CS Video: Raya and the Last Dragon Filmmakers on Disney’s New Animated Adventure

Ahead of the movie’s release this weekend, ComingSoon.net had the opportunity to speak with the Raya and the Last Dragon filmmakers about Disney’s new animated adventure. Directors and co-writers Carlos López Estrada and Don Hall, along with co-writer Qui Nguyen talk about the idea of doing an action-adventure fantasy movie “inspired by the cultures of Southeast Asia” and why they felt adding songs would have been “a little too much.” They also discuss the big theme of family in the movie and how those bonds fuel Raya’s journey throughout the film, the crafting of the significant relationships in the story, and much more.

The movie is set to hit theaters and Disney+ Premier Access this Friday on March 5. You can check out our interview now in the player below!

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

Raya and the Last Dragon is led by Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as Raya, who will be the first Southeast Asian to lead a Disney animated film. Tran stars alongside Awkwafina (The Farewell), who is voicing the dragon named Sisu.

Contactless Tickets – Advance ticket purchase and Mobile ticket entry on Fandango! – Going back to movie theaters!

In addition to Tran and Awkwafina, the voice cast for the film includes Gemma Chan (Captain Marvel) as Raya’s nemesis, Namaari; Daniel Dae Kim (Hellboy) as Raya’s visionary father, Benja; Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) as Namaari’s powerful mother, Virana; Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange) as Tong, a formidable giant; Izaac Wang as Boun, a 10-year-old entrepreneur; Thalia Tran as the mischievous toddler Little Noi; Alan Tudyk (Harley Quinn) as Tuk Tuk, Raya’s best friend and trusty steed; Lucille Soong (Fresh Off the Boat) as Dang Hu, the leader of the land of Talon; Patti Harrison (Shrill) as the chief of the Tail land; and Ross Butler (To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You) as chief of the Spine land.

Raya and the Last Dragon is co-directed by Don Hall (Big Hero 6), Carlos López Estrada (Blindspotting), Paul Briggs (Zootopia), and John Ripa from a script written by Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) and Qui Nguyen.

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