Chris Pine Opens Up About Nervousness in Singing for Disney's 'Wish': 'Not My Strong Suit'

Chris Pine. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Chris Pine had mixed feelings about taking on the singing role in his new Disney movie musical Wish. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pine, who is 43 years old, expressed his surprise and reluctance, saying, "Every time you’re like, ‘They f—ing hired me?! Oh my God, no.’ It’s not my strong suit, it's not my expertise."

Despite his anxiety, Pine had a deep admiration for the style of songs crafted by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the Disney movie, commemorating a century of storytelling. He shared with the outlet that Michaels intentionally played against the dominant melody line, allowing the listener to truly grasp the tale within the lyrics. Pine drew parallels to Stephen Sondheim's work, emphasizing the atonal nature and strong focus on plot and emotions rather than mere aesthetic appeal. Despite feeling nervous, he embraced the challenge of singing these songs wholeheartedly.

Pine has showcased his vocal abilities before, previously starring in the 2014 movie musical Into the Woods. This experience also caused him a great deal of anxiety.

During the recording session, famous composer Stephen Sondheim confronted Pine about a mistake he made in the second stanza. Pine mistakenly sang a B instead of an A-flat. This incident highlighted Pine's error, contributing to his intense fear and nervousness.

Disney's Wish, set to release on November 22, follows the journey of Asha, a 17-year-old protagonist portrayed by Ariana DeBose. Asha ventures to the heavens, making a wish upon the stars, as she becomes convinced that darkness prevails within the enchanting realm of Rosas. This magical land is ruled by the sorcerer Magnifico, played by Pine.

Announced during the D23 Expo, the film intends to pay tribute to Disney Animation Studios' 100-year anniversary. Screenwriter Jennifer Lee expressed her deep connection to the song "When You Wish Upon A Star," explaining that it has always been a part of her life. She believes that a wish is not simply a passive desire, but a declaration of one's deepest desires. She hopes to deconstruct this concept in a more intricate manner while also celebrating the studio's centennial.

During the initial test screenings of Wish, codirected by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, there was a difficulty in conveying the profound impact of a wish and its emotional significance. Recognizing this crucial point, Buck, 65, emphasized the need to persevere in order to cultivate its inherent power.