For years Disney Animated musicals has amazed us with their resonating storytelling, stunning visuals, and emotional songs. And now comes Wish, their latest feature film that is a century in the making. That’s because their latest is a hybrid of animation styles, bringing 2D watercolor techniques and 3D animation together for the first time in the studio’s history. Not only that, but the film has two generations of directors from within Disney Studios. And lastly, their musical brings in a brilliant Grammy-nominated artist honoring the past with her contemporary pop music talents.
“Wish” follows Asha (Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted, idealistic 17-year-old who cares deeply for her community and the Kingdom of Rosas. This kingdom is unlike any other because in it, King Magnifico (Chris Pine) has the power to grant wishes. However, as she prepares to be the King’s apprentice, she learns a terrible truth about Magnifico. Feeling powerless and unable to do anything, Asha makes an impassionate plea to the stars to help those who deserve to have their wishes come true. And she gets more than she bargained for when the cosmic forces send her Star – a little ball of boundless energy resembling the bouncing ball you see in Disney sing-alongs. They work together to confront King Magnficio for his misdeeds and learn that the bigger the wish the more arduous the journey. And there will be some magic there as well as an opinionated and stubborn pajama-wearing baby goat named Valentino joins our three heroes. And did I mention he could talk?
Although Wish looks like Disney Animation has been playing catch up with some for its rivals in terms of animation, the truth is that, they’ve been perfecting their 2D techniques and technology for this one film. And what a perfect way to celebrate the studio’s centennial than with a feature that smashes together generations of art, music, and creativity.
Disney Chief Creative Officer and Wish co-writer Jennifer Lee pairs Oscar®-winning director and Disney Veteran Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) with first-time director and Disney artist Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”). They are joined by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) co-wrote the script with Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”).
As for the music, the film features seven original songs written by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger.
The rest of the voice talents include, Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama, Evan Peters, Harvey Guillén, Ramy Youseff, Niko Vargas, Della Saba, and Jon Rudnitsky.
“Wish” opens in theaters on November 22, 2023.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Wish:”
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino.)
