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The trailer begins with the story of love struck meets star struck when a small town couple (Amy Adams, Jason Segel) head to Hollywood and discover their dreams of hitting the big time may cost them the one thing that matters most — each other. It looks like any generic romantic comedy until the stars are announced… Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Kermit the Frog…

The story line centers around Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Segel) and Mary (Adams), Together, they discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways.

Disney’s “The Muppets” is scheduled in theaters November 23, 2011.

In the commercial, Mater, Finn McMissile and Holly Shiftwell, are talking about completing missions. Mater causes a mishap and a State Farm agent character, Sara Safestreet, shows up to show how we have you protected. The State Farm Pitties clean up the mess and show that State Farm an State Farm agents are there to take care of you.

Here is the official press release:

State Farm is playing a major role in preparing fans for Disney•Pixar’s CARS 2, which races into theaters on June 24, 2011, through its “Agents on a Mission” promotion that provides fun for the whole family. The “Agents on a Mission” promotion features CARS 2-themed interactive experiences and 18,000 prizes, including a new Cadillac SRX.

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in Disney•Pixar’s CARS 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. But the road to the championship is filled with surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine). Directed by John Lasseter and produced by Denise Ream, the fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors. CARS 2 will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

State Farm’s “Agents on a Mission” promotion brings the adventure of CARS 2 directly to fans. In preparation for the movie’s release this June, State Farm continues to connect families face-to-face with their favorite CARS 2 heroes through the 30 city “Agents on a Mission” Tour. The tour features life-sized, remote controlled, replicas of the film’s characters and allows families to act as “special agents” and participate in online promotional activities and games onsite. Promotion participants will be able to access special agent-“confidential” information and become eligible to unlock one of 18,000 prizes ranging from night vision goggles to a new Cadillac SRX.

State Farm agents across the US and Canada are assisting new “Agents on a Mission” recruits and distributing special agent ID/decoder cards and CARS 2 giveaways at their local offices. After receiving the special agent ID card, participants can access online games and puzzles designed to train “special agents” to use simulated security, surveillance and communication devices in order to complete special missions.

To help promote the CARS 2 movie launch, State Farm will air a 30-second animated commercial entitled “Pitties,” demonstrating that while you can’t always be prepared, State Farm agents are always looking out for you. The national spot, created by DDB-Chicago, features characters from Disney•Pixar’s CARS 2 alongside the State Farm pit crew. The national spot will first air on May 24th during programs including American Idol’s season finale, with a pre-show cinema campaign in select theatres beginning on June 10, 2011.

“State Farm is excited to be supporting the release of Disney•Pixar’s CARS 2. The theme of the movie is very similar to State Farm’s values- protecting families, said Pam El, State Farm marketing vice president. “Like the lovable characters in CARS 2, 18,000 State Farm agents are on a mission to help families, covered under the 81 million policies and accounts we service, enjoy the safety, support and peace of mind that comes with having a trusted neighbor.”

State Farm will be a presenting sponsor at the movie’s world premiere on June 18 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

For more information about State Farm and the “Agents on a Mission” promotion, like State Farm on Facebook: facebook.com/statefarm, or follow State Farm on Twitter: twitter.com/statefarm. To access “Agents on a Mission” online games or enter the sweepstakes, visit www.disney.com/agents.

Acer

Acer (played by Peter Jacobson) has always felt like an outcast in the car world. The beat-up green AMC Pacer joined forces with fellow ‘lemon’ cars as henchmen for the devious Professor Z, whose clandestine mission is to wreak havoc at the highly visible World Grand Prix. Acer must hunt down the American and British secret agents who’ve stolen crucial information about Professor Z’s underhanded plot-his primary target just happens to be Mater.

Sir Miles Axlerod

Sir Miles Axlerod (played by Eddie Izzard) is a former oil baron who has sold off his fortune, converted himself into an electric vehicle and has devoted his life to finding the renewable, clean-burning energy source of the future—ultimately discovering what he believes is the fuel everyone should be using. Axlerod is also the car behind the World Grand Prix, a three-country race he created that attracts the world’s top athletes—but it’s really an excuse to show off his new wonder-fuel, Allinol.

