Disney’s upcoming musical-movie “Wish” is to be released Nov. 22, leaving fans with high expectations for the one-of-a-kind film. “Wish” will contain many essential Disney characteristics, revolving around Disney’s leading symbol, the wishing star. A chance to redeem Disney from previously underperforming animated films, “Wish” could potentially affirm the franchise’s ability to produce epochal films all while providing new twists to the classic Disney movie format.
“Wish” follows Disney’s first Afro-Latina princess, Asha, as she journeys to stop the power-hungry King Magnifico and bring results to all people who wish upon a star. The movie further explores the idea of where the wishing star came from and the hopes it brings.
Produced by Peter Del Vecho whose previous works include “Frozen,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and “Princess and the Frog,” “Wish” includes all the magical elements symbolic of Del Vecho’s works. A lively musical fantasy, the film will be animated in a timeless watercolor style blended with contemporary CG 3D animation. However, what makes this film even more special are the blended components of 3D animation, which Disney utilized most commonly in the past decade with films “Frozen,” “Moana,” and “Encanto.” This unique animation approach is bound to leave viewers breathless in the visual beauty that Disney is best known for.
Furthermore, the soundtrack for Disney’s new movie is not to disappoint; composed by Dave Metzgar (“Tarzan”) and written by Julia Michaels (five-time Grammy nominee), the music score is sure to fulfill audience expectations of a classic Disney tale. “The Wish,” sung by Ariana DeBose who plays Asha, first captured viewers’ attention with its inclusion in the official trailer. Available on Spotify, the song’s melody and instrumentals encompass the wistful yet ambitious tone of the movie. Moreover, Ariana’s heartfelt voice carries Asha’s struggle to make more for herself and for Rosas.
“Wish,” though continuing to carry on Disney’s iconic features of princesses, wishes, and magical fantasy, also has its differences from original Disney films. Asha, being another female protagonist of color following Tiana, Moana, and Raya, leaves many fans excited to see the representation in diversity throughout the movie. North African influences on the film’s architecture and costumes diversify the typical Europeanized setting of previous Disney movies, creating a world more people may be able to find themselves in.
As the viewers see more and more independent female protagonists who pave their own way instead of waiting to be saved by a prince, “Wish” is an exciting addition to the continuing line of female warriors in Disney’s films. Coinciding with Disney’s 100th anniversary, “Wish” will successfully pay homage to Disney’s roots, referencing the iconic wishing star. With strong, Afro-Latina representation as the new headlining princess along with masterful scores and animation, “Wish” might just be Disney’s next big hit.
