Ariana DeBose Voices Disney’s First Afro-Latina Princess in ‘Wish’

This most recent CinemaCon gave movie fans a week’s worth of surprises, including the announcement of a “Beetlejuice” sequel that may or may not star Jenna Ortega. However, the biggest W for Latinos this week arrived with the trailer for Disney’s latest animated musical, “Wish,” starring Ariana DeBose.

The upcoming animated film features Disney’s first Afro-Latina princess. Even better is that an Afro-Latina actress is voicing her. In addition to voicing the character, DeBose will lend her singing voice to the film, as well, with a soundtrack of original songs.

“Wish” features unique animation alongside its historic casting

As films like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which also features an Afro-Latino hero, push the boundaries of what mainstream animation can be, Disney is combining its classic animation style while incorporating the new standard of three-dimensional CGI.

However, the animation isn’t the only thing that’s unique about Disney’s newest animated musical. After her historic Oscar win for “West Side Story,” DeBose is once again making movie history playing 17-year-old Asha, who uses a wish so powerful, it conjures a ball of energy named from the sky named Star.

With her loyal sidekick, a goat named Valentino, in tow, the trio sets out to defeat the tyrant King Magnifico (played by Chris Pine), who has a white-knuckle grip around her island, Rosas, as well as the wishes of its people.

Disney made some major announcements at CinemaCon 2023

In addition to “Wish,” Disney offered a 20-minute peek at “Elemental,” Pixar’s latest original story. They also gave fans updates on the latest “Haunted Mansion” film as well as the upcoming live-action “Little Mermaid” remake.

Disney also teased a film from “Rogue One” director Gareth Evans called “The Creator” starring John David Washington. However, as far as animation goes, “Wish” seems to be one of the year’s most anticipated new films.