Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina have been cast to star in Disney’s Raya And The Last Dragon.
The original animated fantasy film is set in the fictional kingdom of Kumandra, which is inhabited by dragons and humans. When the kingdom is invaded by Drunn monsters, the dragons sacrifice themselves to save the humans.
Raya, voiced by Tran, is a princess warrior in search of the last dragon to save the kingdom from evil.
Awkwafina stars as Sisu, a dragon in human form who is helped by Raya to reclaim her power to become a true dragon.
A new first-look still released by Disney shows Raya and her sidekick Tuk Tuk, described by creators as “a fuzzy bear meets an insect version of an armadillo.”
Directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, and written by Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim, the film is heavily influenced by Southeast Asian lore and culture.
The film marks the first time a Southeast Asian will lead a Walt Disney Animation Studios movie.
A Disney Animations rep revealed that a group called Raya Southeast Asia Story Trust was created by the studio to accurately portray Southeast Asian cultures in the film.
In December ran has opened up about the “fear and anxiety” she experienced triggered by the torrent of abuse she went through after Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released.
Meanwhile, Awkwafina is reuniting with Crazy Rich Asians producer SK Global for the upcoming feature The Baccarat Machine.
Check out the first look of Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, in Raya and the Last Dragon, from directors Don Hall & Carlos López Estrada, writers Qui Nguyen & Adele Lim, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and co-directors Paul Briggs & John Ripa. In Theaters 3/12/21. pic.twitter.com/W0LHnV00fM
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) August 27, 2020
