Walt Disney Animation Studios announced its upcoming animated movie “Raya and the Last Dragon” that was inspired by Southeast Asian cultures. It will be premiere in 2021 in Philippine theatres directed by Don Hall.
Disney Animation took to Twitter to give fans a glimpse at the Southeast Asian princess with a red cape who is holding a Moro sword, a weapon found in Sulu and Mindanao.
Check out the first look of Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, in Raya and the Last Dragon, from directors Don Hall & Carlos López Estrada, writers Qui Nguyen & Adele Lim, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and co-directors Paul Briggs & John Ripa. In Theaters 3/12/21. pic.twitter.com/W0LHnV00fM
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) August 27, 2020
“Check out the first look of Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, in Raya and the Last Dragon, from directors Don Hall & Carlos López Estrada, writers Qui Nguyen & Adele Lim, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and co-directors Paul Briggs & John Ripa,” the post stated.
Kelly Marie Tan, a Southeast Asian-American actress was originally cast as Raya, the lead character. She was soon replaced by Cassie Steele, a Filipino-Canadian actress.
Aside from Tan, Awkwafina will also give life to Sisu, the water dragon that has been transformed into a human being.
The universe where “Raya and the last dragon” will take place is in “Kumandra”. The settingpays homage to the unique cultures of Southeast Asia including Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Laos.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” is directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada. It will arrive in the United States theatres on March 12, 2021.
