑Men film. The lineup included Inde Navarrette, Adam Driver, Christopher Abbott, and Maya Boyd. The reveal was accompanied by a teaser clip that showcased the characters’ dynamics.

Musical performances punctuated the event. Mëtal Möuse performed metal mashups of classic Disney songs, while Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, and Josh Gad debuted new tracks from Frozen 3’s soundtrack. The Honda Center hosted a separate Disney Entertainment Showcase featuring live renditions of popular songs.

## What Happens Next

The new X‑Men film is slated for release in late 2025, with production expected to begin next year. Casting decisions made at D23 are considered final, and the studio plans to begin filming in early 2024. Disney will likely begin marketing efforts in the coming months.

The Pixar project titled Ghost Market will premiere in the 2026 theatrical window. Production updates will be released during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting later this year. Fans can anticipate trailers and press releases in the next six months.

The next D23 event is scheduled for mid‑2025, continuing Disney’s tradition of engaging fans and unveiling future projects. Organizers have announced plans to expand virtual queue options to accommodate larger crowds. The convention will likely include additional surprise reveals and entertainment performances.

The D23 weekend combined historic artifacts with fresh announcements, offering attendees a glimpse into Disney’s future while honoring its past. The live unboxing of Captain Jack Sparrow’s sword and the unveiling of new X‑Men talent underscored the company’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences for fans worldwide.