What’s coming to Disney+ in May? The new TV series and films to watch from A Small Light to Rye Lane
The House of Mouse certainly knows how to deliver quality content – it’s been doing it for seventy years.
This May there’s a whole range of new shows and films coming onto Disney+ for people to enjoy. From the extraordinary tales of bravery in the Second World War, to gentle love stories, take a look below to find your next obsession.
A Small Light – May 2
Liev Schreiber, Joe Cole and Bel Powley star in this eight-part series focusing on Miep Gies, the Dutch woman who put her life on the line to help Anne Frank, her family and four others hide for two years in an Amsterdam attic. The moving story follows Gies from when she is hired as a secretary by Otto (Anne’s father) to taking a devastated Otto in after the war.
“In the end, its story of bravery and perseverance is a hammer-wallop round the head. A Small Light’s horrendous conclusion leaves a lasting impression, as it does every time you are reminded of it,” said The Standard. “This however in no way diminishes Gies’ efforts – it’s a pleasure to watch this series about her astonishing bravery.” The series will be released two episodes at a time, with following episodes being released on May 9, 16 and 23.
Ed Sheeran: The Sum Of It All – May 3
Over the years Ed Sheeran has become known for speaking openly about his emotions and mental health struggles. But in this four-part documentary the Grammy-winning singer lays bare elements of his life that he has not shown in detail before, including his wife Cherry’s cancer diagnosis, the loneliness of touring, and his relationship with his parents, as well as writing and performing, and working with artists such as Stormzy.
“It presents the singer as a human being, in a raw and honest way that will be appreciated by his fans, and those who have suffered with mental health, loss, grief and health issues – and paints a picture of his frame of mind while recording his new album, Subtract, just in time for its release,” said The Standard.
Rye Lane – May 3
Rye Lane made a huge buzz when it was released in cinemas in March, transporting Londoners down to Peckham and Brixton, reminding them why they love the area so much: “As a Peckham local this wonderful film makes me proud,” said Liz Hoggard. “It’s just so entertaining to see all the places where I’ve eaten, danced, cried, fallen in love, been chucked... projected onto the big screen.” The feature debut film from British director Raine Allen-Miller, Rye Lane stars Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson as Yas and Dom, two strangers who by chance end up spending the day getting to know one another.
“Though Rye Lane was made with Disney money, the vibe is more indie-movie/Channel 4 sitcom than slick blockbuster – with a bit of screwball comedy thrown in,” said The Standard.
White Men Can’t Jump – May 19
This American sports comedy film by American director Calmatic is a remake of the 1992 film of the same name which starred Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. This time there’s a massively starry cast which includes rapper Jack Harlow, singer Teyana Taylor, rapper Vince Staples, and actors Laura Harrier (BlacKkKlansman) the late Lance Reddick (John Wick) and Sinqua Walls (The 15:17 to Paris).
Walls stars as Kamal, a once promising basketball player who has seemingly ruined his chances of going professional and Harlow stars as Jeremy, whose injuries have also caused him to drop out of the game. The story follows the unlikely duo as they team up to hustle for money, playing basketball on the street.
American Born Chinese – May 24
Everything Everywhere All At Once stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu all feature in this Disney+ action comedy series about Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a high school student who is struggling to fit in. But everything changes when he meets Taiwanese exchange student Wei-Chen (Jim Liu) who is the son of a mythological god. The action series, which is based on Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel of the same name, explores themes including identity, racism in America, growing up and family, all while promising to be a tonne of fun.
The Kardashians, season 3 – May 25
The Kardashians and Jenners are back for another season of relentless drama, as Kourtney collaborates with Dolce & Gabbana for her big Italian wedding in Portofino. At the same time Kim also collaborates with the brand, making Kourtney feel like her wedding has lost a bit of its shine. It’s all very serious: Kourtney says this is typical of Kim to see her wedding as a business opportunity; the family is split, seeing the drama from both sides. From the looks of the trailer at least, the hurt is real and the fall out is irrevocable, but as we all know so well about the Kardashian-Jenners, blood is thicker than water and they always make up in the end.