Celebrating 100 years of Disney,Wishlooks to celebrate the company’s legacy by blending traditional storytelling and animation with modern sentiments and tweaks to the classic visual style. The result is a unique animation style and a cast reflective of Disney’s commitment to exploring diversity and inclusion through all their projects.
Directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, from a screenplay by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore,Wishfollows a 7-year-old girl named Asha, who makes a passionate plea to the stars after foreseeing a tragedy fall upon her kingdom. The movie pays homage to Disney’s branded style of fairytale-inspired storytelling mixed with dynamic music and unforgettable characters.
Coming from the creators ofFrozenandMoana, Wishis backed by the musical talents of songwriter Julia Micheals, a Grammy-nominated artist, and Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter Benjamin Rice. Screenings of the movie will also be accompanied by the short film,Once Upon A Studio.
To better explore the celebration of Disney’s heritage of visuals, music, and storytelling, we take a closer look at the characters and cast behindWish.
Read Our Review
Ariana DeBose as Asha
Asha is the protagonist ofWish,and she is described as a “quick-witted idealist.” She is taken under the wing of King Magnifico who teaches her how to wield the power of the stars that guide the Kingdom of Rosas. A playful star grants Asha magical powers after she uses her wish to save the Kingdom from the King, who has corrupted the system for his gain.
Actor, dancer, and singerAriana DeBosevoices Asha. DeBose has already established herself as a unique and accomplished talent, winning multiple awards, including an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe Award. In addition, DeBose is a trained dancer, having taken dance at CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh. This diverse set of talents has led to Debose being featured in various films and TV, including,Hamilton,Schmigadoon!, and Steven Spielberg’sWest Side Story.
Outside of acting, the openly queer Debose is known for working withthe LGBTQ+ community, co-founding the Unruly Hearts Initiative, which provides easier access to various resources for those struggling or in need of help. Combining this with Debose’s vocal talent, she is the ideal fit for the strong-willed and gifted Asha.
Chris Pine as King Magnifico
Sorcerer king and ruler of the kingdom of Rosas, King Magnifico is revered by his people with the power to grant wishes on the birthday of its citizens. However, behind the scenes, King Magnifico is a selfish tyrant, falling under the classic Disney villain structure of an antagonist with no redeemable qualities. When Asha learns the true nature of King Magnifico’s plans, she vows to stop the man she once considered a mentor.
King Magnifico is voiced by actorChris Pine,best known for playing Captain Kirkin theStar Trekmovies, and Steve Trevor inWonder Womanand Wonder Woman 1984. Pine has previously voiced various characters in other series and films, including voicing Dr. Deviso in the underratedSuperMansionand Peter Parker inSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He also has previous musical experience from starring inInto the Woods, and he does an incredible job with his villainous songs here.
Related:Every Movie Musical to Ever Win Best Picture, Ranked
Alan Tudyk as Valentino
Valentino, Asha’s pet goat, becomes the heroine’s charming and wise-cracking companion after her powers give him the ability to speak. He becomes a valuable ally as a self-touted advisor for Asha’s quest to save her kingdom, making him a beloved (and incredibly adorable) addition to the cast.
ActorAlan Tudykis most recognizable for his roles in such TV series asFireflyandResidentAlien. However, Tudyk is also an accomplished voice actor, playing everyone from the Joker inHarley Quinnto Krei in theBig Hero SixSeries. Tudyk has also flexed his singing abilities, having done musical numbers forZootopia, making him the perfect goat sidekick for Asha.
Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya
In stark contrast to King Magnifico, the Queen of the kingdom of Rosas is depicted as a kind and vocal leader with the best interest of her people in mind. As she sees her husband decline and embrace dark magic, she becomes an ally to Asha and looks to take over the role of leader of the kingdom.
Related:Best Musical Scores From Pixar Movies, Ranked
Angelique Carbalis a Hawaiian-born actor who made her debut back in 2002 with a small part in the TV showGuiding Light. She has since gone on to land notable roles in series, including playing Colleen inLife in Piecesand Sgt Jill Perez inEnlisted. Her voice acting role in Wish comes off the back of her voicing Hazel Gonzolez in theHulu original programDragons: The Nine Realms.
Victor Garber as Sabino
Taking his name from Spanish and Latin origins, meaning “wise,” Sabino is the 100-year-old godfather of Asha. Kind, caring, and a Mandolin lover, Sabino fully supports Asha and is a constant source of wisdom for her. In return, Asha desires Sabino to get his wish on his next birthday, never receiving one since being eligible at 18.
Canadian-American actor and singerVictor Garberis a veteran of the screen and stage, having been nominated for three Gemini Awards, and six Primetime Emmy Awards. For his work on Broadway, Garber has earned four Tony Award nominations. He is most recognizable on the screen for his role inDC’sThe FlashandLegends of Tomorrowas Dr. Martin Stein. In addition, he has received acclaim for his performances inAliasandTitanic, to name a few.
Outside of acting, Garber is an Officer of the Order of Canada known for his active involvement in various charitable activities. Notably, Garber has been an advocate for awareness of type 1 diabetes, a condition he has been dealing with for many years.
Natasha Rothwell as Sakina
Sakina is a talented seamstress and mother to Asha. When not making pajamas for the adorable goat Valentino, she does her best to support her daughter.Like any concerned mother, she is supportive but also worried when Asha begins to question the powerful King Magnifico’s methods.
Sakina is played by writer and actorNatasha Rothwell, best known for her work in the TV seriesInsecure, where she played Kelli Prenny andThe White Lotus, in which she played Belinda Lindsey. Also an accomplished writer, Rothwell worked onSaturday Night LiveandInsecure. Those with kids may recognize Rothwell as the voice behind Mommy Shark in theBaby Sharkanimated series.
Jennifer Kumiyama as Dahlia
Dahlia acts as Asha’s best friend, a skilled baker, and the leader of their group of friends.Jennifer Kumiyamavoices Dahlia. Born with Arthrogryposis Kumiyama gained recognition after appearing on Warner Bros. reality TV showPopstars 2and subsequently made history as becoming the first performer in a wheelchair for her part inAladdin; a Musical Spectacularat Disney California Adventure Theme Park. Kumiyama has also been involved with the Special Olympics and has served as Ms. Wheelchair California and Ms. Wheelchair America 1st Runner Up (2011.)
Related:Best Female Characters in Disney That Aren’t Princesses
Harvey Guillén as Gabo
Inspired by Grumpy fromSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Gabo is the most cynical member of Asha’s friend group, though he hides a heart of gold behind the negativity. Gabo is voiced by actorHarvey Guillén. Guillén is best known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruzin the hit Hulu seriesWhat We Do in Shadows. Harvey Guillén is an incredibly talented singer, infamously proving his skills by singing the entirety of “Sentimental Man” from the musicalWickedin Japanese.
Niko Vargas as Hal
Hal is a constantly upbeat friend to Asha, who is based on Happy fromSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Hal is voiced by actor, music artist, and voice actorNiko Vargas, best known for their roles inMonkey WrenchandCraig of the Creek. Vargas is also known for their Japanese music covers on YouTube under the name Niko the Pierrot.
Evan Peters as Simon
One of Asha’s friends, also modeled after one of the Dwarfs in Sleepy, Simon is a big-hearted and strong ally who always has his head in the clouds. Seasoned actorEvan Petersplays the role of Simon. Evan Peters debuted in 2004 in the drama film Clipping Adam but would gain wide recognition playing multipleroles inAmerican Horror Storyfrom 2011 to 2021. He later starred alongside Kate Winslet in the acclaimed miniseriesMare of Easttown.
