DISNEY TELEVISION DISCOVERS: TALENT SHOWCASE RETURNS WITH AN ORIGINAL ENSEMBLE PIECE STARRING 10 ACTORS ON THE RISE

ABC Entertainment Casting is proudly continuing its tradition of elevating rising stars, having received a record-breaking 45,000 actor submissions for its 2025 Disney Television Discovers: Talent Showcase, now in its 23rd year. Building upon the success of last year’s inaugural ensemble piece, this year’s selected performers will be featured in “Mirrorland,” an original comedy written by Brittani Nichols (“Abbott Elementary”), directed by Dime Davis (“A Black Lady Sketch Show”) and executive produced by Richard J. Lee (“Everything I Didn’t Say”).

In late summer 2025, the showcase’s highly anticipated screening events will introduce this year’s dynamic cast of emerging talent to an exclusive industry audience of agents, managers, casting professionals and producers.

“Our casting team brings a deep commitment and passion to discovering and championing untapped talent,” said Felicia Joseph, SVP of Talent & Casting, whose role originally focused on ABC Entertainment and recently expanded to include Hulu Originals and Onyx Collective. “We’re excited to introduce this year’s breakout cast and to collaborate with Brittani, Dime and Richard, whose vision and creativity will bring ‘Mirrorland’ to life. The showcase’s legacy as a launch pad for emerging talent—both on and off screen—continues to grow. And with our expanded scope, we’re excited to provide meaningful exposure across all Disney Entertainment Television brands and beyond.”

“Mirrorland” follows a ragtag videography crew hired to film a wedding at a secluded ranch—only to realize things might not be as they seem. Upon discovering the truth of Mirrorland, they are faced with the decision to leave or get the scoop on a story that could take their careers to the next level.

The 2025 performers include Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens, Kadan Well Bennett, Brandon Engman, Cam Gavinski, Sydney Neriah Jones, JD Martin, Amanda Morrow, Jamie C. Ripley, Thalyta and RJ Walker.

After narrowing down more than 45,000 submissions from across the U.S. to just 10 standout actors, ABC Entertainment Casting executives work hands-on with the selected talent to produce the annual screening event. To date, the team has produced over 50 Talent Showcases and mentored more than 600 actors — offering guidance and support as part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to discovering, nurturing and celebrating fresh talent from across the country.

Over the course of two decades, Disney Television Discovers: Talent Showcase has introduced the industry to future stars such as Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”), Golden Globe® winner Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Black Panther”), Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin,”), Tony Award® winner Maleah Joi Moon (“Hell’s Kitchen”), Tony Award® winner Ali Stroker (“Oklahoma”), Pedro Pascal (“The Mandalorian”),  Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Randall Park (“Fresh Off the Boat”), Meghan Markle (“Suits”),  Laz Alonzo (“The Boys”), Jermaine Fowler (“Coming 2 America”), DeWanda Wise (“Jurassic World Dominion”), Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts”), Alexandra Shipp (“Barbie”),  Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Yellowjackets”), Poorna Jagannathan (“Never Have I Ever”), Saagar Shaikh (“Deli Boys”), Kirby (“Cruella”), Anirudh Pisharody (“9-1-1”) and Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing with the Stars”).

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Media Contacts:
Helen Pollock Wolfe
helen.p.wolfe@disney.com

Erica Santoyo
erica.j.santoyo@disney.com