Disney XD Zooms Into a "Non-Stop Summer' Beginning Monday, June 17

[Via Disney XD Press Release...]

Summer-long Programming Initiative Includes Guest Stars Dwight Howard, DeSean Jackson, Joey Logano and More

Disney XD kicks into high gear for summer 2013 with an expansive "Non-Stop Summer" programming initiative for kids and families, including guest star appearances by NBA's Dwight Howard, NFL's DeSean Jackson and NASCAR's Joey Logano, X Games specials, new series premieres, themed nights and a fan-generated event, "Chicken I Dare You." The summer-long, power-packed programming events sprint into action, beginning MONDAY, JUNE 17 on Disney XD.

Summer 2012 was Disney XD's most-watched summer in the network's history in both Prime and Total Day in Total Viewers and among Kids 6-14, 6-11, 9-14 and 2-11, posting its 4th consecutive summer of increases. In fact, the network delivered its Top 3 months of all time (June, July/August) in Total Day during the summer in Boys 9-14, and its Top 2 months on record (July/August) in Kids 6-14, Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14.

The schedule is as follows (all times ET/PT):

MONDAY, JUNE 17 - AUGUST 26 - "CHICKEN... I DARE YOU"
Beginning Monday, June 17, Disney XD will kick-off "Chicken...I Dare You," a fan-generated event featuring pro-athlete Dwight Howard, Disney XD stars and the fan-favorite costume Chicken. Starting Monday, June 17 viewers can go to DisneyXD.com/IDareYou to vote for the star they want to see dare The Chicken to complete a random and hilarious action. The dares will air weekly on Monday nights from Monday, June 24 until Monday, August 26.

SUNDAY, JULY 7 (11:00 A.M.)- "MARVEL'S AVENGERS ASSEMBLE" SERIES PREMIERE

MONDAY, JULY 8 (8:30 - 10:00 P.M.) - TRUCKASAURUS MONDAY MAYHEM
Disney XD will premiere all-new monster truck-themed episodes across three top-rated live action series, including "Kickin' It," "Crash & Bernstein" and "Lab Rats." Additionally, fans can now visit DisneyXD.com/Summer to play "Disney XD: Titans on the Track," an action-packed online gaming adventure featuring a monster truck rally allowing players to race for the gold across 10 levels, while performing incredible stunts and crushing obstacles along the way. Players will be able to select one of five monster trucks designed after their favorite Disney XD show.

SATURDAY, JULY 13 (8:30 - 11:00 A.M.) - RANDOMATION ANIMATION
Beginning Saturday, July 13, the Randomation Animation programming block launches featuring the series premieres of "Packages from Planet X" and "Camp Lakebottom," new episodes of "Max Steel" and "Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja," and "Phineas and Ferb Musical Cliptastic Countdown Hosted by Kelly Osbourne"

In "Packages from Planet X," charismatic 15-year-old Dan Zembrosky from the bizarre town of Iron Bay suddenly receives strange, cryptic packages from an evil alien planet. The packages arrive in various forms and Dan and his two best friends use them to their own advantage, whether it be to make the soccer team, pass a test to avoid summer school or get out of trouble, all while keeping the mysterious contraptions out of the hands of Copernicus, an evil alien who is plotting to take over the world.

MONDAY, JULY 22 (8:30 - 10:00 P.M.) - MONDAY NIGHT OVERDRIVE
Disney XD will premiere a primetime sports-themed programming event featuring top talent from the NFL, NASCAR and X Games.

8:30 p.m. - "Crash & Bernstein"
"Man Crash": Mr. Poulos dupes Wyatt and Crash into doing his building repairs so he can go on a men's camping trip with his buddies. The boys find out and stow away in his van but are disappointed when the trip does not turn out to be the men's weekend they expected. Guest starring is Philadelphia Eagles DeSean Jackson as himself.

9:00 p.m. - "Lab Rats"
"The Bionic 500": When Davenport and his new obnoxious neighbor Pierce agree to settle their differences with a stock car race, Davenport is shocked to learn that Pierce has enlisted a NASCAR ringer Joey Logano as his proxy. Guest starring is NASCAR racer Joey Logano as himself.

Disney XD has teamed with X Games to create four specials, one airing each night from Monday, July 22 - Thursday, July 25.

