Movies - Wish: A Magical Odyssey into Disney's Enchanted Realm

By Mulder, 23 october 2023

Wish, the highly anticipated 2023 animated musical fantasy film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, promises to be a magical journey into the enchanting realm of Rosas. This captivating creation, directed by Chris Buck and marking Fawn Veerasunthorn's feature directorial debut, seamlessly blends the artistry of computer animation with the nostalgic allure of Disney's historical watercolor animation.

The film introduces us to Asha, a vibrant 17-year-old voiced by the talented Ariana DeBose. Asha, a proud and energetic member of her community, becomes acutely aware of an impending darkness in the Kingdom of Rosas, ruled by the enigmatic King Magnifico, portrayed by the charismatic Chris Pine. The plot unfolds as Asha, in a moment of need, passionately pleads with the stars for assistance. To her surprise, her wish is answered by a celestial being named Star, voiced by the versatile Alan Tudyk.

Asha and Star's journey becomes a quest to overcome the rising evils in Rosas and to secure a brighter future for their people. The film's premise explores the timeless theme of wishes turning into reality, a concept deeply rooted in Disney's storytelling tradition.

The development of Wish began in 2018, shrouded in secrecy until January 2022 when Jennifer Lee's involvement as the screenwriter for an original film at Disney Animation was unveiled. In September 2022, the project was officially announced, revealing the co-directors Buck and Veerasunthorn, and producers Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones. The art style, a fusion of traditional watercolor and computer animation, pays homage to Disney's rich history.

The movie's musical dimension is a standout feature, with original songs penned by Julia Michaels, Benjamin Rice, and JP Saxe. Dave Metzger, a frequent collaborator with Disney, composed the film's score. The soundtrack, scheduled for release on November 17, 2023, promises to be a melodic companion to the enchanting visuals. Clips from the film, such as Asha singing This Wish, have already garnered attention for their emotional depth and musical prowess.

Wish made its grand debut at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on November 8, 2023, with a theatrical release in the United States set for November 22. The UK premiere is slated for November 20, 2023. The film's marketing strategy has been as enchanting as its storyline, with Lego sets, toys, and figurines capturing the essence of the magical world. Disney's Wish Together campaign, in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, adds a heartwarming touch by donating a portion of merchandise sales to the foundation.

Despite challenges posed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the film's cast has remained integral to its promotion. The trailer, hailed as Disney's most viewed for an animated film since Frozen II (2019), showcases the film's originality, well-defined characters, and the compelling portrayal of King Magnifico as the central antagonist.

As the release date approaches, box office projections estimate a strong opening weekend in North America, ranging from $45 to $65 million, with a potential domestic total between $185 and $289 million. Disney's Wish is poised to enchant audiences of all ages, offering a timeless and captivating narrative that continues the legacy of Disney's storytelling magic. As the cinematic world eagerly awaits this musical fantasy, Wish stands as a testament to the enduring power of wishes and the enchantment found within the magical realms crafted by Disney Animation Studios.

Synopsis :
Asha, a quick-witted 17-year-old devoted to her loved ones, lives in Rosas, a kingdom where literally every wish can be granted. In a moment of despair, she makes a wish to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force: a small ball of infinite energy named Star. Together, Star and Asha face their most formidable enemy yet, and prove that the wish of a determined person, combined with the magic of the stars, can produce miracles...

Wish
Directed by Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Screenplay by Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore
Story by Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn, Allison Moore
Produced by Peter Del Vecho, Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones
Starring Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama, Harvey Guillén, Evan Peters, Ramy Youssef, Jon Rudnitsky
Cinematography : Rob Dressel (layout), Adolph Lusinsky (lighting)
Edited by Jeff Draheim
Music by Dave Metzger (score), Julia Michaels (songs) Benjamin Rice (songs)
Production companies : Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates : November 8, 2023 (El Capitan Theatre), November 22, 2023 (United States), November 29, 2023 (France)
Running time : 92 minutes