One hundred years — a whole century has passed since Walt Disney (and his brother) established the animation studio that would end up being one of the world’s oldest and most influential companies. As a pioneer in the industry, Disney is, without a doubt, an icon. The animated creations produced out of the studio never cease to reap acclaim and accolades, constantly serving the audience with marvelous, high-quality films. As time advances, so does the brand; the legacy of Walt Disney never dies. In fact, it’s stronger than ever.

As we enter 2023, the fateful 100th year of sharing wonder and joy with the world, Disney plans to gift us a special treat: a brand-new animated feature titled Wish. After all, we, too, need a break from all the live-action remakes the company has created, and an original production has long been requested. Luckily, that particular wish is about to be granted. Last September, at the D23 panel event, the movie was announced and will proudly join the long line of the studio’s animated motion pictures as the 62nd entry. And really, fans are in for some very exciting updates.

Wish: The Plot

Disney

It goes without saying that an occasion as special as the 100th-anniversary calls for special treatment. What better way to commemorate it than returning to the roots, right? For instance, the company’s leading symbol. And no, it’s not Mickey Mouse but rather the iconic wishing star we were first introduced to in Pinocchio, subsequently told in Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and The Princess and the Frog, and the one that has been gracing the first shot of every Disney castle logo since 2006. Certainly, the origin tale of that particular star would make for a story most fitting of a film specifically made in honor of the centennial celebration. Well, you’ll be happy to hear that Wish very much agrees with the idea, for the feature’s plot will revolve around the question, “How did the wishing star, upon which so many Disney characters wished, come to be?”

Related: Best Animated Disney Movies From Each Decade

The official synopsis of Wish reads:

Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story introduces Asha, an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes 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.

Of course, the magical narrative described above can only unfold if enhanced with the right kind of magic, or in this case, medium. In line to blend the beauty of the past and present, Wish is set to adopt the musical genre along with fantasy and adventure and will combine Disney’s beautiful original watercolor art style with the prevailing technique the studio uses, computer-generated 3D animation.

Related: Explained: Is 2D Mixed with 3D Animation Making a Comeback?

Wish: The Cast

20th Century Studios/Syfy

Currently, not much about the complete cast list is known, but this much is certain: the 17-year-old protagonist Asha will be voiced by the Oscar winner, the lovely Anita of West Side Story, Ariana DeBose. DeBose will bring out Asha’s inspiring Disney-like heroine quality, who is driven and incredibly smart, sees the darkness in the kingdom nobody else sees, and finds a way to help the people she loves, even if it means calling down an actual star from the sky. Meanwhile, the versatile Disney’s official good-luck charm and legend in the making, Alan Tudyk, will play Valentino, a pajama-wearing goat who wishes for the ability to communicate.

Release Date
Wish is scheduled to fall onto the theaters this year on Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day –– following the tradition Disney so regularly maintains for their animated features’ releases.

Everything Else We Know

Disney

The Disney Animated Canon is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated media people look up to. As such, Wish is held to a certain quality that is of a higher standard. Therefore, the studio must employ the best, as in top box-office-earning and Oscar-winning kind of best, like, the minds behind Frozen. Correspondingly, Chris Buck, Jenniffer Lee, and Peter del Vecho will bring the Arandellian supremacy they once created to the table and join forces once again in this movie as director, screenwriter, and producer, respectively. Joining Buck in the directing honor is Fawn Veerasunthorn, Raya and the Last Dragon’s Head of Story, while Juan Pablo Reyes will co-produce with del Vecho.

The names above are nothing short of familiar, for they are indeed closely associated with Disney. However, for a refreshing change, the talented singer-songwriter Julia Michaels is entrusted to compose the musical numbers for Wish. One song, More for Us, was sung to the audience during the D23 panel.

With first looks already revealed and pieces of info divulged above, people are genuinely anticipating Wish’s arrival in theatres, given how it marks the outstanding milestone of a legendary brand treasured by many for generations. Not to mention, fans are more than ready to spot all the covert Easter Eggs Disney never fails to integrate into their cinematic creations because they’re bound to come in abundance.