Unveiling Disney's Wish: A Mesmerizing Homage to the Animation Legacy - From the Inception of Magic!
Discover the enchanting world of Disney's Wish! Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of nostalgic nods and Easter eggs, as this magical cruise ship pays homage to the company's rich animation legacy From their very first movie to beloved classics, these references are scattered throughout the entire film, delighting fans of all ages
Summary
Disney's Wish is filled with references to the studio's long animation history, including their very first movie, making it a celebration of Disney's 100-year anniversary.
The movie pays tribute to beloved Disney classics like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, showcasing their signature visual aesthetics and iconic characters such as Maleficent and the Evil Queen. Combining contemporary computer animation with Disney's timeless watercolor art, Wish crafts a distinct style reminiscent of the studio's early origins.
Disney's Wish showcases numerous nods to the studio's extensive animated past, encompassing even their debut film. The 62nd animated feature from Disney, Wish centers around a 17-year-old girl named Asha who, upon sensing a looming darkness in her kingdom, makes a wish upon a star, only to receive more than she anticipated. The star-studded cast of Wish includes Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Angelique Cabral, and Alan Tudyk.
In anticipation of Wish's upcoming release later this year, directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn unveiled in an Entertainment Weekly interview that the movie will be teeming with allusions to Disney's rich animation legacy. The directing duo provided insight into a few examples from the film, such as its expansive aspect ratio which pays homage to Sleeping Beauty. Meanwhile, Wish's antagonist, Magnifico, possesses certain resemblances to Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty and the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For a complete rundown, please refer to their detailed explanation below.
Buck: The movie is filled with numerous elements. We are currently in the process of creating a list of these elements, but it is growing so quickly that I cannot give you an exact number. Each department contributes to the list, and there may still be some elements that we are unaware of until they inform us. The movie is presented on a wider screen, giving it an epic feel, which is also reflected in the story.
Veerasunthorn: We have always been fascinated by the idea that, for a brief moment, the villain and hero may share a similar philosophy. Understanding the significance of wishes to people and what drives their hearts is a crucial aspect of one's identity. Asha and Magnifico recognize this importance, but what sets them apart is their approach to achieving their desires.
The aim is to create a dynamic visual representation that resembles a moving illustration. Each frame of this film is designed as a beautiful painting. We refrain from using excessive motion blurs in order to maintain clarity and focus. We have utilized a unique watercolor technique where objects in the background have reduced detailing, creating a sense of distance. Our team has developed innovative technology that allows us to precisely control the lines and details in different areas of the screen. This enables us to effectively highlight specific individuals or situations, ultimately emulating the vibrant nature of real-life watercolor art.
Buck: Our intention was to produce a film that honors the essence of Disney and caters to our loyal fans. With a century of Disney's legacy, it is the unwavering support from our audience that has kept both us and the studio thriving. Their influence is deeply ingrained within every aspect of our work.
Every Disney Reference In Wish We Know So Far
As part of Disney's 100-year anniversary celebration, Wish is filled with references to the studio's rich history of animation. These references, referred to as "legacy nods" by the directing duo, go beyond typical Easter eggs due to their nuanced nature. For instance, the central premise of Wish, where Asha wishes upon a star, pays homage to Pinocchio, a classic film from 1940 that popularized the concept of a wishing star.
Another example of a prominent legacy nod in Wish is its villain, King Magnifico, voiced by Chris Pine. In his lair resides a poisoned apple, reminiscent of the one used by the Evil Queen in Disney's first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937. Wish further explores the similarities between Magnifico and Maleficent, not only in their names but also in delving into how the philosophies of the hero and villain align, similar to Disney's successful live-action Maleficent movies.
Wish also includes visual allusions to Disney's beloved animated classics. A standout reference is the unique choice of an unusually wide aspect ratio, reminiscent of the 1959 film Sleeping Beauty, which has not been utilized by a Disney production since. Additionally, Wish's animation style ingeniously blends contemporary computer animation with Disney's timeless watercolor artwork, paying homage to Snow White. These are just a few of the known Disney references in Wish up to this point, and there may be more surprises in store as its release date draws near.