* Monday, July 22 at 9:30 p.m. - "Disney XD Hyp'd": Hosted by Dylan Riley Snyder ("Kickin' It"), the show replicates the physical essence of an X Games trick.
* Tuesday, July 23 at 9:30 p.m. - "Disney XD Xology": Skater Crash ("Crash & Bernstein") visits Southern California to get the low down on the sick tricks from the X Games.
* Wednesday, July 24 at 9:30 p.m. - "Disney XD Stump'd": Hosted by Spencer Boldman and Kelli Berglund ("Lab Rats"), the special features the stars testing their X Games' knowledge with the loser completing an intense physical challenge.
* Thursday, July 25 at 9:30 p.m. - "Disney XD Break It Down": Featuring legendary skater Danny Way and the youngest X Games gold medalist Tom Schaar, the special shows a behind-the-scenes look at the X Games.

MONDAY, JULY 29 (8:30 - 9:30 P.M.) - "CRASH & BERNSTEIN"
A special one-hour episode of "Crash & Bernstein" finds Crash captured by Mr. Green, the Bestie employee assigned to destroy all Bestie dolls on the recall list. Wyatt must enlist the help of the Bernstein family to rescue Crash before it's too late. Emmy and Tony Award winning actress Andrea Martin and John Farley ("The Waterboy") guest star as Mother Green and Mr. Green, respectively. The one-hour episode is supported with the online initiative "Pick Crash's Nose," which invites viewers to vote for their favorite nose at DisneyXD.com/Crash beginning Monday, July 29. The winning nose will be revealed during the Season Two premiere episode.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 (11:00 A.M.) - "MARVEL'S HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H." SERIES PREMIERE

MONDAY, AUGUST 12 AND MONDAY, AUGUST 19 (9:00 P.M.) - DISNEY TRYATHLON  PREMIERES

Disney Channel And Disney XD Stars Team With Kid Viewers For "Disney TRYathlon"

[Via Disney XD Press Release...]

DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD STARS TEAM WITH KID VIEWERS FOR "DISNEY TRYATHLON," A TWO-PART SPECIAL AIRING MONDAY, AUGUST 12 AND MONDAY, AUGUST 19 ON DISNEY XD

--NBA Superstar Dwight Howard and White House Chef Sam Kass Host Health-Focused "TRYit" Interstitial Series on Disney Channel and Disney XD--

The popular health-focused competition "Disney TRYathlon" returns to Disney XD as a two-part special airing MONDAY, AUGUST 12 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) and MONDAY, AUGUST 19 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT). Part of Disney's "TRYit" campaign designed to inspire kids and families to try a variety of new foods, fun moves, and simple ways to be their best, "Disney TRYathlon" will team Disney Channel and Disney XD stars Leo Howard and Olivia Holt ("Kickin' It"), Calum Worthy ("Austin & Ally"), Jake Short ("A.N.T. Farm," "Mighty Med"), Spencer Boldman ("Lab Rats") and Bradley Steven Perry ("Good Luck Charlie," "Mighty Med") with three kid viewers who won an online video contest at DisneyXD.com/TRYit by showcasing ways they stay healthy including their sports skills. Throughout the competition, the teams will test their mental and physical abilities and teamwork while taking on new challenges. The special is hosted by Hal Sparks and Tyrel Jackson Williams ("Lab Rats").

"Disney TRYathlon" is part of Disney's Magic of Healthy Living, a company-wide initiative that inspires kids and families to lead healthier lifestyles by making nutritious eating and physical activity simple and fun.

Beginning TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, following the premiere of "Disney TRYathlon," NBA superstar Dwight Howard and White House chef Sam Kass will each host a series of Disney "TRYit" interstitials that will air on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Howard will teach Disney Channel and Disney XD audiences new exercises they can try on their own to stay in shape, and Kass will give kids and families tips on healthy eating and prepare recipes. "Disney TRYathlon" stars and "Lab Rats" star Billy Unger will join Howard and Kass in Disney's "TRYit" interstitial series.

Additionally, starting MONDAY, JUNE 17, a new video featuring "Disney TRYathlon" talent will launch every week on DisneyXD.com/TRYit where users are invited to participate in the "TRYit Challenger" by tracking the new things they've tried to be their best, such as  a new dance move or a swim stroke, or adding a piece of fruit to a meal. Kids and parents are encouraged to help the campaign reach one million TRYit actions. On July 29, DisneyXD.com/TRYit will also launch a "Disney TRYathlon"-themed web game where users can test their own abilities and prove their skills in three "Disney TRYathlon" challenges.

The "Disney TRYathlon" teams, which were named after the strengths of the kid viewers on each team, are as follows:

Team "Bullseye"
Calum Worthy and Bradley Steven Perry with 14 year-old football player and wrestler Javon.

Team "Sprint"
Jake Short and Leo Howard with 14 year-old varsity track and field runner Julia.

Team "Knockout"
Spencer Boldman and Olivia Holt with 16 year-old boxer and break dancer Stephen.

