Disney has released the second trailer for their upcoming animated feature, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Inspired by Southeast Asia, home to diverse countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the film is a fantasy adventure set in Kumandra, where dragons and humans lived in harmony. When the evil Druun threatened their land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. But that sacrifice came at a cost, as Kumandra divided itself into five nations. Five hundred years later, the evil threatens the land of Kumandra once more, and it is up to Raya to find the last dragon and save humanity.
Though the trailer teases some serious Indiana Jones vibes – with a slight Disney comedic and animated twist -, the film’s themes of trust give it some emotional depth. “The world’s broken,” says pessimistic Raya. “You can’t trust anyone.” But Sisu (Awkwafina), the legendary dragon, suggests Raya give people the benefit of the doubt. “Maybe it’s broken because you don’t trust anyone.”
Last week, We had the chance to preview some of the footage from the film and chat with the creative team that helped make it. So we will be releasing coverage about the film’s themes and its efforts to bring Southeast Asian representation throughout the day.
Don Hall (Moana) and Carlos López Estrada (Blindspotting) directs based on a screenplay by Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) and playwright Qui Nguyen.
In addition to Tran and Awkwafina, the film also stars Gemma Chan as Raya’s nemesis, Namaari; Daniel Dae Kim as Raya’s visionary father, Benja; Sandra Oh as Namaari’s powerful mother, Virana; Benedict Wong as Tong, a formidable giant; Izaac Wang as Boun, a 10-year-old entrepreneur; Thalia Tran as the mischievous toddler Little Noi; Alan Tudyk as Tuk Tuk, Raya’s best friend, and trusty steed; Lucille Soong as Dang Hu, the leader of the land of Talon; Patti Harrison as the chief of the Tail land; and Ross Butler as chief of the Spine land.
Here’s the plot synopsis for “Raya and The Last Dragon:”
“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned, and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” opens simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+’s Premiere Access on March 5, 2020.
Read all of our Raya and the Last Dragon coverage here.
