Wish's New Disney Character Asha
Nov 10, 2023
WISH opens November 24
Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary by introducing us to Asha, the latest and greatest Disney character to take hold of people’s hearts.
WISH is the upcoming Disney movie that is hitting AMC Theatres during Thanksgiving weekend, and leading that movie is Asha, a young, adventurous girl who, no doubt, will charm us from the moment she steps onto the screen. Ariana DeBose voices the character.
But how old is she? Is she royalty? What can movie lovers expect from this new Disney character that fans don’t already know about every other Disney character? Before Disney fans head to the theatres to check out WISH, here is what they should know about its protagonist, Asha.
The first thing to mention on this list about Asha is that she is voiced by Ariana DeBose, who has made a splash in the movie and TV industry over the last few years.
DeBose got her start on Broadway, appearing in the original “Hamilton” cast, a performance fans worldwide got to see when HAMILTON premiered on Disney+. Aside from that, she had leading roles in big Broadway productions, including “A Bronx Tale” and “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.”
However, it was in 2020 that DeBose started to appear in far more acting roles on screen, from her starring role in the Netflix movie THE PROM to her co-starring role in the Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon!” However, her part as Anita in the Steven Spielberg remake of WEST SIDE STORY shot her up to even bigger stardom.
DeBose won the Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actress for her role in WEST SIDE STORY. From there, she’s continued to book new roles, including an upcoming part in KRAVEN THE HUNTER and ARGYLLE.
DeBose will bring her singing and voice talents to the role of Asha, and bring Disney magic for all to hear with her award-winning voice.
In animated Disney films, an animal is often there to help along the way. Rapunzel had a chameleon named Pascal. Moana had a cute chicken named Hey-Hey. And, of course, Ariel had her helpful friends Flounder and Sebastian guiding her along. In WISH, Asha has a pet goat who winds up being able to talk when the wishing star gives him the ability to do so.
The goat’s name is Valentino, and is voiced by Alan Tudyk, a Disney veteran who has voiced several other roles in Disney movies like RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON, ENCANTO, STRANGE WORLD, and MOANA.
One of the most significant aspects of Asha is that she is Disney’s first Afro-Latina lead character. Per Yahoo, the news was revealed at the 2022 D23 Expo.
Disney has made some strides regarding the representation of their heroines for some time, such as Tiana in THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG and Moana in MOANA, both of whom are of different races than most other Disney heroines. Disney also does have a Latina heroine, Elena of Avalor, but she is confined to the TV series “Elena of Avalor.” The only other Latina lead we have had was Mirabel in ENCANTO, but Asha will be the first Afro-Latina lead.
It was confirmed by The Wrap that Asha actually is not a princess but a Disney heroine, like many others, and the WISH trailer said that Asha is going to be the apprentice to King Magnifico, who Chris Pine will voice.
Asha seems, understandably, very nervous about working for King Magnifico, as he has all this power and is able to grant anyone’s wish. But in becoming his apprentice, she finds out that the king only grants those wishes he feels will be good for the kingdom. And it’s because of her wish that the legendary star from the sky comes down to grant other people’s wishes.
According to the HuffPost, there have been several Disney heroines who have had relatively younger ages. Snow White was 14 in her film. Ariel was 16. Jasmine was 15. The list goes on. And now, Asha will be placed right in the middle of that.
Asha is confirmed to be 17, which is the same age as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. While other Disney heroines have been older, like Tiana at 19 and Rapunzel at 18, it’s fitting and exciting to know that Asha is on the brink of adulthood considering she is also working as an apprentice to the king.
WISH is coming to AMC Theatres soon, and it won’t be long before fans enjoy and experience Ariana DeBose’s fantastic singing, the animation, and more. Check out your local AMC Theatre listings for movie times near you.
WISH opens November 24
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