Disney released new information about its upcoming animated film, Raya and the Last Dragon, including a first-look image as well as an updated cast that features Star Wars' Kelly Marie Tran in the titular role. In August 2019, Disney first announced the movie as its newest in-house animated production. The cast initially included actress and comedian Awkwafina along with Degrassi: The Next Generation's Cassie Steele. Adele Lim of Crazy Rich Asians was signed on to write, with longtime Disney alums Paul Briggs, Dean Wellins, and Osnat Shurer tapped as directors and producers.
Originally, Disney did not give much information about the story. It was to follow Raya, a warrior from the fictional realm of Kumandra, as she searches for the last remaining dragon. At the time of the announcement, Disney also confirmed that the film would reflect Southeast Asian culture and myths, particularly using places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia as inspiration. The initial announcement also included concept art and a November 2020 release date, which has since been pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The first-look image, shared exclusively by Entertainment Weekly, aligns closely with the original concept art—but EW also shared the news that the talent and release date all have major updates. Now, Kelly Marie Tran will be lending her voice to Raya instead of Steele. Awkwafina is still involved and will be playing Sisu, a dragon who has somehow ended up in a human body and needs Raya's help to change back. The news involves a directorial shift as well. Taking the helm will be Don Hall, one of the directors behind hits like Moana and Big Hero 6, along with Blindspotting's Carlos López Estrada. Briggs is staying on as co-director, along with Disney animator John Ripa. American-Vietnamese playwright Qui Nguyen is joining Lim as a co-writer. Shurer is still producing the film, along with Peter Del Vecho, which is largely being created from remote locations—a relative first for Disney.
The first-look picture doesn't give a ton of story information, but it does feature Raya looking like a true warrior. The hero is carrying a mighty sword and wears a flowing red cape as she stares at a landscape that echoes some iconic destinations in Southeast Asia. Raya is also accompanied by Tuk Tuk, her trusty sidekick—because every Disney character needs one—who is described by Hall as half-bear, half-armadillo. Hall shared a few plot details with EW, stating that there's an evil force in the kingdom, represented by the villain Druun, and Raya must find the last dragon to help her save their land.
Overall, the film looks like it'll be a positive step forward in Disney's representation and inclusivity. Both writers are of Southeast Asian descent, and Tran herself is the first Southeast Asian lead in a Disney production. Nguyen noted to EW that movie heroes are typically white, and Asian representation is usually from East Asia—like the upcoming Mulan remake—so this film is incredibly important. It's a perfect follow-up to Moana, which also featured an independent female warrior and a non-white story. As of now, Raya and the Last Dragon is slated to premiere on March 12, 2021.
Source: Entertainment Weekly