surprised there isn't a thread on this
more here
my thoughts: they're going for a more badass princess like Merida from Brave. and also aiming for China given how they're a rapidly growing animation power. if it means getting movies more different from the usual stuff, I'm all for it
The animation studio has finally announced the long-awaited next film on its post-Frozen slate: Raya and the Last Dragon, an original animated feature that will star Awkwafina (as Susi the Dragon) and Cassie Steele (as Raya). Disney Animation chief creative officer Jennifer Lee made the announcement at Disney's biennial fan expo D23 on Saturday.
Produced by Moana veteran Osnat Shurer and written by Crazy Rich Asians scribe Adele Lim, Raya and the Last Dragon is directed by Frozen and Big Hero 6 head of story Paul Briggs and story artist/Tick Tock Tale creator Dean Wellins, who introduced the new Southeast Asian-inspired original to the crowd.
The movie takes place in the fictional Kumandra, "a reimagined earth inhabited by an ancient civilization that venerated the mythical dragons for their power and their wisdom," Shurer described. "It's inspired by Southeast Asia, both in its themes of community and hope, and in its design." Kumandra's five distinct clans form the Land of the Dragon, but dragons are long gone and Kumandra has since been invaded by a "dark, sinister force."
Footage shown at the presentation displayed a fierce Raya treading through a rainy forest, approaching an ancient temple, entering a dark passageway filled with dragon carvings—and being trailed by her narrating, flute-playing, presumably annoying little brother. The clip culminated in the siblings coming face to face with Sisu, a pink-and-teal dragon who also takes the form of a human.
more here
my thoughts: they're going for a more badass princess like Merida from Brave. and also aiming for China given how they're a rapidly growing animation power. if it means getting movies more different from the usual stuff, I'm all for it