“My Life as an NBA Rookie,” a special that gives audiences an inside look at some of today’s biggest NBA stars in their first year in the league, premieres Monday, October 29 (7:00-7:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD as part of “Nothing But Net Marathon,” a sports-themed marathon featuring episodes of “Kickin’ It,” “Lab Rats” and “Crash & Bernstein” beginning at 5:00 p.m., ET/PT.

Hosted by Billy Unger, star of Disney XD’s “Lab Rats,” the special features exclusive footage of New Orleans Hornets’ power forward Anthony Davis practicing with the 2012 USA Basketball Men’s National Team; takes fans behind the scenes at the NBA Draft Combine and NBA Draft; looks at how players mentally and physically prepare for training camp and opening night; and reveals entertaining rookie duties.

“My Life as an NBA Rookie” includes Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James of the Miami Heat, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks, Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Deron Williams of the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, among others.

About Disney XD

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms and includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the US, Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via basic cable and satellite affiliates.

Image Courtesy of  Keith Allison

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London, U.K. — A new animated series, Marvel’s “Ultimate Spider-Man” has stormed to record ratings on Disney XD UK. The show is the top rated animated title on the boy-focused, girl-inclusive channel launched in August 2009, reaching a huge 1.2 million individuals 4+ including 683,000 kids 4-15 and 265,000 boys 8-12 in its first six weeks on air.

The premiere episode of “Ultimate Spider-Man” was the best performing show in its timeslot with boys 8-12 on any kids TV channel in the UK, including those available in twice as many homes. Over the first six weeks, the series also boosted year on year Disney XD ratings for its timeslot by 77%.

“The success of “Ultimate Spider-Man” demonstrates the demand for Marvel content from a new generation,” comments Boel Ferguson, General Manager, Disney Channels UK & Ireland. “Following the incredible success of Marvel’s Avengers Assemble in theatres across the UK we wanted to give our viewers a go-to TV destination for more excitement and energy of the latest Marvel series like “Ultimate Spider-Man.” Beginning 17 August, Marvel Universe will become the TV home for everyone’s favorite Super Heroes.”

Marvel Universe, a dedicated programming block airing every Friday at 3.30pm on Disney XD, will feature some of the most popular Super Heroes in the world – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk & Spider-Man. The Disney XD block will be home to all of Marvel’s action-packed animated series including hit programs “Ultimate Spider-Man,” “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” and “Iron Man: Armored Adventures.”

The success of Spider-Man on TV screens has been mirrored by the success of the franchise across UK retailers, with both Argos and Tesco having included the Web Shooting Spider-Man action figure from Hasbro in their top Christmas recommendations.

Marvel’s “Ultimate Spider-Man” is written and guided by the most star-studded creative team in Super Hero television history, including Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, and Marvel’s EVP – Head of Television, Jeph Loeb, Supervising Producer Man of Action Studios (Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle & Duncan Rouleau), Creative Consultant/Writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Lost), and Consulting Producer/Writer Brian Michael Bendis (Marvel’s Ultimate Comics Spider-Man comic series), “Ultimate Spider-Man” is a series of many firsts, extraordinary given the enduring popularity of the character within the Marvel Universe.

In the storyline, a teenage Peter Parker (voiced by actor Drake Bell) juggles the relatable challenges of high school with the extraordinary challenges of being a Super Hero. Nick Fury (voiced by actor Chi McBride) invites Parker to train with his S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, where Peter’s alter-ego, Spider-Man, will join forces with four other teenage Super Heroes – Nova, White Tiger, Power Man and Iron Fist, on the greatest action and adventure ever as they work to become Ultimate Super Heroes.

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Ultimate Spider-Man, premiering April 1 on Disney XD as part of the Marvel Universe block, is the super hero show everyone’s talking about—and you can experience the world premiere at South By Southwest Interactive Festival.

At the historic Marvel: House of Ideas, panel Sunday, March 11 at 1pm on the IGN stage at the Palmer Events Center, Jeph Loeb (EVP/Head of Marvel Television) will debut the entire first episode of Ultimate Spider-Man for fans in attendance.

This can’t-miss panel also features the unveiling of Marvel’s bold new multimedia plans that includes the announcement of Marvel’s revolutionary new ways to read comics, courtesy of Axel Alonso (Marvel Comics Editor in Chief) and Peter Phillips (SVP & GM, Marvel Digital Media Group). Don’t forget– this event is free and open to the public, so fans of all ages can be in attendance for the first look at the series that will redefines super hero animation—and the announcements that will change how you see comics.

