Here's everything we know about Disney's new animated musical Encanto. Walt Disney Animation Studios has long been one of the dominant Hollywood studios for family-friendly animated musicals. The tradition of including at least a few songs in their movies began with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves back in 1937, but modern musical numbers didn't become a major part of their films until the 1990s. Classic Disney animated films like The Lion King and Aladdin produced sing-a-longs that are still popular decades later, while more recent hits like TangledMoana, and the Frozen franchise have proven how successful their movies can be when heavily including this element.

Disney's latest animated musical is Encanto, and it's the 60th animated movie made by the studio overall. The possibility of the movie first became known in 2016, but it wasn't until 2020 that Disney confirmed its development. Encanto is co-directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, who previously co-directed the Oscar-winning Zootopia for the studio in 2016. Bush also co-wrote the screenplay with Charise Castro Smith. Encanto's musical elements come from the brilliant mind of Hamilton and In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who previously worked with Disney writing music for Moana.

Related: Every Upcoming Lin-Manuel Miranda Movie & TV Show

Encanto has received incredibly positive reviews from critics who have already seen the film prior to its theatrical release, and it's shaping up to be another big win for Disney's long-running animation department. With its release nearing, here's everything we know about the upcoming animated musical's story and cast, as well as when audiences will be able to watch it on Disney+.

Encanto Release Date (In Theaters & Disney+)

Voice of Stephanie Beatriz in Encanto

Disney gave Encanto an exclusive theatrical release date of November 24, 2021. The theater-only release coincides with Thanksgiving and is a change of pace for how the studio has handled animated releases recently. Raya and the Last Dragon received a simultaneous release in theaters and as a Premier Access title on Disney+, while Pixar's most recent movies Soul and Luca were released exclusively on the streaming service for no additional fee. Even though Disney's new animated musical will not be immediately available for families to watch from their homes, it is already confirmed Encanto will release on Disney+ on December 24, 2021. This gives all subscribers access to the new musical for the Christmas holidays.

Encanto's Musical Story

Mirabel smiling in front of Casita in Disney's Encanto

The story of Encanto focuses on Mirabel Madrigal, the daughter of an extraordinary family. They live together in the mountains of Colombia in a secret place known as Encanto, which is filled with magic. The magical properties of Encanto give every child a unique gift traditionally, but Mirabel is the only one who didn't receive such abilities. Encanto follows Mirabel's journey to accepting her place among her friends and family, while also playing a central role in saving those she loves due to a danger to Encanto's magic.

Encanto's Voice Cast

The cast of Encanto poses for a picture outside in Disney's Encanto.

In Disney's traditional fashion, Enancto's voice cast is packed with recognizable names. The film also remains authentic to its South American roots, employing a mostly Columbian cast headlined by Stephanie Beatriz. Best known for playing Rosa in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Beatriz plays Mirabel Madrigal, the quirky but emotional female protagonist. Other members of Encanto's cast includes John Leguizamo, María Cecilia Botero, Doom Patrol's Diane Guerrero, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, and Wilmer Valderrama. Alan Tudyk also continues his tradition of voicing obscure characters in Disney animated movies, as he plays a toucan named Pico.

More: All 11 Animated Disney Movies Releasing After Luca

Key Release Dates