Disney stopped by CinemaCon today to show attendees whats in store for them in the upcoming year. And they made a big announcement by confirming that Chris Pine would be joining the cast of Wish as King Magnifico.
The press release said that Pine lends his voice to the ruler of Rosas, a magical kingdom where wishes really do come true. “As the most powerful person in the kingdom, King Magnifico needed to be played by someone who could give all the charm, cleverness and charisma to this magnanimous character, and Chris is beautifully bringing all of that and then some,” said Jennifer Lee, Wish executive producer and one of the writers for the film.
Wish is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 62nd film and a continuation of a tradition of bringing epic tales to the big screen for families to experience together and beyond. The film also helps mark the culmination of Disney100, a yearlong celebration honoring the legacy of Walt Disney while continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and innovation for the next 100 years.
Pine joins West Side Story Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, who voices Asha. Described as a sharp-witted idealist, Asha makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. They are joined by Asha’s favorite pet goat, Valentino (Alan Tudyk).
This wouldn’t be the first time that Pine has appeared in a cinematic musical. He displayed his singing talents for everyone to hear in 2014’s Into The Woods, where he was paired with co-star Billy Magnussen.
Wish is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (Frozen, Frozen 2) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Raya and the Last Dragon), produced by Peter Del Vecho (Frozen, Frozen 2) and co-produced by Juan Pablo Reyes (Encanto). Jennifer Lee (Frozen, Frozen 2) executive produces — Lee and Allison Moore (Night Sky, Manhunt) are writers on the project. With original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger.
Last year, Veerasunthorn spoke about how Wish’s release coincided with the studio’s 100th anniversary and that the film’s themes honored Walt Disney’s legacy of following dreams and wishing big. The film will also employ a new animation style combining today’s technology with watercolor techniques that are reminiscent of Snow White and Pinocchio. CinemaCon attendees also got to watch a clip of the film featuring the “More for Us” song.
Wish opens only in theaters on November 22, 2023.