“We’ve heard that Austin has some of the best Marvel fans in the world and we couldn’t imagine a better ‘thank you’ for their support than the world premiere of Ultimate Spider-Man which comes to Disney XD on April 1st,” said Loeb. “Working with top writers and talent, we’ve produced an animated series that brings Spider-Man to life like you’ve never seen him before. They say they do it up big in Texas —and we can’t wait for the smiles on the crowd’s faces when they get the first look at Ultimate Spidey in action!”

Once the Marvel: House of Ideas panel concludes, fans in attendance will receive a limited edition Marvel lithograph (while supplies last) and a chance to have it signed by Loeb & Alonso in a special Marvel signing session.

Stay tuned to www.marvel.com and www.sxswscreenburn.com for more details on the Marvel: House of Ideas panel and Marvel’s plans for SXSW.

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The epic storytelling of Marvel — full of action, adventure and humor, along with complex, courageous and aspirational characters – will be introduced to a new generation of kids and families through a dedicated programming block, Marvel Universe, premiering Sunday, April 1 on Disney XD.

The new series, “Ultimate Spider-Man,” is written and guided by the most star-studded creative team in Super Hero television history, including some of the most influential names in comic books and pop culture. The programming block will also feature the second season of “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” and new short-form series that take viewers behind the scenes to meet the creative teams and explore the many facets of the Marvel Universe.

“The Disney XD audience will be thrilled by the excitement and energy of the newest Marvel series. Our dedicated block showcases the relatable characters that have sparked the imaginations of so many people, young and old. The Marvel Universe block’s new short-form programs are made with our audience in mind, and are designed to further explore the world of Marvel for fans of all ages.

From learning how to draw Marvel heroes to seeing the real science behind the heroes’ cool gadgets, devoted Marvel fans and new fans alike will find the block to be a great destination,” said David Levine, Vice President and General Manager, Disney XD.

“The Marvel Universe, which is exploding in theaters, comic books, games and online, bursts onto your TV with the top talent in comics and animation, and the premiere titles Spider-Man and The Avengers! We are bringing the fun, action and adventure known to Marvel fans and families alike. In addition, the never-before-seen animated and live action shorts round out your Sunday morning of can’t miss shows in the Mighty Marvel Manner!” exclaimed Jeph Loeb, Marvel’s Head of TV.

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man (who also provides the voice of Stan the Janitor in “Ultimate Spider-Man”) said, “It’s a thrill to see that the highest standards in story telling are so perfectly exemplified by Spider-Man leaping from the pages of the comic book onto the screen to be enjoyed by a new generation.”

The amazing team made up of Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, and Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb, Supervising Producers/Writers Man of Action (Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle & Duncan Rouleau), Creative Consultant/Writer Paul Dini (“Batman: The Animated Series,” “Lost”), and Consulting Producer/Writer Brian Michael Bendis (Marvel’s Ultimate Comics Spider-Man comic series), “Ultimate Spider-Man” marks firsts for one of Marvel’s most popular characters the world over.

In the storyline, a teenage Peter Parker (voiced by actor Drake Bell) juggles the relatable challenges of high school with the extraordinary challenges of being a Super Hero. Nick Fury (voiced by actor Chi McBride) invites Parker to train with his S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, where Peter’s alter-ego, Spider-Man, will join forces with four other teenage Super Heroes – Nova, White Tiger, Power Man and Iron Fist, on the greatest action and adventure ever as they work to become Ultimate Super Heroes.

The premiere episode (11:00 a.m., EST/PST) is entitled “Great Power,” and the second episode is “Great Responsibility” (11:30 a.m., EST). The premiere episodes will be available on DisneyXD.com and Comcast platforms via VOD and XfinityTV.com directly following the Sunday, April 1 premiere on Disney XD.  On April 2, they will be available on Disney XD Mobile VOD available via AT&T, MetroPCS, MobiTV, Sprint and Verizon; along with iTunes, Xbox Live and Sony Playstation.

Rounding out the Marvel Universe block are exciting new short-form series including (the last three series are hosted by Radio Disney’s Morgan Tompkins):

• “Fury Files” – Top-secret access to S.H.I.E.L.D. video dossiers on key Marvel heroes, including Iron Fist, Power Man, Nova and White Tiger and the villains they face, are animated with mix of traditional animation and motion comic art.
• “Marvel Mash-Up” – The Marvel Universe is turned upside down with these hilarious and unexpected takes on iconic Marvel heroes and villains, featuring classic animation edited with a comedic twist.
• “Animated Reality” – Stunt and special effects experts showcase the epic moves of favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Captain America and Spider-Man.
• “What Would It Take?” – Get a glimpse into the science and modern technology required to create the heroes’ gadgets, abilities and tech in real life, ranging from Iron Man’s jet propulsion boots to Iron Fist’s power-packed punch.
• “Master Class” – Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, explains the artistic vision behind Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes and shows how artists bring them to life.

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