Exclusive: Directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn discuss the making of Disney’s ‘Wish’
Disney's Long Lead Day provided a glimpse into the world of "Wish" as directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn introduced and shared exclusive insights during a thirty-minute preview of this enchanting film.
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents "Wish," a brand-new musical comedy that beckons audiences into the spellbinding realm of Rosas. Here, Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes an extraordinary wish, one so powerful that it evokes a cosmic force – a diminutive sphere of boundless energy known as Star. Embarking on an awe-inspiring adventure, Asha and Star confront their most formidable adversary, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, in a quest to rescue their community. "Wish" illuminates the profound connection between the unwavering determination of a courageous human and the magic of the stars, where wonderous possibilities come to life.
This epic animated musical boasts a star-studded cast including Academy Award®-winning actress Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as King Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha's loyal pet goat, Valentino. As a tribute to Disney's illustrious 100-year history in moviemaking, "Wish" is set to grace the silver screen this Thanksgiving. Inspired by Walt Disney's legacy of enchantment and music, the film features an original narrative and a delightful cast of characters, accompanied by seven all-new songs penned by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. Yet, the most significant homage to Disney's legacy is encapsulated in the very title of the film – "Wish."
Following an exclusive preview of five clips from the film, Blackfilmandtv.com correspondent Sharifa Daniels had the privilege of sitting down with Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn to delve deeper into the making of "Wish" and explore their insights on this cinematic journey.
This Interview was edited for length and clarity
Thank you. First of all, this was amazing. Absolutely loved it. The film gave me so much of a nostalgic feel, the way that it was done, the 2D, and everything. So, did you guys know going into this project that you wanted it to be shot this way, and why was that?
CHRIS BUCK:
Originally, yes, it was. The reason why was to celebrate our legacy. Our legacy is in drawn animation, which Walt started, the way many of our classic films were made. You've got that beautiful watercolor look, which is in many of our films. Of course, there's hand-drawn animation, but we also wanted to combine it with computer-generated imagery (CGI). It was a goal from the very beginning, just from talking about what this movie could be, and it's also a love letter to the studio.
Fawn, this is your first [directorial] feature. You guys worked on Frozen, but it's your first feature together. How was it switching gears to be the director, and how did it feel?
FAWN VEERASUNTHORN:
I feel like I'm so lucky to work with Chris. Chris is the best. We worked together on Frozen, and I usually work in the story space, looking at the story as a key driving mechanism. When becoming a director, many other departments come into play, and their great ideas make your ideas even better. I've learned to trust the crew and when to be open and not stuck on my own ideas.
CHRIS BUCK:
There are times as a director, dealing with different departments and artists, when you wish they could direct just to see what it's like.
FAWN VEERASUNTHORN:
Sometimes, there were moments when something really great happened, but it had nothing to do with the driving theme. Then you have to know that's great, but this is what we intended. This is what it means to us, and they were open to pivoting and doing other cool things.
This film is very diverse, both in front and behind the scenes. What do you hope this diversity inspires in future animations?
FAWN VEERASUNTHORN:
We understand the power of seeing someone who looks like yourself on screen. We wanted to showcase diversity in Rosas, a land of wishes, and bring different ethnicities and cultures into it. We worked with cultural consultants, anthropologists, and passionate internal employees to ensure proper representation.
It's been a hundred years of Disney, and one thing I've noticed about animated films, is that the themes have become more mature, addressing complex topics even though they're primarily aimed at children. What are you hoping adults will take away from watching this film?
FAWN VEERASUNTHORN:
When we consider today's audience, we recognize that traditional themes like wishing upon a star have evolved. In this film, we aim to explore the determination required to pursue one's dreams. It's not just about facing challenges; it can also be an enjoyable journey filled with ups and downs, a path toward self-discovery and personal growth. That's what excites us as filmmakers. Living in this era, we believe these themes resonate with modern viewers.
CHRIS BUCK:
(Laughs) Absolutely. One thing I'd love for adults to take away from this film is the idea that it's never too late to chase your dreams. In our story, people forget their wishes, influenced by the king. But I hope someone leaves the movie, perhaps an older person, and says, "I've always wanted to do something, try something new." And they realize that it's still within reach. Life can sometimes sidetrack our dreams, but the key is to go for it, no matter what.