Filmed at Cali Camp in Topanga, California, the special is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions. Jonathan Murray, Scott Freeman, Jim Johnston and Maria Pepin serve as executive producers.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates.

Disney Magic of Healthy Living partners with parents to inspire kids to lead healthier lifestyles.  Through engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences, this initiative helps parents by making nutritious eating and physical activity more appealing and more fun. For more information, please visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/mohl 

Disney Channel Acquires UK Series "Wolfblood"

[Via c21media.net...]

Disney Channel has acquired the rights to mystery-tinged youth series Wolfblood, as part of a roll-out in the US, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.

The series, coproduced by CBBC in the UK and Germany’s ZDF and ZDF Enterprises (ZDFE), revolves around creatures who are neither completely wolves nor completely human, but can shift between the two.

Disney has acquired the first season of the show, aimed at 8-12s, from ZDFE. The deal includes an exclusive option on season two, which is currently being filmed and will be available internationally in the fall.

The Mouse House will air the show on it Disney XD channel, reaching territories including Italy, France, Spain, Benelux, Russia and Central and Eastern Europe.

Helen Bullough, head of CBBC Productions, said of the show: “Created by UK writer Debbie Moon and filmed in the North East of England, it really is a great example of how a brilliant story, well told, can appeal internationally.”

About Wolfblood:
Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a Wolfblood teenager is ten times more complicated. 14 year old Maddy loves her abilities - heightened senses, being faster, stronger and more graceful - but hates the secrets that come with them.

'Star Wars Rebels' Pilot To Launch On Disney Channel

[Via EW.com...]

Star Wars Rebels, a one-hour animated pilot already in production at Lucasfilm, is scheduled to premiere in Fall 2014 on the Disney Channel before the new brand leaps to Disney XD for the ongoing series, according to Lucasfilm sources.

The series will mine material from the 19 years that follow Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and precede the Episode IV: A New Hope. In other words, using the life of the Skywalker twins as a measure, the series will be active in the story years that come after their separation as newborns and before their (unwitting) reunion on the prison level of the Death Star.

No word on whether the show will feature Darth Vader (who would be in the Empire’s power consolidation years and earning his reputation) or even pull in a character like Han Solo, the smuggler and cynic who becomes an unlikely freedom fighter when he opts to stand with his friends against cosmic odds. The title of the show is vaguely phrased in a way that any rebel — even a Boba Fett or Ahsoka Tano might qualify as a title character merely by walking an outsider’s path.

The series has three executive producers: Dave Filoni, the point man on The Clone Wars animated series that launched in 2008; screenwriter and producer Simon Kinberg, who has a flair for tonal rewiring and energizing familiar brands with new edge (e.g.: X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes); and Greg Weisman, whose credits include well-regarded work on Young Justice and The Spectacular Spider-Man.

A press release that was being readied Monday morning included a quote from Kathy Kennedy, the hand-picked successor of George Lucas as Lucasfilm president as well as an elite producer (Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List) since the 1980s. “I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe,” Kennedy stated in the release. “I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel, and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”

Kennedy, who has brought a new vigor and decisiveness to Lucasfilm in-house culture that (a bit like Obi Wan Kenobi out in the lonely desert) seemed to forget some its fiery rebel heritage as the dust of passing seasons gathered.

Kennedy shocked some observers when she jettisoned a well-underway Lucasfilm initiative to re-release the prequel trilogy in 3-D. The decision was not cheap but allowed her to turn all engines toward the shared horizon: new Star Wars stories that incorporate the characters most familiar to fans that sat down in the dark in those Jedi summers between 1977-1983. The centerpiece of the new focus is the third trilogy, with a first installment expected in 2015 or 2016 and directed by J.J. Abrams.

The new venture will put considerable pressure on the creative team. The animation process is not a fast one, although it it was not clear Monday how long Filoni and his colleagues have been working on the new show. For the fans who see Kennedy’s priorities as a new hope for the Jedi universe as entertainment, the news of Star Wars Rebels might bring to mind an exchange from 1977 space epic with a now-relevant pun: The Rebellion could really use a good pilot…

Kelli Berglund To Guest Star On “Kickin’ It”

Kelli Berglund of Disney XD's Lab Rats is set to guest star on Disney XD's Kickin' It in an episode titled "The New Girl". Kelli Berglund tweeted a photo of her script on her official twitter page (@kelliberglund):

hehe😋 http://instagram.com/p/ZWFG-OKdTq/

Tim LaGasse lends a hand on Disney XD’s hit ‘Crash & Bernstein’

[Via nydailynews.com...]

Comes back for second season to play the loud and rude adolescent pal of Cole Jenson's Wyatt

Tim Lagasse and Crash meet with the press on the Disney set in L.A.

