It’s a big 2023 for Disney animated films, as as Pixar‘s latest film, “Elemental,” closes the Cannes Film Festival next month. But there’s another animated feature on the way later this year, too: “Wish,” Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn‘s tale about humanity’s connection to the cosmos.
READ MORE: ‘Elemental’ Trailer: Fire & Water Don’t Mix Well In Pixar’s New Animated Film
So what’s “Wish” about? The film follows Asha, a witty girl on the cusp of adulthood who senses her community is in danger and wishes upon a star to save it. Funnily enough, the star responds…
Here’s an official synopsis for the upcoming animated film, courtesy of Disney:
In “Wish,” Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—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.
Ariana DeBose, who recently won an Oscar for her role in “West Side Story,” leads the voice cast of “Wish” as Asha. The film also stars Chris Pine as King Magnifico, Alan Tudyk as Valentino, Asha’s favorite goat. No word on who voices Star just yet.
As stated above, “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” director Chris Buck shares directorial duties with Fawn Veerasunthorn in her feature debut. Veerasunthorn served as head of story for 2021’s “Raya And The Last Dragon.” Producers for “Wish” include Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes. Jennifer Lee serves as executive producer on the film, and co-writes “Wish” with Allison Moore.
“Wish” also has a couple of original songs from Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, and a score by composer Dave Metzger.
Disney’s 62nd animated film takes place in Rosas, a fantastical kingdom located off the Iberian peninsula. Both Buck and Veerasunthorn wanted the imagined land to be a wholly original kingdom, but also one that honors the legacy of what Disney Animation is all about. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said Buck. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”
“We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years,” added Veerasunthorn, “especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”
“Wish” opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. Watch a trailer for the film below.