Everything to Know About Disney's "Wish" Movie

Something phenomenal is coming to Disney.

Years after telling stories about what happens when protagonists wish upon a star, Disney is finally exploring how the iconic star came.

During Disney's D23 expo on September 9, the studio announced a new animated musical, "Wish".

The movie follows 17-year-old Asha, voiced by West Side Story Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, and centers on the legend of the wishing star. 

In the story, Asha makes an impassioned plea to the sky, which is answered by a ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star work to save her community.

Story behind Wish

Chris Buck, who is directing the movie along with Fawn Veerasunthorn, spoke about the movie's inspiration during the D23 presentation. 

"Fawn and I both grew up on Disney classics and fell in love with them. Truly is no greater power in the universe than someone with a true wish in their hearts," he said. 

Walt Disney Animation Studios' Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee noted that the movie means so much to all at the studio and has been an incredible collaboration across all generations.

In an interview later that day, Debose spoke about her character Asha. 

"I'm really excited that little girls can identify with this character and have a character that, she's not one thing, she's many, many things, like many of the Disney characters," the actress noted. 

"But how cool is it that she can sort of be created in an image like mine? I think that's amazing."

What is Wish about?

The movie is set in the fictional kingdom Rosas and follows an optimistic young woman named Asha. When the heroine makes a wish, she is answered by a cosmic force named Star. 

Asha and Star work to defeat a villain that has been described as one of the most "formidable foes" in Disney history.

During D23, DeBose spoke about her role and noted: "I am voicing the character, an original character mind you, named Asha who is kinda like me in some ways. She's got many parts to her, she's so smart, she's got a great sense of humor and she's trying to take care of people she loves most in the world," the actress stated during D23.

The actress continued: "She's a leader and 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,".

DeBose noted that the movie will include adventure and "a lot of singing".

"I think audiences can be excited about original songs, an original story. It's all the Disney magic you know and love, but it looks like us, and that's really exciting," she added. 

Who is in the cast and crew?

So far, only DeBose and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" alum Alan Tudyk has been announced as cast members for the upcoming movie.

While DeBose will star as Asha, Tudyk will voice a goat named Valentino. 

"Wish" will be directed by Oscar-winning "Frozen" helmer Chris Buck and Veerasunthorn, who worked on animation for "Raya and the Last Dragon". 

According to Disney, the movie will blend a timeless watercolor style with contemporary 3D CG animation that pays homage to the watercolor illustrations that inspired Walt Disney.

 When will Wish be released?

The movie will be released in theaters on November 22, 2023.