Disney Worldbuilders documentary explores film-to-theme-park transformation

The new documentary ‘Disney Worldbuilders’, directed by Leslie Iwerks, is now streaming on Disney+. The film explores the creative process of transforming cinematic franchises—including Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Avatar—into physical theme park environments.

Through interviews with key figures such as Bob Iger, Jon Favreau, and Pete Docter, the documentary examines how stories move between screens and tangible spaces. It highlights how childhood experiences at Disneyland often influence the creators behind these massive intellectual properties. The film also touches upon Disney’s current period of creative expansion, including upcoming lands and international developments such as a new major park site in Abu Dhabi.