Disney's Wish Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer And More Details
When it comes to animated classics, nobody does them better than Disney. The House of Mouse has created some of the greatest films ever made, such as "Pinocchio," "The Lion King," and "Beauty and the Beast." And now, they're getting ready for their latest animated offering with "Wish," which was first announced in September 2022 at Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.
A musical that revolves around a wishing star — a pretty key piece of iconography in Disney lore — "Wish" has been building a whole lot of buzz since it was first announced. And based on everything we're learning about the project, it sounds like this will be one of the standout films of 2023, especially with its impressive cast and behind-the-scenes talent. If you want to learn more about this upcoming Disney film before it finally hits theaters, then read on for everything we know so far about "Wish."
When will Wish be released?
The year 2023 is a big one for Disney — it marks the 100th anniversary of perhaps the most influential movie studio on planet Earth. If you want to get really specific, the studio's centennial falls on October 16, just weeks before "Wish" hits theaters. In other words, this upcoming musical serves as a capstone for the first 100 years of Disney, which is quite the honor.
So when exactly will this animated movie wish its way into theaters? "Wish" will release on November 22, 2023, right in time for Thanksgiving. Interestingly, that isn't the only Disney flick releasing that month. "The Marvels" — starring Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris as a trio of MCU superheroes — will soar onto screens on November 10. Disney must feel pretty confident in both movies' box office abilities to release them in the same month. Hopefully both films will be able to stand on their own as the company revels in its 100th anniversary.
What is the plot of Wish?
"Wish," tells the story of Asha, a 17-year-old girl who, like many Disney characters that have come before her, looks to the heavens for help. Wishing for a better future and safety for her community, Asha follows that same wishing upon a star path that so many characters inevitably do. In Asha's case, though, the star actually responds.
According to the official plot synopsis, "Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story introduces Asha, an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen."
That formidable foe is the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, who makes Faustian bargains with his subjects. People from far and wide come to Rosas to give Magnifico their wishes, but he decides whether or not to grant them — and when they'll come true. If Asha is connected to the very wishing star itself, we can see how these two forces might come into conflict.
Who is starring in Wish?
Ariana DeBose will lead Disney's new film "Wish," voicing the character of Asha. The actress most recently won an Academy Award for her turn as Anita in 2021's "West Side Story." With such a talented voice behind the main character, the film is already on the right track to making a big splash.
Joining the skilled singer, Alan Tudyk will voice Asha's pet goat, Valentino. Tudyk is a voice actor extraordinaire, having played characters such as the Duke of Weselton in "Frozen," Hei Hei in "Moana," and K-2SO in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." You might also recognize him from his live-action roles in projects such as "Firefly" and "Doom Patrol."
In addition to DeBose and Tudyk, Chris Pine ("Wonder Woman," "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves") will voice King Magnifico, the charismatic royal who's the villain of the film. Rounding out the cast, we'll hear the vocal talents of Victor Garber ("Titanic"), Evan Peters ("American Horror Story"), Harvey Guillén ("What We Do in the Shadows"), Natasha Rothwell ("The White Lotus"), Ramy Youssef ("Ramy"), Angelique Cabral ("Big Sky"), Jennifer Kumiyama ("The Sessions"), Niko Vargas ("Craig of the Creek"), Della Saba ("Physical"), and Jon Rudnitsky ("Catch-22").
Who is directing Wish?
"Wish" is bringing on two talented directors who are no strangers to working on blockbuster Disney films. First up, there's the incredible Chris Buck, who directed both "Frozen" and "Frozen II." In fact, Buck won an Academy Award in 2014 for best animated feature film for the monumentally popular "Frozen." If Buck can bring the same magic to "Wish" that he brought to Anna and Elsa's adventures, Disney's newest animated musical is in good hands.
Joining Buck is Fawn Veerasunthorn, who also has a history with Disney films. While "Wish" will be the first movie she's directed, she's been an essential part of several massive Disney projects, including "Raya and the Last Dragon" as the head of the story and "Ralph Breaks the Internet" and "Zootopia" as a story artist. In other words, Veerasunthorn knows what elements are necessary to make an inspirational piece of animation, and she's sure to bring many creative ideas to the director's chair.
Is there a trailer for Wish?
In the first official teaser for "Wish," we witness a beautiful mix of CGI and watercolor artwork, promising a Disney experience like no other. The nearly 2-minute trailer introduces us to the Iberian city of Rosas, Valentino the baritone goat, and the menacing King Magnifico. We also get to hear Ariana DeBose as Asha, belting out what's sure to be the film's big power ballad, "The Wish."
The official trailer dives a bit deeper into the plot, revealing Asha is Magnifico's new apprentice. However, she soon learns the beloved king isn't so big on making dreams come true. Instead, he only grants wishes that he deems good. Asha believes the people of her city deserve more, which leads her to the delightfully adorable Star and sets her on a collision course of the power-hungry Magnifico. The trailer delivers on some lush and glorious landscapes — not to mention a strange musical number with Valentino conducting a coop full of chickens — promising a movie that really looks unlike anything Disney has ever done before.
What else do we know about Wish?
"Wish" promises to bring a new look to Disney's animation style. While the company is famous for both its hand-drawn movies and its CG offerings, "Wish" will combine the best of both worlds. The film will feature CG blended with watercolor animation, which promises to be an amazing visual experience.
We also know that Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice will be writing the songs. If you don't know Michaels, she's written lyrics for some of the most famous singers of the 21st century. For example, she penned Selena Gomez's "Lose You to Love Me" and Justin Bieber's "Sorry." As for Rice, he's a music producer who's worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Nick Jonas, and John Legend. Most impressively, he won a Grammy for co-producing Lady Gaga's "Shallow." In other words, with these two teaming up and writing songs for Ariana DeBose to perform, we may have the next "Let It Go" on our hands.