It's time to break out the bubbly, Disney fans! The studio is making strides towards greater diversity and representation in its films with the announcement of their first Afro-Latina heroine. Ariana DeBose, a Golden Globe winner, will be playing Asha in Wish, an upcoming film that explores the origin of the iconic wishing star.
The character Asha is described as a driven and intelligent young woman who is an optimist and a natural leader. As she embarks on her journey, Asha sees the darkness in the world that others don't and strives to bring light and positivity to those around her.
The reveal of the film at the D23 Expo was met with enthusiastic applause from fans, and DeBose expressed her excitement on Instagram, saying, "The Disney kid inside me is doing cartwheels🤸🏾♀️ I can't wait for you all to meet Asha!"
The film's directors, Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, are seasoned Disney veterans, having directed popular titles like Frozen and Moana. For Wish, they are blending traditional and modern animation techniques, incorporating both 3D CG animation and watercolors.
In an era where diversity and representation are essential in shaping the entertainment industry, Disney's decision to promote a broader range of experiences in their storytelling is more critical than ever. We can't wait to see Asha's journey unfold and to see more diverse representation in Disney films in the future. Here's to more wishes coming true and a future where representation is the norm, not the exception.
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