It’s time to relive the magic of the Disney Renaissance! Walt Disney Animation Studios has just released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming movie, Wish, marking a highly anticipated return to 2D animation for the first time since 2011’s Winnie the Pooh.
The Disney Renaissance, a period between 1989 and 1999, is often hailed as a golden era for the animation studio. During this time, unforgettable films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King were released, capturing the hearts of millions. The importance of 2D animation during this era cannot be overstated, as it helped shape the visual identity of Disney’s storytelling and solidified their position in the animation world.
Now, more than a decade after the last 2D animated feature, Disney is embracing its roots with Wish. Set in the fantastical land of Rosas, off the Iberian Peninsula, the story follows Asha, a sharp-witted idealist who makes a powerful wish that calls forth a cosmic force in the form of a little ball of boundless energy named Star. Together, they face King Magnifico, the ruler of Rosas, in a quest to save Asha’s community and demonstrate the extraordinary things that can happen when one courageous individual connects with the magic of the stars.
The teaser introduces us to the main characters: 17-year-old Asha, voiced by Ariana DeBose; King Magnifico, played by Chris Pine; Asha’s pet goat Valentino, voiced by Alan Tudyk; and Star, the celestial ball of boundless energy. The trailer also features a snippet of the song “This Wish,” written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice and performed by Ariana DeBose.
Co-director Chris Buck shares, “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes. People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”
Fellow co-director Fawn Veerasunthorn adds, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”
Mark your calendars, as Wish is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2023, and get ready to experience the magic of 2D animation once again!