Francesco Bernoulli

Francesco Bernoulli (played by John Turturro) grew up in the shadow of the famous Monza race course in Italy where he and his friends would sneak onto the track and race the famous Pista di Alta Velocita bank turn. He was an instant winner on the amateur circuit and soon became an international Formula Racer champion. The ladies love Francesco’s open wheels, youngsters look up to his winning spirit and fellow racers envy his speed. But Francesco’s biggest fan is Francesco himself, as evidenced by his racing number. As the most famous race car in Europe, #1 Francesco is a favorite to win the World Grand Prix, which also makes him Lightning McQueen’s chief rival.

Raoul ÇaRoule

Known as the “World’s Greatest Rally Car,” #6 Raoul ÇaRoule was born in Alsace, France. A restless soul, Raoul joined the famous ‘Cirque du Voiture’ French circus where he learned Gymkhana – a graceful, drift-filled motorsport that taught him pinpoint timing and an unparalleled ability to navigate tricky courses with ease. He’s the first car to ever win nine consecutive rallies. Raoul is confident he can use his rally experience to pull ahead of his fellow World Grand Prix racers during the three courses’ touchy dirt sections, especially with his fans in the stands waving banners that read: “ÇaRoule Ca-Rules!”

Rip Clutchgoneski

The former European colony and newly independent Republic of New Rearendia is desperate to put their name on the map – the #10 open-wheeled racer Rip Clutchgoneski is their best bet. After putting together a remarkable string of qualifying races, Rip’s entry into the World Grand Prix is clearly the Cinderella story of the competition. Though Rip credits luck for his chance on the international stage, it’s really skill and exuberance that brought the proud New Rearendian racer to the starting line.

Nigel Gearsley

Nigel Gearsley from Warwickshire, England, is an Aston Martin DB9R racer bearing #9. He got his start racing the Speed Hill Climb—a unique, completely uphill race through the Aston Hill Mountain Area that his family has run for generations. Nigel’s racing career has been anything but an uphill challenge, as he’s won nearly every start in the past few years on the Grand Touring Sports Car circuit, including a string of podiums at Nurburgring and Le Mans.

Grem

Grem (played by Joe Mantegna) is a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin. After years of being dismissed for his design, even being called a “lemon,” Grem has a big chip on his fender that has led him to the underworld of international espionage. As a henchman for a villainous boss Professor Z, Grem and his partner-in-crime Acer are trying to sabotage the World Grand Prix and the famous race cars competing in it. When Grem and Acer mistake Mater for an American agent with important top-secret information, the ruthless lemons set out on a round-the-globe chase to stop Mater from foiling their evil scheme.

John Lassetire

John Lassetire (played by John Lassetire) is an all-American pick up truck, who will be serving as the pit crew chief for Jeff Gorvette in the World Grand Prix.

Finn McMissile

Finn McMissile is a master British spy. Though charming and eloquent, it’s his stealth maneuvering, intelligence and years in the field that enable him to thwart unexpected attacks from bad guys, making quick daredevil escapes. Finn’s design is sleek and timeless, but he’s also prepared for any tricky situation with an arsenal of ultra-cool gadgets and weaponry, including front and rear grappling hooks, a missile launcher, deployable magnetic explosives and a holographic disguise emitter. As a seasoned professional in the game of international espionage, Finn believes there is a conspiracy brewing during the World Grand Prix. His clandestine work surrounding the global exhibition race puts him on a collision course with Mater, whom he mistakes for an undercover American agent with a genius disguise.

Rod ‘Torque’ Redline

Rod ‘Torque’ Redline (played by Bruce Campbell) is considered by many as the greatest American spy in the world. Recruited after the Cold War for both his brains and brawn, Torque is a tough-as-nails Detroit muscle car with a mastery of disguises. In his latest deep-cover operation, he obtained vital information about the plot to sabotage the World Grand Prix. So Rod plans a rendezvous with his British counterparts to share his discoveries at the World Grand Prix welcome reception in Tokyo, Japan.

