Summary
Disney heroines have evolved from needing to be rescued to being the ones who save the day, and Asha represents the next step in this evolution.
The journey of Asha in Wish delves into themes encompassing the loss of innocence, the longing to combat injustice, and the endeavor to become a hero in one's own right. Asha, akin to other Disney heroines, embodies traits that strike a chord with audiences, effectively allowing them to relate to her and feel empowered.
Jennifer Lee, writer of Wish and CCO of Disney Animation Studios, delves into the significance of Asha and how she embodies the progression of Disney heroines. The film centers around Asha, a 17-year-old residing in the Kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico, who possesses the extraordinary power to grant wishes. However, Asha uncovers a dark truth about the king and turns to the heavens in a plea for assistance, which astoundingly receives an answer. Stars descend from the sky, endowed with the ability to fulfill wishes, and together they strive to usher in a brighter future for the Kingdom of Rosas, while simultaneously combatting the long-standing darkness that has plagued it.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for Wish, Lee details the symbolism behind Asha as the next Disney heroine. She elucidates how previous heroines have impacted her own life, such as Cinderella teaching her how to overcome bullying and Ariel inspiring her to dare to dream. Asha embodies the evolution of Disney Animation Studios' storytelling over the course of a century, standing alongside the numerous heroines who preceded her. Yet, she imparts a new lesson for both children and adults alike to learn from. Read Lee's complete statement below.
Jennifer Lee: Our portrayal of Asha takes this character to a whole new level, one that resonates with every individual. It's not limited to just women. We all reach a point in life where we transition into adulthood and are confronted with a reality that is far from perfect. There are parts of the world that inflict harm on people, and the question is, will you take a stand and how will you face the challenges and consequences that come with it? We have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the evolution of Asha and the growth she undergoes.
In addition to Anna and Elsa, who exemplify a different form of love - familial love - and explore deeply human themes, we are thrilled to introduce Asha. She is a complex character who must become her own hero, navigating the difficulties without sugarcoating the hardships or ignoring her flaws. This approach represents our commitment to creating multidimensional characters that our audience craves. We understand that they have seen it all, and we strive to continuously move forward.
How Asha's Story In Wish Is The Next Step In Disney Heroine
Disney heroines have evolved from being damsels in distress to becoming the saviors themselves. These characters have beautifully depicted various struggles and different forms of love. Asha is the perfect embodiment of a century's worth of storytelling and growth. She must pay homage to Disney's legacy while also connecting with the values and ideals of today's generation through her role as a young hero.
Asha's loss of innocence, when she realizes that the world is not as kind as she once believed, serves as a captivating starting point. This moment is universal, as everyone experiences a disheartening awakening at some point in their journey. However, it appears that Asha will respond to this revelation by seeking justice and taking on the role of the hero she had once expected others to be. This presents an opportunity for Wish to infuse the story with a powerful message of fighting for one's beliefs and fighting for those who are unable to defend themselves.
In Wish, Ahsa effectively embodies the quintessential traits of Disney heroines, resonating with audiences and reflecting their own life experiences. Through her character, Ahsa addresses universal themes such as the loss of innocence, the quest for justice, and the challenging journey of self-discovery after realizing that the world is not as it seems. Ahsa's narrative in Wish pays homage to the legacy of previous Disney heroines, while simultaneously forging a new and inspiring path for future characters.
