Disney is taking us on another magical journey with their new movie, Wish. As the iconic Walt Disney Company approaches its monumental 100th anniversary, what better way to celebrate than with a dazzling new animated film? Directed by Disney royalty Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, Wish promises to be a captivating addition to the studio’s rich legacy. Let’s dive into the enchanting details surrounding the release date, cast, and the spellbinding story that awaits us.
What is the Release Date of ‘Wish’?
Mark your calendars and set your wishes aflutter because Wish was initially slated for a November 24, 2023 release, perfectly timed to coincide with Disney’s centennial celebration. However, the magic has been accelerated, and the film will now grace theaters on November 22, 2023, adding an extra sprinkle of anticipation to the festivities. Disney is even granting eager fans the chance to catch an early screening in select theaters on November 18 – a special treat for those who can’t wait to embark on this whimsical journey.
Unlike some recent Disney projects that found their way directly to Disney+, Wish has chosen a grand entrance, opening exclusively in theaters for its premiere. Given the significance of theaters in Disney’s illustrious history, this decision seems like a heartfelt nod to the past. But fear not, Disney fans! If you miss the theatrical magic, Wish is expected to join the Disney+ lineup in 2024, ensuring everyone gets a chance to experience the enchantment.
‘Wish’ Trailers
The journey into Wish began with the release of its first official trailer on April 27, 2023. While the teaser didn’t spill all the secrets, it tantalized us with glimpses of the unique combination of 2D and 3D animation, a homage to Disney’s century-long commitment to pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling. As the anticipation grew, Disney treated us to more enchanting glimpses, including a featurette starring the charismatic Chris Pine, who lends his voice to the character of King Magnifico.
On September 27, the curtains were pulled back even further with the unveiling of the first full trailer, offering a more comprehensive look into the film’s captivating plot. The blend of classic and modern animation styles showcased in the trailers has left fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release, promising a visual feast that pays homage to Disney’s remarkable history.
The Star-Studded Cast of ‘Wish’
What’s a Disney film without a star-studded cast? Wish doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The talented ensemble includes Ariana DeBose, known for her role in West Side Story, as the main character, Asha. Chris Pine takes on the role of the villainous King Magnifico, while Alan Tudyk, famous for his work on Harley Quinn, provides the voice for Asha’s pet goat, Valentino.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, Victor Garber as Asha’s grandfather Sabino, Natasha Rothwell as Asha’s mother Sakina, and a host of other notable names such as Jennifer Kumiyama, Harvey Guillén, Niko Vargas, Evan Peters, Ramy Youssef, Jon Rudnitsky, and Della Saba. With such a stellar lineup, Wish brings together a perfect blend of seasoned performers ready to breathe life into the magical world of Disney.
Plotting the Course of ‘Wish’
Now, let’s unravel the magical tapestry of Wish. Set in a world where wishes are granted by the enigmatic King Magnifico, the film follows the journey of Asha, a 17-year-old optimist and emerging leader. When Asha discovers the truth about the wish-making practices of King Magnifico, she makes a wish upon a star, setting in motion a series of events that lead to the arrival of a mischievous cosmic force named Star.
The official synopsis teases us with the promise of a young girl facing one of the most formidable enemies in the universe, teaming up with Star, a boundless ball of pure energy and chaos. As we anticipate the release, speculation is ripe about “Wish” potentially being a spiritual prequel to Disney’s classic Pinocchio, with the iconic motif of wishing upon a star weaving its way into the narrative.
Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Magic:
As we eagerly await the release of Wish, it’s impossible not to reflect on the profound impact Disney has had on our lives for an incredible 100 years. From the pioneering days of Walt and Roy Disney to the recent acquisitions of Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, and Marvel Entertainment, Disney has continually redefined the landscape of animated storytelling.
Wish serves as a poignant celebration of this remarkable journey, blending the nostalgia of hand-drawn aesthetics reminiscent of classics like Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio with the technological prowess of CGI animation. In the words of Disney’s chief creative officer, Jennifer Lee, Wish represents a celebration of the fact that animation isn’t here to mimic life but to transport us to a whole other world.
Ending Notes
In the grand tapestry of Disney’s 100-year legacy, Wish stands as a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling. As the release date approaches, the trailers tantalize, the cast dazzles, and the plot intrigues. So, let the countdown to November 22, 2023, begin, as we prepare to embark on a magical journey with Asha, Star, and the enchanting world of Wish. May all your wishes come true in this celebration of Disney’s century-long commitment to capturing our hearts and sparking our imaginations.