Holley Shiftwell

Holley (played by Emily Mortimer) is a beautiful young British desk agent, turned spy-in-training who is stationed in Tokyo. Well-educated and sharp, she knows every trick in the book (or rather, she relies on every trick in the spy manual). She is armed with the latest state-of-the-art spy equipment imaginable, from hidden cameras and concealed weapons to a telescoping utility arm and a holographic pop-up display. Holley is a highly motivated agent, but is fresh out of the academy, so her experience is based on lessons learned in school rather than real-life situations. When Finn McMissile requires Holley’s technical expertise for his latest top-secret field operation, she finds herself pursuing a rendezvous with the most unlikely candidate — Mater, an innocent caught up in the intrigue, who’s mesmerized by the beauty of his newest friend.

Siddeley

Siddeley (played by Jason Isaacs) is a state-of-the-art British twin-engine spy jet. At 176 feet from nose to tail and an impressive 157-foot wingspan, the super sleek silver-bodied Siddeley streaks through international skies at record-breaking mach 1 speeds. Outfitted with all the latest in high-tech spy equipment, including cloaking technology, defensive weaponry and afterburners, Siddeley is Finn’s steadfast partner-in-fighting-crime around the globe.

Shu Todoroki

Shu Todoroki is a Le Motor Prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon. His team legacy is filled with victories – his coach, a Mazda, was the only Japanese car to ever win at Le Mans – and Shu hopes to prove his champion-level racing on the international stage of the World Grand Prix.

Tomber

Tomber (played by Michel Michelis) is a dubious little French car with an unusual, and very unstable, three-wheeled design that befits the meaning of his name – to fall. By trade he deals car parts from a stall in a Parisian market—though his questionable merchandise sources have led to his reluctant acquaintance with British secret agent Finn McMissile.

Mama Topolino

To all who know her, Luigi’s aunt, Mama Topolino (played by Vanessa Redgrave), is a masterful cook with the best fuel in the village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy. Though she has a loving, but fiery relationship with her husband, Uncle Topolino, she shows her love and generosity for both family and friends by feeding everyone her renowned delizioso fuel.

Uncle Topolino

In the small village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Luigi’s favorite uncle, Uncle Topolino (played by Franco Nero), resides with his beloved wife, Mama Topolino. Uncle Topolino is the owner of the village’s tire shop, where he taught Luigi and Guido everything they know, though Uncle Topolino is full of sage advice about more than just tires.

Carla Veloso

Carla hails from Rio de Janiero, Brazil where she’s been known to dance the night away at the famous ‘CAR-nival’ but nothing makes her happier than being on the racetrack. Carla was drafted into the 24-hour endurance racing team in Europe after setting a new track record on her local circuit. Now, in the World Grand Prix, this proud Brazilian Le Motor Prototype racer, wearing #8, is the only female in the field.

Professor Z (short for Zündapp)

Professor Z, aka “The Professor,” (played by Thomas Kretschmann) is an internationally wanted weapons designer in a small, sophisticated German package. He is a brilliant, but mad monocle-wearing scientist who is plotting to sabotage the World Grand Prix. Though his true motive is unclear, Professor Z is willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate all obstacles and keep the “project” on schedule.

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Cars 2 is scheduled in theaters June 24th, 2010.

Here is the list of all of the nominations received by the Walt Disney Company for the 2011 Oscars:

Toy Story 3

Best Motion Picture of the Year – Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) A Pixar Production

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year – Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Lee Unkrich

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) – “We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Achievement in Sound Editing – Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Tom Myers and Michael Silvers

Adapted Screenplay – Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Michael Arndt. Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich

Alice in Wonderland

Art Direction – Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney), Robert Stromberg (Production Design), Karen O’Hara (Set Decoration)

Achievement in Costume Design – Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney) Colleen Atwood

Achievement in Visual Effects – Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney) Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips

Day & Night

Best Animated Short Film – Day & Night (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production Teddy Newton

Tangled

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) – “I See the Light” from Tangled (Walt Disney) Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Glenn Slater

The Tempest

Achievement in Costume Design – The Tempest (Touchstone) Sandy Powell

TRON: Legacy

Achievement in Sound Editing – TRON: Legacy (Walt Disney) Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague

So what do you think? Does Disney have a good chance of at least coming away with one Oscar if not more?

The synopsis for 2nd edition of the Monsters, Inc. film “will take us back to before a time when Mike Wazowski was top comedian, before James P. Sullivan was top scarer, and even before the buddies joined the MI workforce. In fact it takes us all the way back to school – the University of Fear to be precise. Although the two start out as frenemies, Monsters, Inc. 2 will weave the tale of how the dynamic duo transition from rivals to BFFs.”

