Draft:Asha (Wish)

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  • Comment: The subject does not appear notable on their own; any content about this character should be part of the main film's article. Utopes (talk / cont) 02:42, 7 October 2023 (UTC)


Asha
Wish character
First appearanceOnce Upon a Studio (2023)
Created byJennifer Lee
Allison Moore
Voiced byAriana DeBose
In-universe information
GenderFemale
FamilySakina (mother)
Sabino (grandfather)
NationalityKingdom of Rosas
PetValentino (goat)

Asha is a fictional character who serves as the main protagonist of Walt Disney Animation Studios' 62th animated feature film, Wish (2023). Created by screenwriters Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, she is voiced by African-American actress Ariana DeBose.[1]

Asha is a 17-year-old girl who lives in the Kingdom of Rosas.[2] She lives with her mother Sakina, her grandfather Sabino, and her goat Valentino.[3][4] She works in the palace with her seven friends, who are known in the kingdom as the “Teens”, including Dahlia, her best friend.[5][6] Asha, however, is chosen to be the successor of the Magnificent King, and therefore must learn how to govern and how to fulfill desires.[7] However, the King warns that not all desires will be fulfilled, only those desires that are good for the Kingdom. However, when Asha realizes that her grandfather has been waiting for her wish for more than 100 years, she sees that the Magnificent King only grants wishes that are good for him. However one night, Asha decides to wish on a star, whose passionate plea brings down a real star. Now, together with her pet goat, Valentino, and the Star, Asha embarks on an epic adventure among the stars across several worlds, to save the Kingdom from the hands of the Magnificent King.

Many people praised Asha for bringing more representation. She was also widely praised for being Disney's second black princess.[8] Her animation, Ariana's voice, and performance of the film's signature song, "This Wish", were also highly praised.

Development[edit]

Conception[edit]

Wish, celebrates 100 years of Walt Disney Animation, and in the past to create Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Alice in the Wonderland and other films, Disney used real people to create the characters' movements, and for the character's personality to appear more like that of the voice actor.[9] To create the film, they would decide to choose Asha's voice actress first, and then decide on her personality and characteristics. When Ariana DeBose was chosen, they decided that Asha should be a very open, expressive, warm and very compassionate person, just like her voice actress. And so, even Asha's body language. Asha should be a more relaxed, open and inviting character, she should also be a good dancer, so she could have an incredible extension of her personality through her physicality.

Jennifer Lee said: “That all came from conversations, not just of her wonderful open silliness and comedy that she has, effervescence, I will say, which is captured in Asha, but the deep caring nature of her and the understanding of how hard it can be to speak the truth about something to someone you love. I think that, at the core, helped me to see, watch her wrestle. But it also is what gives Asha the courage to rise because she has to on behalf of those she cares about. That all was very inspired by Ariana.”[10]

Voice[edit]

On September 9, 2022, during the D23 Expo 2022 presentation, Ariana DeBose was announced as being cast as the main character Asha.[11] Ariana DeBose impressed everyone when she auditioned for Asha, especially Jennifer Lee. She says that Ariana was really the right voice actor for Asha, both in appearance, characteristics and personality. She also said that by incorporating aspects of DeBose's personality into the character, she can more easily not only identify with Asha but also understand her on a deeper level. It seems like the core of Asha, including how caring she is, her willingness to be silly, and her quiet strength, are all elements of who DeBose is at her core as well. Lee bringing those pieces into who Asha is and using them as part of what motivates Asha's decision-making could allow DeBose to be more open and vulnerable while recording these lines and songs. DeBose joins a long line of actresses who have become the voices of iconic Disney heroines, and it seems she didn't only lend her voice but brought who she is into every aspect of the role of Asha.[12]

Appearances[edit]

Wish[edit]

In the Kingdom of Rosas, located off of the Iberian Peninsula, a 17-year-old girl named Asha senses a darkness that no one else does about the kingdom's ruler, King Magnifico. This eventually leads to her trying to make a passionate plea to the stars in a moment of need. Soon, an actual star from the sky named Star answers Asha's wish. After the star falls from the sky, it is revealed that the star has magical powers to grant wishes as well. Together, Asha and Star must overcome the evils rising in Rosas and fight for a better future for their people.

Once Upon a Studio[edit]

Burny Mattinson wishes that the walls of the studio could talk. Later, after all of the studio's employees leave after a usual work day, Mickey and Minnie Mouse spring free from pictures on the wall, and plan to gather characters from all around the studio for a group photo.

Merchandise[edit]

October 1, 2023, Lego launched three sets based on scenes from the film, with an Asha doll in all of them.[13] On September 12, 2023, all Asha dolls released by Mattel were revealed in a leaflet in New York, which would also be officially launched on October 1, 2023.[14] On September 29, 2023, Asha's Funko Pop and of the other characters in the film, which would be released on October 1, 2023.[15] On October 1, all Mattel products from Asha and the film were officially sold in stores. On October 1st, several products from Asha and the film were revealed at the 2023 Toy Fair from Jakks Pacific.[16] And on October 2, 2023, the Disney Shop officially launched Asha's dolls and products, and several other characters from the film, on its website and in Disney Parks.[17]

Disney parks[edit]

On September 9, 2023, during the “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” presentation at Destination D23, Disney Chairman Josh D'Amaro announced that Asha from Disney's upcoming WISH film is coming to EPCOT, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.[18]

Reception and legacy[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Disney Introduces Ariana DeBose as Asha and Her Talking Pet Goat in Magical 'Wish' Trailer: Watch". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  2. ^ Broadnax, Jamie (2023-09-27). "5 Things You Need to Know about Asha in Disney's 'Wish'". Black Girl Nerds. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  3. ^ "Asha and her grandfather Sabino in new official stills from #Wish". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  4. ^ "Asha's Mother in Disney's #Wish will be named Sakina". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  5. ^ "New Looks at Asha and the teens in Disney's Wish In Theaters November 22". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  6. ^ "New look at Asha and her best friend, Dahlia, from Disney's 'WISH'". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  7. ^ Wish | Official Trailer, retrieved 2023-10-06
  8. ^ "New Afro-Latina Disney Princess! Ariana DeBose will voice Asha in Wish". Lipstick Alley. 2022-09-09. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  9. ^ "The Real-life Film Actors Who Inspired Iconic Disney Cartoon Characters". Messy Nessy Chic. 2013-06-20. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  10. ^ Tyrrell, Caitlin (2023-09-28). "How Ariana DeBose Inspired Key Elements Of Her Wish Character Asha". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  11. ^ Valentine, Rebekah; Kim, Matt (2022-09-10). "Disney's 2023 Animated Film Is Called Wish". IGN. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  12. ^ Sarah El-Mahmoud (2023-09-29). "How Ariana DeBose's Dance Background And Personality Influenced Disney's Latest Heroine, According To Wish Writer". CINEMABLEND. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  13. ^ Wood, Zoë. "LEGO to Release New Disney WISH Movie Sets October 1st | DIS". Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  14. ^ "First images of Asha's doll, protagonist of 'Wish', were revealed in a toy catalogue". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  15. ^ "Closer look at Disney Wish Pops!". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  16. ^ "Check out these incredible new toys from Disney's upcoming film Wish. Your child can channel her inner Asha with this dress up costume. Check back all weekend for the latest and hottest toys from @toy_fair 2023". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  17. ^ "| shopDisney". shopDisney.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  18. ^ Gailey, Jackie. "New Meet & Greet With Asha from Disney's 'WISH' Coming Soon | DIS". Retrieved 2023-10-06.