Ariana DeBose Plays Disney’s First Afro-Latina Princess In ‘Wish’

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the teaser trailer for their newest animated musical film on Thursday, April 27. Wish stars Ariana DeBose in the lead role as the first-ever Afro-Latina princess named Asha. 

Disney introduced the film as follows: Asha, a 17-year-old whose life changes unexpectedly when she makes a wish on a star. The story kicks off when Asha meets a magical being who grants her wishes, beginning with granting her pet goat, voiced by Alan Tudyk, the ability to speak English. In the teaser, it seems like the pair come together to face off against the movie’s villain, King Magnifico – voiced by Chris Pine.

Fawn Veerasunthorn, co-director of Wish alongside Frozen’s Chris Buck, said that they wanted to tap into the inspirational magic from 100 years of Disney animated movies with 32-year-old Debose in the lead role.

She explained, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”

According to Disney, the film will feature original songs written by acclaimed Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, with the score being composed by Marvel composer Dace Metzger.

Ariana DeBose is best known for her Oscar-winning performance as a supporting character, Anita, in West Side Story; however, DeBose also had parts in Hamilton, Westworld, The Prom, and Human Resources. 

Wish is set to premiere in theaters on Wednesday, Nov. 22.