Tim LaGasse was a high school student in New Haven when he learned it was possible to get a college degree in puppetry.

“I said, ‘Wait, that’s a job?’ ” recalls Lagasse. “And then everyone in my family spent the next two years trying to talk me out of it.

“My dad to this day is baffled that I’ve been making a living at it for 20 years.”
Those years have included stints with puppet projects as prestigious as the Muppets and “Sesame Street.”

They have also, in the earlier years, included putting on a bear costume and delivering singing telegrams.

That’s not a bad memory.

“It’s good training,” Lagasse says. “You learn to be entertaining and leave. That was particularly useful at children’s parties, which I also did a lot of. The most important skill is knowing when to leave.”

At the moment that’s less of an issue. Lagasse today is the voice and puppeteer for Crash, the co-star of the Disney XD show “Crash & Bernstein,” which launched in October and airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m.

It just got picked up for a second year, which is good news and also a tribute to Crash's resilience.

“He’s lost his head, he’s been trampled,” says Lagasse. “Bad things happen to him all the time. Fortunately, he’s a puppet, and you can do anything to a puppet.”

That also works the other way. Crash can do almost anything to the people around him, though most of his assaults are verbal.

He was brought into the world at the Build-a-Bestie craft store by 12-year-old Wyatt Bernstein (Cole Jenson), to be the brother Wyatt never had.

He has minimal social graces and no filters, traits Wyatt obviously finds welcome and Lagasse says he cherishes.

“He’s loud and rude,” says Lagasse. “Exactly what every 12-year-old boy wants to be.

“I’m 40 and I can say things that 4-year-olds would say.”

At first, Lagasse admits, no one was sure how “Crash & Bernstein” would play out.

“After Eric Friedman created it, we didn’t know exactly where it was going,” he says. “We’re still learning. But Disney knows what it’s doing. It does all this stuff incredibly well.”

The success of “Crash” has rearranged his life somewhat. “I liked to build puppets,” he says. “I haven’t had as much time for that and I miss it.”

But a steady sitcom is a good consolation prize. Probably even better than delivering singing telegrams in a bear suit, though Lagasse says those days were full of good life lessons.

“You also learned not to be self-conscious,” he says, holding up Crash and noting how, at this point, everyone under 10 would ignore him completely and talk only to the puppet.

“As long as someone’s laughing, I’m happy.”

Disney XD Renews ‘Crash’ (EXCLUSIVE)

[Via variety.com...]

Second-season premiere scheduled for fall

Disney XD has renewed comedy series “Crash & Bernstein” for a second season, with an eye toward a fall return.

Eric Friedman (“Austin & Ally”) created “Crash” and exec produces with Mike Larsen, Jim Armogida and Steve Armogida for It’s a Laugh Prods.  Cole Jensen stars as Wyatt Bernstein, with Tim Lagassse the puppet master behind Crash, his ersatz brother. Oana Gregory, Landry Bender and Aaron R. Landon co-star.

“Disney XD continues to push creative boundaries for a sitcom, and ‘Crash & Bernstein’ delivers on this promise week in, week out,” Disney Channels Worldwide senior original programming veep Adam Bonnett said.

“Crash” premiered on Oct. 8 to an initial audience of 0.6 million total viewers and the following month had its first-season order extended to 26 episodes.

Disney XD Greenlights Live-Action Comedy “Mighty Med”

[Via Disney XD Press Release...]

DISNEY XD GREENLIGHTS “MIGHTY MED,”
A LIVE-ACTION COMEDY SERIES INSPIRED BY THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF SUPER HEROES AND COMIC BOOKS

– Stars Bradley Steven Perry (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”) and
Jake Short (Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”) –

Disney XD has ordered “Mighty Med,” a live-action comedy series inspired by the extraordinary world of super heroes and comic books — starring Bradley Steven Perry (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”) as Kaz and Jake Short (Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”) as Oliver. The multi-camera series will begin production in Los Angeles, California in July for a fall 2013 premiere on Disney XD. The announcement was made by Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channel.

In making the announcement, Bonnett said, “Bradley Steven Perry and Jake Short are two incredibly popular Disney stars whose comedic timing and relatable on-screen friendship make them the perfect pair for ‘Mighty Med.’ Our Disney XD audience will go on a journey with these characters, two comic book fanboys whose love and knowledge of sci-fi, fantasy and super heroes land them the coolest after school job ever — working at Mighty Med, a hospital for super heroes.”

The series follows best friends Kaz and Oliver who, while hanging out at their favorite comic book store, inadvertently discover a secret wing of a hospital that caters to super heroes and comic book characters.

