First Look: Disney Channel's New TV Movie Let It Shine Gets Multiple Airdates

Disney Channel is set to announce the launch strategy for Let It Shine, the new TV movie that's a centerpiece of the network's summer programming lineup. As previously announced, Let It Shine will launch Friday, June 15 at 8/7c. But that's just part of Disney Channel's roll-out plans.

Let It Shine will first be available for viewers via Disney Channel On Demand (found on some AT&T U-Verse, Cablevision and Time Warner Cable systems) starting Friday, June 8. Then, after the June 15 premiere, Disney Channel will encore it the following night. A sing-along version, Let It Shine — Rap Battle Edition, will air Saturday, June 30. And then the DVD, featuring additional footage, will be released on Tuesday, August 7.

A song from the movie's soundtrack, "Don't Run Away," is already in rotation on Radio Disney. The modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac story, this time set in the worlds of hip-hop and gospel music, stars Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris), Trevor Jackson (Eureka) and newcomer Coco Jones. Courtney B. Vance, Dawnn Lewis, Alex Desert and Nicole Sullivan also star.

Let It Shine is a priority for Disney Channel given the diverse cast and subject matter. "In order to truly connect with our viewers, we need to truly reflect them — by embracing characters, stories, and music that's as diverse, layered, and unique as they are," says Disney Channels Worldwide president Gary Marsh.

Here's a first look at the show:

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