Disney’s Newest Animated Film Already Has Fans “Wish”ing For More

This Thanksgiving, Disney’s newest animated feature hits theaters. Dubbed the company’s “first original fairy tale,” Wish releases on November 22, 2023, and in true Disney fashion, it’s already sparking controversy. Chances are, you’ve gotten wind of some of the fan reactions making their way around various social media platforms. After a series of flops at the box office, it’s safe to say Disney is hoping this film will be a great success. After all, The Walt Disney Company seems to be catering to the fans on this one. That said, you can’t please everybody. Wish attempts to hearken back to beloved movies from Disney’s Renaissance period. From 1989-1999, fans were treated to a decade of hits including, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Mulan, and more. Hence, Wish – a tribute to Disney’s well-respected past…or is it?

What Fans Are Saying

While fans were excited about the prospect of a new film boasting throwbacks to their childhood favorites, the trailer seems to have underwhelmed them. Some have suggested that the design looks unfinished. To add to that, while Disney gives nods to 2D animation via the film’s backgrounds, some hoped to see a whole movie dedicated to the traditional genre. Disney seems to be attempting to give fans what they asked for – a brand new movie (not a remake), the look of classic films, and a true Disney villain…Unfortunately, some are left feeling that the magic of the Disney they once knew and loved is gone, and aren’t hopeful it will ever return.

Personally, I like to give new movies a chance before I cast judgment, but to each their own. People are very protective of their Disney. Because the bar has been so high in the past, what with the Golden Age of Disney animation in the early years, and the Disney Renaissance thereafter, it’s understandable that there are such strong emotions. Disney definitely knows how to elicit a passionate response, albeit a negative one in this case. The Walt Disney Company seems to be pulling out all the stops to promote this movie, pumping fans up with a new trailer, a holiday release during the Disney100 celebration, a Make-A-Wish campaign, and a behind-the-scenes event in Hollywood. They’ve even advertised the arrival of Asha at Disney Parks later this year.

But will it be enough to draw fans to the theater, come November?  Let’s take a look at the new film, hear what the creators have to see, and check out the new trailer. Then, you can decide for yourself!

About Disney’s Animated Film Wish

Disney is advertising Wish as both a musical comedy and an action-adventure fantasy. The story follows 17-year-old idealist, Asha, whose powerful wish is granted by Star, a “ball of boundless energy.” On a mission to save her community, she and Star must face King Magnifico, a sorcerer who rules the island of Rosas. Within King Magnifico’s castle, lies an observatory where the wishes of his subjects are kept. Each is housed in a shining, airborne globe, with granted wishes left up to his whim. Unfortunately, Asha comes to realize that Magnifico doesn’t plan on granting the majority of those wishes, inciting trouble between them.

Wish is rated PG and was directed by Chris Buck (Director of Frozen/Frozen 2), and Fawn Veerasunthorn, and scored by composer Dave Metzger. Voice talents for the film include Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as King Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Valentino, the sidekick goat. 

What Wish‘s Creative Team Has To Say

Wish is a unique film for Disney. Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios boasts, “This is our first original fairy tale. It honors our 100-year legacy and celebrates the original storytelling that we’re going to keep pushing ourselves to do, driving our stories forward.”  One of the attributes that define the movie is its watercolor look. Although it’s actually CG, it’s intended to appear hand-drawn, making it a modern tribute to classic films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. Director, Chris Buck shares, “We’re embracing our legacy along with moving toward the future.” Lee adds that the intention is to “connect the artistry of our artists with the technology, to honor the past and get stronger and stronger as storytellers.”

In addition to its classic appearance, Disney aimed to incorporate nostalgic elements into the new tale. From inspiring themes to “soaring” new songs, Easter Eggs (of sorts) abound. For instance, Asha’s wishing tree was inspired by Walt Disney’s Dreaming Tree in Marceline Missouri. Buck shares, “There are so many nods in this movie to our legacy. Every different department would put little moments in there or on a character or something in the background that will be nods to that legacy. It’s just who we are.”

Full Circle?

Lee brings the inspiration for the film back to Walt Disney. She shares, “Walt really had a great sense of character. He really excelled in creating very relatable, entertaining, fun characters. Disney films are famous for “stories that resonate with people, that bring hope. Walt wasn’t afraid to tell stories that could go to dark places—as life does, as fairy tales do—but ultimately recognizing we’re here to bring hope and possibility. And I think of that all the time.”

Disney’s Wish Trailer

Disney appears to have made an effort to listen to its audience when it came to Wish‘s imagining. The team attempted to blend fans’ interests with nods to the past and new technology. Are people being too hard on Disney with this one? It looks as if what fans really want is to be transported back in time. However, based on interviews with the creative team, Disney seems inclined to stick with new processes and only source particular elements from the past. Are Disney’s best years behind us? It will be interesting to see how this movie fares when the numbers roll in this holiday season. For now, check out Wish‘s trailer and you be the judge!

WELL… WHAT SAY YOU?!

So, what are your first impressions of Disney’s Wish? How do you feel about the new film? Do you agree with some fans that Disney isn’t listening or will you give the movie a chance? What would you like to see in the future as far as animated films go? Let us know in the comments!