Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Disney’s ‘Wish’ premiered in Dubai on Nov. 21 at Dubai Mall’s Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall, with a premiere organized by Reel Cinemas, Italia Film International, and Disney Middle East with the support of Volkswagen and other partners.

One of the audiences who attended the premiere shared his feedback about the movie, saying, “The movie is a message to Disney fans of all ages who have been following the magic of Disney since it’s establishment over a hundred years ago.”

The movie was directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, with a screenplay from Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, and based on a story by Lee, Buck, Veerasunthorn, and Moor. The movie is produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones.

The art style combines computer animation with the look of Disney’s historical watercolor animation.

Development of the film began in 2018 but was not publicly disclosed until Jan. 2022, when it was revealed that Lee was writing an original film at Disney Animation. In September 2022, the project was officially announced, with the title being revealed alongside the involvement of DeBose and Tudyk. Buck and Veerasunthorn, who had worked with Lee on Frozen (2013) as co-director and story artist, respectively, were confirmed as directors the same month, with Moore later hired to join Lee in writing the screenplay.

The movie revolves around 17-year-old Asha, played by Ariana DeBose, who wishes upon a star to save the kingdom from the villainous King Magnifico, played by Chris Pine, a sorcerer who holds the power to decide whose wishes can come true. Chaos ensues when Asha manages to summon Star, a cartoony, cosmic force.

The animated movie is now available now at cinemas across the Middle East region.