Also starring are newcomer Paris Berelc as Skylar Storm and Devan Leos (“Madea’s Witness Protection”) as Alan.

The pilot was created and written by Emmy Award-nominee Jim Bernstein (Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb”) and Andy Schwartz (“Scrubs”), and directed by Eric Dean Seaton (“Kickin’ It”). Stephen Engel (Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “The Big Bang Theory”) and Bernstein served as executive producers and Schwartz served as supervising producer. “Mighty Med” is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates.

TWIST Chats With Olivia Holt!

We just chatted with Kickin It's Olivia Holt! She spilled about the new season premiering tonight at 8:30/7:30c (April 1) on Disney XD, the cast member she's closest with, and her favorite episode so far! To find out which exciting guest star Olivia is looking forward to working with, check out our exclusive Q&A below!
XOXO,
TWIST

TWIST: What can we expect from the new season of Kickin' It?
Olivia Holt: I'm super excited for everyone to see the new season of Kickin' It, it's been a really fun season to shoot so far. The guys and I are really, really pumped for everyone to see it. This season you get to see the characters grow up, and the audience gets to grow up with them, which I think is really nice. Our characters go on all these adventures--we're traveling a lot this season--which is super fun. You get to see my character and my costar Leo Howard's character get this relationship started that everyone's been waiting to see, and form this special bond, which I think is really nice. It's so far been a really, really fun season to shoot because not only are there a lot of martial arts involved, but there's actually a lot of raw acting that I think is gonna be really nice for everyone to see. I'm really pumped for everyone to check out the third season because it's been a lot of fun for us and I really hope that everyone else enjoys it too!

TWIST: Do you have a favorite moment of filming the season so far?
OH: Yeah, there was one episode which I think was really nice not only for me, but for the guys as well. It's an episode where we focus more on our acting and more on just the relationships between all of our characters. There's one scene that gave all of our crew members chills just because of how incredibly the scene was written and because of how hard we worked to make the scene as perfect as possible. The scene is basically my character Kim and Leo's character Jack, and their relationship towards each other and the way that they form a special bond. It's one of my favorite scenes and also one of my favorite episodes of the season we've shot so far. It's the kind of an episode that's unforgettable!

TWIST: If you had to give one reason why readers should absolutely tune in to watch the season premiere, what would it be?
OH: Because it's going to be the best season that we've had so far, and you're gonna really enjoy everything that you see, every episode is gonna be incredible!

TWIST: Is there one person you're closest to in the cast?
OH: I'd have to say Jason Earles, he has really been like a mentor to me on set, not only if I needed help on scripts, but also in life in general. He's such a fun guy, so easygoing, and at the same time such a hard worker. He's one of my best friends and I text him while on hiatus or on a day off when I need him, and he's always there for me. He's a really great guy just really fun to be around!

TWIST: What are your goals for your character while filming the season?
OH: I think the writers really put thought into that first season because every episode that we have shot so far, you really do get to see my character Kim transform into this girl who's still a kick-butt, confident lady, but she's growing up. What I like about her this season is that she's so upfront about how she feels with people and I think that's something that the audience really wants to see, her being completely honest with herself and other people. That's what she's doing, and I really like that. I'm really excited that we're having a bunch of guest stars in the next few weeks, like Gabby Douglas. It's gonna be a really fun episode because I did gymnastics growing up and she's coming in to do an episode and Kim will get to have a bunch of scenes with her and that'll be really fun to see.

TWIST: Will we get to see you doing any of your gymnastic moves alongside her?
OH: I really hope so, they haven't given us the script yet, so hopefully they'll give it to me soon and I'll see a bunch of gymnastics stuff in there. I think that'd be really fun!

TWIST: What's up next for you?
OH: I have been in the studio working on some new music, and the more music I do the more it inspires me to do more! I'm really crossing my fingers that I'll have some new music out this year. It's been a lot of fun and music inspires me a lot, and I love it with a passion! Hopefully my fans will be able to listen to some music this year. I'm also really pumped everyone to see Season Three, which comes out on April 1st, and [airs] all throughout the year. I'm really excited for this year, it's been a good year so far.

TWIST: Well, thank you so much Olivia!
OH: Thank you, it was great talking to you!

Disney's KICKIN' IT Goes to Scotland!

[Via younghollywood.com...]

Young Hollywood joins the cast of Disney XD's "Kickin' It" on location in Scotland!! Okay, on a Scotland set anyway... Stars Leo Howard, Dylan Riley, Jason Earles, Olivia Holt, and Mateo Arias change out of their kilts to sit down for a chat with us about Season 3 of the hit show, fan encounters, and a playful round of "Kickin' It or Kick Them To The Curb?"! Plus, Leo and Matteo have a dance-off! Hosted by Jessica Smith (@jesssouthern). "Kickin' It" Season 3 premieres Monday, April 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT..

