Disney is making sure you know that “Raya and the Last Dragon” is hitting theaters and Disney+’s premiere access this March, with a brand-new teaser trailer. The importance of this film cannot be overstated as this is studio’s first animated feature to have a Southeast Asian princess as the lead character, to be voiced by Kelly Marie Tran (“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”). Though it is set in the fictional world of Kumadra, it is all based on Southeast Asian cultures – the food, costumes, architecture, and landscapes.
We’ve covered the “Raya and the Last Dragon” these past few months taking a look at the production of the film, how it embraces Southeast Asian cultures, and the film’s theme of trust.
Here’s the official 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.
The voice cast also includes Awkwafina as the legendary dragon, Sisu; 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.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon’’ will be available on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets, at the same time as it is released in theaters on March 5, 2021. Premier Access for the title will be priced at $29.99. Advance theater tickets for “Raya and the Last Dragon” in select theaters are now on sale at http://bit.ly/RayaTix
