When you wish upon a Broadway star.
West Side Story Oscar winner Ariana DeBose has been announced as the voice of Disney's upcoming feature film Wish, which will explore the backstory behind the companies famous wishing star.
DeBose will voice the role of Asha, a 17-year-old who sees darkness in her kingdom that no one else does. In a moment of desperation, she makes a passionate plea to the stars, and her prayers are answered when an actual star falls from the sky to aid her along her journey.
The film was a surprise announcement at the D23 Expo; neither the film nor DeBose's involvement with the company was previously known.
Wish is set to be released in November 2023 and will feature a watercolor animation style. The film is written by Frozen's Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and Buck will co-direct with Fawn Veerasunthorn. The film is produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes and features songs by Julia Michaels.