Spencer Boldman on Season Two of 'Lab Rats' and What He Loves About Social Media

[Via teenvogue.com...]

If you're not a frequent viewer of The Disney Channel, you might not be familiar with Spencer Boldman. The twenty-year-old actor stars on Lab Rats, the top-ranked show on Disney XD—now in its second season, this is the time to get to know the actor. The sitcom is bursting with zany plot lines and adorable actors, and has a requisite splash of classic Disney comedy—thanks in large part to Spencer's super-powered—but not super-smart—character.

We chatted with Spencer about what his wacky on-screen alter-ego, his big-picture aspirations, and his second season on Lab Rats.

How did this gig come about?
"I've actually done three pilots for Disney. I met with the network when I was 16 years old and had just started acting. I would fly to Los Angeles to film pilots, then fly back to Dallas, where I grew up. What attracted me to this particular show working with Mark Brazill, who created That '70s Show."

Have you always wanted to be an actor?
"I've always had this weird passion for films. When I was ten, I loved movies like Cool Hand Luke and Roman Holiday. When I watched those things, I felt like it was such a good escape. It wasn't even that I needed an escape, but I wanted to be an actor so I could five that feeling to someone else. When I was younger, I always was like, 'I want to be a serious actor.' I wasn't interested in doing a Disney show or a Nick show. But here I am, and it's great."

Last season marked your first TV show. Do you feel different going into the second season?
"What I like is that, this time around, we can take our characters to another level. Disney acting is a little more difficult than many people think it is. People feel like the characters aren't deep, but as an actor, you try to do everything you can do the best of your ability. My character is just the dumb guy who says dumb things, but I think Mark's going for something similar to Ashton Kutcher's character on That '70s Show. With Ashton, he was right a lot of the time, but he just didn't know it. This season, Adam has started winning, in a sense."

Your character is superhuman, but, like you say, he can be a little dumb. What's it like to play someone so silly?
"It's a blast. I just turned twenty and I feel like I'm playing a twelve-year-old kid. I can be goofy in real life, but it's fun to play silly. Everyone has a little bit of that in them. He and I are very different—or I like to think they're different—but it's blast."

You have superpowers on the show, so if you could have one in real life, what would you choose?
"I would have super-strength, like my character. I think the ladies would be impressed."

What can we expect from the new season of Lab Rats?
"A lot of drama. The first was less drama and more adventure, but this season, we have more abilities and our secrets are becoming harder to hide. I think it'll be great—girls love drama!"

You have quite the social media following. How does it feel to have such a big fan base?
"It's so funny—you wouldn't guess since the show is on Disney, but a lot of the fans are girls my age, like 17- to 20-year-olds. Twitter is great because I feel like I can connect with them. I've actually heard that sororities get together and have watch parties for the show. I want to go!"

"Lab Rats" Season 2 Interviews - Spencer Boldman, Kelli Berglund

[Via Clevvertv.com...]

ClevverTV visited the set of "Lab Rats" to talk with Spencer Boldman, Kelli Berglund, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Angel Parker & Hal Sparks about what fans can expect in season 2, the new mission suits, special effects and more.

"Lab Rats" season 2 premieres February 25 on Disney XD.

When the second season of Disney XD’s Lab Rats kicks off on Feb. 25 (9 pm ET/PT), Leo finds himself going up against his nemesis when his super-human siblings Adam, Bree, and Chase sneak out to meet Marcus in Davenport’s new self-driving sports car. When Leo tries to stop them, Marcus traps him inside the car and programs it to take him on a wild, high-speed trip to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

'Lab Rats' returns with one crazy ride: EXCLUSIVE CLIP

[Via family-room.ew.com...]

When the second season of Disney XD’s Lab Rats kicks off on Feb. 25 (9 pm ET/PT), Leo finds himself going up against his nemesis when his super-human siblings Adam, Bree, and Chase sneak out to meet Marcus in Davenport’s new self-driving sports car. When Leo tries to stop them, Marcus traps him inside the car and programs it to take him on a wild, high-speed trip to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

Click here to check out a clip of Leo figuring out that things were about to get hairy.

Disney Channel and Disney XD Stars Launch #ShowSomeHeart

[Via Disney Channel Press Release...]

DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD STARS LAUNCH #SHOWSOMEHEART

Tween and teen stars of Disney Channel and Disney XD champion kindness and generosity of spirit towards others in "Show Some Heart" video messages to be posted on the young actors' Twitter feeds and @DisneyChannelPR beginning today, February 8. The popular stars share how they "Show Some Heart" and encourage others to share their own acts of kindness via #ShowSomeHeart.

