Inside the Buzz: Exclusive Highlights from SXSW’s Hottest Panels

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman showcase the future of worldbuilding at Disney on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Austin Convention Center.

Photo By: Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine

Nothing compares to your first SXSW experience—the energy, the innovation, and the excitement in the air. As people from all over gather to explore cutting-edge technology, exclusive panels, and more, you find yourself fully immersed in the dynamic world of SXSW at the Austin Convention Center. 

Starting at the first panel of the day at 11:30 am on Saturday March 8th was none other than The Future of World-Building at Disney. We were joined by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, and special guests as they showed the convergence of imagination, innovation, and the future of experiential storytelling. 

The session was filled with exciting details and teases for the future of Disney Parks, including how The Mandalorian and Grogu will be joining a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, that Imagineers will need to create a new type of ride vehicle with emotion for Magic Kingdom's Cars ride, and a tease of what the load area and lift off will look like for the new Monsters, Inc. attraction.

The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau, along with Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama, shared exciting new details about the upcoming story and unveiled concept art that will thrill fans of the galaxy far, far away. The newly revealed images showcase iconic locations, including a Jawa's Sandcrawler on Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon and Mando’s Razor Crest soaring toward Cloud City on Bespin, and even a tantalizing glimpse of a visit to the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.

Additionally, it was announced that the incredible BDX droids, previously spotted at Disneyland, will soon be making their way to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Fans can also look forward to a new variant—an Anzellan named Otto, who will occasionally appear on a BDX in need of a little tune-up.

Monsters, Inc. Land is coming soon to Disney World's Hollywood Studios, featuring an exhilarating new themed roller coaster. This attraction will make history as Disney Parks' first-ever suspended coaster and the first to include a vertical lift.

Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance at SXSW to reveal exclusive new details on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Austin Convention Center.

Photo By: Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine

This thrilling new attraction is designed to give guests the ultimate dream-come-true experience of soaring through Monsters, Inc.’s iconic door vault. Disney also shared a first look at the load area, which perfectly sets the tone for the adventure that awaits.

Disneyland’s Avengers Campus is expanding with two exciting new attractions, including Avengers Infinity Defense, where guests will join forces with the Avengers to battle King Thanos across multiple worlds. However, the real highlight of Disney’s SXSW panel was the second attraction, as Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance to share exclusive new details.

Downey Jr. said these new experiences are "the living embodiment of the Stark Enterprises mission statement."

“The curiosity, the passion, the inventiveness, the occasional flair for the dramatic, most of all a drive to put something good out into the world to make life better, at the minimum more fun by a mile, ” Downey continued. “It’s the privilege of a lifetime to be invited to participate.”

Kicking off SXSW by witnessing some of the biggest names in Disney take the stage was an unforgettable experience.

Issa Rae reflected on her career at SXSW on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Austin Convention Center.

Photo By: Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine

At 1:00 PM, the next highly anticipated panel featured actress, producer, and creator Issa Rae headlining the keynote A Conversation With Issa Rae. She reflected on her career and the profound impact of her work in amplifying Black storytellers in the entertainment industry.

“I’ve always focused on creating content that reflects real experiences, without diluting them to fit external expectations,” she said. For her, studios still face challenges in how they handle and promote Black stories, which forces creators to find alternative paths to ensure their voices are heard.”

For Rae, authentic storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a force for meaningful societal change. As she wrapped up the discussion, she encouraged aspiring creators to stay persistent, trust their vision, and champion stories that truly matter.

“If you have something to say, say it your way. Don’t wait for external validation. Innovation comes from those who dare to be original,” she concluded.

Watching Issa Rae in all her hilarious brilliance and prime was truly a sight to behold. From her witty remarks to her insightful reflections on her journey, Rae exuded confidence and authenticity, making every moment feel genuine and captivating. Her ability to seamlessly blend humor with meaningful conversations about race, identity, and the power of storytelling left the audience both laughing and inspired. It was a reminder of how far she’s come and how her work continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry. 

Entering the last panel of the day, and the most anticipated, The Last of Us: Cast and Creators on Season 2 at 4:00 PM was an unforgettable experience. Seeing the cast in person after playing the games and watching the show truly felt like a dream come true. It was surreal to hear from the creators and cast members, gaining insight into the upcoming season, and it made the entire SXSW experience feel even more special. 

The energy in the room was electric, with fans buzzing about what’s to come in this highly anticipated continuation of the beloved series. Panelists include co-showrunners, writers, and directors Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, along with Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino.

The cast of The Last of Us took the stage at SXSW on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Austin Convention Center.

Photo By: Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine

Druckmann, the head of Naughty Dog Studios and the writer/director of The Last of Us Part II, spoke candidly about the production of the video game before the teaser was played.

“We took seven years on and off to make The Last of Us Part II,” said Druckmann, reflecting on the game that inspired the show. “So it means a lot to myself and everyone at Naughty Dog… there’s an army of people who made this thing… it’s kind of mind-blowing.”

In addition to discussing the unique nuances of their own characters, each cast member took time to praise their fellow actors and new cast members, Merced and Mazino. Pascal referred to them as “badasses,” applauding their ability to come in and fully own their roles in an already well-established show. Season 2 of The Last of Us premieres on HBO and Max on April 13. 

As SXSW wraps up, it's clear that this year’s event was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the power of storytelling across all mediums. From exclusive panels featuring industry giants like Issa Rae and the cast of The Last of Us to sneak peeks into the future of Disney and other entertainment realms, the festival offered an immersive experience that left attendees inspired and eager for what’s to come. With groundbreaking discussions, insightful behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, SXSW remains a pivotal platform for those passionate about pushing boundaries and making an impact. Until next year, the creative energy and ideas shared here will continue to resonate and inspire.