Disney ‘Star Darlings’ Debuts First On-Air Special on Disney Channel

Tween Property Expands Across Television and Music with All-New
Content; Teen Singer-Songwriter Skylar Stecker Premieres Special Remix
of Theme Song “Wish Now”

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Disney today announced the television premiere of the first on-air
special of its original new tween property “Star Darlings” FRIDAY,
JANUARY 29 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The on-air special
will extend the stories from the popular “Star Darlings” book series
from Disney Publishing Worldwide that feature 12 unique girls who
encourage tweens to celebrate their individuality, make positive
choices, and show that they can make any wish a reality. “Star Darlings”
first debuted in North America in September 2015 as a multiplatform
lifestyle experience featuring content, music, and products spanning
across books, online, mobile, toys and apparel.

“The ‘Star Darlings’ digital short form content has already garnered
millions of views across multiple platforms,” said Andrew Sugerman,
executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “We are excited
to expand the world of Starland to television and give fans across the
country even more ways to join the ‘Star Darlings’ on their magical
adventures.”

The 30-minute on-air special, “Becoming Star Darlings,” introduces
viewers to 12 “Star-Charmed” girls who pursue their individual wishes
with determination and the help of their friends. The story begins on
Starland where a major crisis is afoot, and the girls are chosen to
be the first student Starlings to venture to Earth, or as they call it,
“Wishworld.” Determined to succeed, the girls show courage and
ingenuity—plus a whole lot of humor—as they guide others on Earth to
discover happiness and fulfillment.

“Star Darlings” is rich with themes of friendship, confidence,
leadership, and teamwork, and centers on characters that embody the
qualities and characteristics of today’s tweens. The stories and
journeys represented in the animated specials and book series are
designed to inspire tweens to go after their dreams.

Music is a key element of the “Star Darlings” property, and as part of
the property’s expansion to television, teen singer-songwriter and
actress Skylar Stecker was brought on to remix the “Star Darlings” theme
song, “Wish Now.” The remix, along with a live-action music video,
features Stecker’s powerhouse vocals coupled with hip-hop-inspired beats
and electro-pop synths. The Wisconsin native, whose debut album This
Is Me is out now on Cherrytree Records, has been featured on Vevo’s DSCVR
and iHeart Radio’s Next Up series which showcase in-studio
performances from the most exciting new artist discoveries in music
today. Also an actress, Skylar recently guest starred on Disney
Channel’s hit TV show, Austin & Ally.

“I am so honored to be a part of the incredible world of ‘Star
Darlings,’” said Stecker. “I’ve always wanted to be a singer. To be able
to live out my dream and do what I love inspires me to encourage others
to do the same. ‘Star Darlings’ feels like my own personal story and I
can’t wait for my fans to check it out.”

The “Wish Now” remix is now available for download on iTunes, and on the
“Star Darlings” Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels.

The second “Star Darlings” on-air special, “Star Darlings Friendships,”
is scheduled to air on the Disney Channel on March 25, 2016.

“Star Darlings” books, dolls and apparel are now available at mass
retailers nationwide. The “Star Darlings” doll line, created in
collaboration with master toy partner JAKKS Pacific, features dolls from
both Starland and Wishworld. The Starland Fashion Dolls let their inner
star shine with “out-of-this-world” fashions, while the Wishworld
Fashion Dolls feature stylish, down-to-earth fashions for adventures on
Wishworld. A full range of all-new products for tweens including
fashion, accessories, beauty, and more will be available in fall 2016.

For more information and to connect with Disney “Star Darlings,” please:

• Visit the “Star Darlings” website: www.disneystardarlings.com
• Like “Star Darlings” on Facebook: www.facebook.com/disneystardarlings
• Follow “Star Darlings” on Instagram: www.instagram.com/disneystardarlings/
• Subscribe to “Star Darlings” on YouTube: http://di.sn/6002B3McO
• Download the “Star Darlings” mobile app: http://bit.ly/Star-Darlings-App

About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of
children’s books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through
storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books and
magazines both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide
licensing structure. As a leader in digital products, DPW creates
best-selling eBook titles and best-in-class original apps. DPW is also
committed to the educational development of children around the world
through Disney Learning, which includes Disney Imagicademy, as well as
Disney English and other Disney-themed learning products. Headquartered
in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines and digital
products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information, visit www.disneypublishing.com.

Contacts

Media:
Disney Publishing Worldwide
Amelia Lukiman,
818-544-0125
Amelia.Lukiman@Disney.com
or
Disney
Channel
Rachel H. Fox, 818-569-3309
Rachel.H.Fox@Disney.com