DisneyChannel.com and DisneyXD.com will debut exclusive videos featuring Disney Channel and Disney XD stars sharing Valentine's Day memories and fun messages, beginning February 13. Viewers can answer the call to action by sharing how they "Show Some Heart" on the websites.

Disney stars featured in the "ShowSomeHeart" video messages include: China Anne McClain ("A.N.T. Farm"); Ross Lynch and Laura Marano ("Austin & Ally"); Cole Jensen and Crash ("Crash & Bernstein"); Bridgit Mendler ("Good Luck Charlie"); Debby Ryan ("Jessie"); Leo Howard and Olivia Holt ("Kickin' It"); Spencer Boldman and Tyrel Jackson Williams ("Lab Rats"); and Bella Thorne and Zendaya ("Shake It Up"), among others.

'Lab Rats' Returns For Season 2 On...

[Via family-room.ew.com...]

The second season of Disney XD’s hit bionic comedy series Lab Rats will premiere on Monday Feb. 25  (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET/PT), EW has learned.  Expect a guest appearance from Madison Pettis (Jake and the Never Land Pirates) and a chance to watch Leo (Tyrel Jackson Williams) and his siblings, teen super-humans – Adam (Spencer Boldman), Bree (Kelli Berglund) and Chase (Billy Unger) – as they embark on critical missions with high stakes while learning more about each other and navigating everyday teenage life.

In the season premiere, “Speed Trapped,” Adam, Bree, and Chase sneak out to meet Marcus (Mateus Ward) in Davenport’s (Hal Sparks) new self-driving sports car. When Leo tries to stop them, his nemesis Marcus traps him inside the car and programs it to take him on a wild, high-speed ride bound for the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The premiere will also be available on iTunes, Microsoft Xbox and Amazon beginning Tuesday, Feb. 26.

And beginning Saturday, Feb. 9, DisneyXD.com will post “Lab Rats: Who Is Marcus?,” a short-form series that gives a sneak peek at Leo’s video logs, in which he’s trying to uncover the truth about Mission Creek High School’s creepiest new student.  Also, on the the same day as the premiere “Lab Rats: Leo’s Stealth Ops,” a new online game inspired by Tyrel Jackson Williams, will launch, along with behind-the-scenes videos.

Disney XD Stars, Olivia Holt & Dylan Riley Snyder Promote Literacy At Marvel Comics Closeup Event

[Via shineon-media.com...]

Dylan Riley Snyder, Cole Jensen, Drake Bell, and Olivia Holt give their best Spider-Man poses at the Marvel Comics Closeup event in Burbank on Saturday.

The stars gathered for “Reading With: Marvel Comics Close-Up,” an initiative championing children’s literacy. The event featured a donation to the Burbank Public Library and the local Boys & Girls Clubs. The kids in attendance had the chance to preview the season 2 premiere of “Ultimate Spider-Man” and also got to read comics with the Disney XD stars.

In addition, the guests got a sneak peek at “Marvel Comics Close-Up,” a series of interstitials hosted by Joe Quesada (Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer) and Dylan Riley Snyder (“Kickin’ It”) encouraging kids to read, will debut Monday, January 21 during the special one-hour season two premiere of “Ultimate Spider-Man” (7:00 – 8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. As a part of the initiative, several ABC Owned Television Stations across the country are engaging their local communities to nominate a local organization, a school or library to receive a book donation from First Book to promote kids’ literacy. For free digital Marvel comics and additional information about “Marvel Comics Close-Up” please visit DisneyXD.com/comics.

We had the chance to attend the event where we chatted with the stars about why reading is important, their favorite books and what super power they want!

Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis hopes to meet Disney Channel stars

[Via latimes.com...]

Quvenzhané Wallis, the 9-year-old 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' actress nominated for an Academy Award, is a fan of Disney Channel and Disney XD actors.

Quvenzhané Wallis is excited to be an Oscar nominee, primarily because it gives her the chance to meet some movie actors. Yet, when pressed, the 9-year-old star of "Beasts of the Southern Wild" says it's the stars of her favorite television shows "Jessie" and "Austin & Ally" that are most appealing to her.

"I want to meet everybody on Disney Channel and Disney XD that are alive," she said in a phone interview Friday.

Wallis and "Beasts" had been critical favorites since last year's Sundance Film Festival. But the film — which so far has grossed about $11 million at the box office — wasn't widely known in mainstream circles until the Oscar nominations were announced Thursday. "Beasts" racked up four nominations, including best picture and director, and a lead actress nod for Wallis, a resident of Houma, La., and the youngest actress ever to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Wallis celebrated her historical recognition with Thursday evening's Critics' Choice Awards, where she won the best young actress prize. She said she especially enjoyed the party following the show, where she danced with her mom and her brothers, dressed in a sparkly purple gown.

