During Disney's D23 expo on September 9, 2022, the studio announced production on its upcoming animated musical, Wish. The film follows 17-year-old Asha, voiced by West Side Story Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, and focuses on the legend of the wishing star. In the story, Asha makes a passionate plea to heaven, which is answered by a ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star work to save the community from her.
Chris Buck, who is directing the film along with Fawn Veerasunthorn, spoke about the inspiration for the film during the D23 presentation. "Fawn and I grew up on the Disney classics and fell in love with them," he said. "Truly there is no greater power in the universe than someone with a true desire in their hearts."
Directors: Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Writers: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Stars: Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Ariana DeBose
During the announcement, Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee said, "The film means so much to all of us at the studio and it's been an incredible cross-generational collaboration."
Disney gave fans their first look at the movie with the release of a trailer on April 27, 2023, showcasing plenty of magical moments and even an original song, "This Wish," by Debose.
From the cast to the release date, here's everything you need to know about Disney's Wish.
The story, set in the fictional kingdom of Rosas, follows an optimistic young woman named Asha. When the heroine makes a wish, a cosmic force named Star answers her. Together, Asha and Star work to defeat a villain who has been described as one of the "most formidable foes" in Disney history.
DeBose discussed her role in the film during D23. "I'm voicing the character, an original character, mind you, named Asha, who is a bit like me in some ways. She has many roles, she's very smart, she has a great sense of humor and she's trying to take care of people. she loves the most in the world," the actress shared. "She's a leader and she doesn't realize it. She's just living and doing, and learning along the way, she doesn't always get it right, which is the definition of being human."
In addition to the adventure, DeBose said viewers can expect "a lot of singing."
"I think the public can be excited about original songs, an original story," she added. "It's all the Disney magic you know and love, but it looks like us, and that's really exciting."
On April 27, 2023, Walt Disney Animation Studios shared the trailer for Wish, which begins with a voiceover from the Magnificent King (played by Pine) describing "a place where wishes come true," before adding : "All you have to do is give me your wish."
Then 17-year-old Asha (played by DeBose) is shown wishing on a star. She meets a magical, lively being who gives Asha's goat the ability to speak. The teaser also features a snippet of an original song from the film, "This Wish," which DeBose performs.