(SPOT.ph) The world of animation has been graced with yet another enchanting tale from the house of Disney. Wish, a film that celebrates the centennial of the Walt Disney Company, invites audiences on a whimsical adventure that is both a nod to the past and a step into a new era of storytelling.
In this article, we explore the various facets of this film, from its release date, the talented crew behind the magic, including the noteworthy contributions of Filipino animator John Aquino. We'll also explore the film's themes and why it's a must-watch, as well as the star-studded cast that brings this animated world to life.
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Disney's Wish and What to Know About It
Release Date
Wish made its grand debut in theaters on November 22, 2023. As of this writing, there are still no announcements until when the film will be showing in cinemas nationwide.
Crew and Animation
Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn directed the film. The former is the man behind Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019), while the latter directed Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). The film's visual storytelling is a testament to the talents of its crew. Among them are animator Mikee Sevilla and modeler John Aquino.
A Closer Look at the Storyline
The narrative of the film follows Asha (Ariana DeBose), a young girl whose encounter with a magical star leads her on a quest to challenge the status quo and inspire change. The film weaves a tale of courage and self-discovery that resonates across generations.
Why It's Worth the Watch
Wish is more than just an animated feature but a celebration of hope and the power of imagination. Set against the backdrop of Disney's rich history, the film encourages viewers to believe in the magic of wishes and the strength found in unity and self-empowerment.
The Voices Behind the Wish Characters
The cast of Wish features talented people who bring the animated characters to life. The voice actors of Disney's Wish include:
Ariana DeBose is Asha's voice actress. She is known for her role as Anita in the 2021 version of West Side Story, as well as appearances in Schmigadoon! (2021) and Netflix’s The Prom (2020).
Chris Pine voices King Magnifico. He is also recognized for roles in Don’t Worry Darling (2022), Wonder Woman (2017 and 2020), and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023).
Alan Tudyk is the voice behind Valentino. Aside from this film, he is a part of other Disney projects like Moana (2016). If you've come to love Heihei the chicken, he's the guy behind the quirky voice!
Queen Amaya's voice is thanks to Angelique Cabral. She previously did acting stints in shows like Life in Pieces (2015), Undone (2019), and Maggie (2022).
Victor Garber is Sabino's voice actor. He starred in Titanic (1997), Annie (1999), and Sleepless in Seattle (1993).
Sakina's voice actress is Natasha Rothwell. known for shows like The White Lotus (2021), Insecure (2016), and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022).
Jennifer Kumiyama helped Dahlia come to life. She also appeared in the 2012 film The Sessions.
Harvey Guillén is Gabo's voice actor. He also starred in Blue Beetle (2023), Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022), and What We Do in the Shadows (2019).
Evan Peters will play the role of Simon. It's somewhat ironic because he's also famous for American Horror Story (2011) and Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022).
Aside from Bazeema in this movie, Della Saba has voice acting stints in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Zootopia (2016).
Additional voice cast includes Keone Young, Niko Vargas, Lucas Sigler, Holland Watkins, Woody Buck, Efé, Nicole Lynn Evans, Heather Matarazzo, Nasim Pedrad, and Abraham Sigler. Yvette Nicole Brown and James Monroe Iglehart have vocal cameos in the song "I’m a Star" as well.
The Soundtracks
Music has always been a cornerstone of Disney's storytelling, and Wish is no exception. The soundtrack features original compositions like "Welcome to Rosas," "Knowing What I Know Now," and "A Wish Worth Making."
Animation Techniques: Blending Old and New
This film honors Disney's animation legacy by combining classic hand-drawn techniques with modern CGI. The overall effect can be described as a visual experience that's both nostalgic and innovative.