Keep in mind that at this point, this news is simply speculation and  rumor. Things could change and evolve over the course of development so the currently unveiled plot may not be used for the film.

What we do know is that the new film will feature “Monsters, Inc.” director Pete Docter as he returns to the helming duty. Monsters, Inc. 2 is due November 2, 2012 in the U.S.

The official synopsis reads like this:

“Star racecar Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.”

Regarding the four pieces of concept art that were released last week, below are more details related to each piece.

Star racecar Lightning McQueen heads overseas next summer to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the fastest car on the planet. McQueen and his best friend Mater make a pit stop in London, but there’s no time for tea when an international spy plot entangles Mater, and McQueen must race before royalty.

There’s no place in the world like Radiator Springs, but Paris comes close! Lightning McQueen and Mater venture abroad for the first-ever World Grand Prix. While McQueen focuses on the races, his best friend Mater hits a few detours. International espionage, anyone? On his top-secret mission, Mater takes the scenic route and manages to see the Parisian sights—including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the famous car-goyles of Notre Dame.

Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new destinations when McQueen is tapped for the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. First stop, Tokyo, Japan—where ancient tradition meets modern technology. But like a modern-day Samurai, Mater must play the part of a top-secret spy when he’s unknowingly embroiled in a case of international espionage.

It’s an international feast of epic proportions when star racecar Lightning McQueen and lovable tow truck Mater travel to Porto Corsa, Italy, for the first-ever World Grand Prix. The pair will have to bypass the Italian Riviera’s specialties—boating, beaches and pasta al pesto—as Mater is detoured on a top-secret spy mission and McQueen must race to win against the world’s best!

Whereas the original cars took place in and around old Route 66, this one appears to go international.

Cars 2 synopsis: “Lightning McQueen, his pit crew and his new crew chief, Mater, head around the world for the “Race of Champions” taking place in five different countries: Japan, Austria, Italy, a 24-hour race in France and the United Kingdom. However, Mater, involved in a case of mistaken identity, saves the life of a British secret agent named Finn McMissile and finds himself embroiled in his world of international espionage.”

With no further ado, here is a very short sneak peek into the second installment of Cars.

And here is the concept art related to the Cars sequel.

“It’s been an incredible year as we saw the Pixar team bring Buzz and Woody back to the big screen and watched Tim Burton’s vision for Alice in Wonderland take the world by storm,” said Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.  “These box office triumphs prove that creative storytelling brought to life by imaginative, inspired and talented professionals is something audiences respond to the world over.”

As of yesterday, Toy Story 3 tallied more than $592.9 million internationally, Disney’s largest international animated release. Latin American audiences have contributed $138 million making Toy Story 3 the highest grossing Disney film ever released in the region.  Toy Story 3 is the most successful UK release in Disney history and currently stands as the fourth biggest title in territory history with $102.4 million in box office receipts so far.  In Japan, the film has taken in $111.2 million and spent five consecutive weeks as the #1 movie.  Toy Story 3 currently ranks as the #7 film in global box office history and domestically ranks #9 with $404.6 million in receipts to date.

Disney first crossed the $1 billion threshold with “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” in 2006. Other films to reach this status are part of a short list and include “Avatar,” “Titanic,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” and “The Dark Knight.”

Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, remarked “Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro. Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”

Now if you’re like me, you may be thinking, “Wait, didn’t they already do a movie based off the Haunted Mansion?” However, unlike the 2003 version of Haunted Mansion, which starred Eddie Murphy, del Toro said the live-action film will not be a comedy, but instead will be “scary and fun at the same time.” Del Toro commented, “if you take the children, they will scream.” If this new film has any of the elements that Pan’s Labyrinth did, that will certainly be true.

“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy,” Del Toro said of the live action 3D film. “After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters – think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as The Dragon or The Evil Queen in Snow White. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains, for me, the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world. The scary will be scary. We’re being true to the spirit of the original imagineers.”

The director, who recently announced he would not be directing The Hobbit, described the Haunted Mansion project as “a dream come true.” He will produce and co-write the film, and may direct as well.