Only 5 when she auditioned for the role of Hushpuppy in "Beasts," Wallis says that she wanted to act even before she made her first movie, because, "I get to meet different directors and different people."

Those directors include "Beasts" helmer Benh Zeitlin and Steve McQueen, who worked most recently with Wallis on his Southern-set drama "Twelve Years a Slave" starring Brad Pitt. Wallis has a small part in the film, playing the daughter of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kelsey Scott. Cameron Zeigler plays her brother.

How did the two directors differ? According to Wallis, McQueen "has a different accent and he's bigger."

Wallis says she wants to continue acting but also plans to stay in her school. The fourth-grader said some of her friends back home have seen her PG-13 debut. "Two of my friends have seen it," she said. "They said I did good."

Wallis herself has watched the movie nine times. Her favorite parts: "I like it whenever I'm eating seafood and whenever Walrus falls off the trailer," she says, referring to one of the colorful residents of the Bathtub, a fictional town in Louisiana that's been cut off from the world after a storm causes a break in a levee.

Lab Rats Season 2 Premieres February 2013

It has officially been announced that Lab Rats Season 2 will begin airing in February 2013 on Disney XD. Chris Peterson, Co-Creator of the show, tweeted on his official twitter page (@CPetey222) on January 8, 2013:

CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU GUYS TO SEE SEASON 2 OF LAB RATS!!!!!! UGH!!!!! ONE MORE MONTH!!!! TELL AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN. IT'S GONNA BE EPIC!      

And:

"LAB RATS" Season 2 is ALMOST HERE!!! Here's a sneak peek! http://disney.go.com/xd/labrats/videos/?video=0_agpe3cur …   

Additionally, Bryan Moore, Executive Producer and Co-Creator of Lab Rats, tweeted on his official twitter page (@MooreBryan): 

Season two of #LabRats starts next month! http://disney.go.com/xd/labrats/videos/?video=0_agpe3cur … @BillyUnger @SpencerBoldman @kelliberglund @Tyreljwill @HalSparks 

The Season 2 promo for Lab Rats can be found on the official Disney XD website here.        

Disney Channel & Disney XD Stars To Sign Autographs In Galveston Dec. 22, 29

Christmas will come a little bit early for "tweens" visiting Galveston this month, as the island hosts two very popular TV stars.

Spencer Boldman from Disney XD's "Lab Rats" and Jake Short from Disney Channel’s "A.N.T. Farm" will be in Galveston to sign autographs and take pictures with visitors Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, respectively.* The stars will be on the island for "Magical Parties with Disney" hosted by the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Radio Disney AM 1590.

The parties will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the last two Saturdays in December at downtown Galveston’s Saengerfest Park, located at the corner of Strand and 23rd streets.

• Dec. 22 – Spencer Boldman from Disney XD's "Lab Rats" will sign autographs and take pictures with visitors while the Radio Disney AM 1590 Road Crew entertains the crowd.

• Dec. 29 – Jake Short from Disney Channel’s "A.N.T. Farm" will sign autographs and take pictures with visitors while the Radio Disney AM 1590 Road Crew entertains the crowd.

* Talent can only meet as many fans as time permits.

Holiday Magic in Galveston

Galveston is the "Winter Wonder Island" of Texas, offering visitors more than 1,000 magical events to enjoy during the holiday season. The Magical Parties with Disney events are featured on the island’s new Passport to Holiday Magic celebration, where visitors can access a downloadable "passport" to keep track of the island’s many events while earning a chance to win a Disney Magic cruise for four. To get your passport, visit http://www.galveston.com/holidaymagic.

Disney Channel And Disney XD Order Additional Episodes From Four Series

[Via deadline.com...]

EXCLUSIVE: Disney Channel and sibling Disney XD have increased the orders of four live-action series.

Disney Channel’s sitcom Jessie has received a six-episode pickup, bringing its second season to 28 episodes. It is the No. 1 series among kids 2-11 and No. 2 among kids 6-11 and tweens this year. Dog With A Blog, which premiered October 12, will tack on one more episode to its freshman season to get up to 22 episodes. Disney XD’s new sitcom Crash & Bernstein, which launched October 8, has received an order for five additional episodes on the heels of hitting series highs on Monday; its total will go up to 26 episodes. Another Disney XD freshman, Lab Rats, is adding four episodes for a 26-episode first season. Lab Rats‘ February premiere was Disney XD’s No. 1 series launch of all time, and on Monday, the series posted its highest ratings in seven months.