NOC Presents: A SEA Conversation about ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

With Raya and the Last Dragon out for about a week now, there are many thoughts and opinions being shared across the Internet about it. While a few of us here at The Nerds of Color have written extensively about Disney’s first Southeast Asian film, I thought it would be appropriate to gather together the Southeast Asian Nerds of Color writers and discuss it. Together with Laura Sirikul, Mike Manalo, and Patrick Michael Strange, in a conversation about as long as Raya and the Last Dragon itself, we go in-depth on everything from the film’s plot, how it tackled the topic of trust, the characters, the majority East Asian cast, the lack of Filipino culture and actors, and more.

WARNING: The following contains major spoilers from Raya and the Last Dragon.

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NOC Review: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is Relevant, Rollicking, and Remarkable

In 1937, Walt Disney debuted something that changed the history of cinema — the release of the first full length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This in turn gave birth to Walt Disney Animation Studios and a long history (at times problematic) of classic stories and adventures involving dragons and princesses that has, for the most part, arguably withstood the test of time from generation to generation. But generations change. Art and time change the world and, in turn, the world and time must also change art.

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Disney’s ‘Raya and The Last Dragon’ Announces the Rest of the Cast

During a special presentation with select press last Tuesday, the creative team behind Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon revealed the rest of the ensemble that joins Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina in the first Southeast Asian-inspired fantasy animation set to release this March. Set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons coexisted in harmony. But when an evil force called the Druun threaten their world, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, the Druun have returned and it is up to Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) to track down the last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina), and find the missing pieces to the Dragon Gem to rid their land of evil and unite its divided people.

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Disney’s ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Comes at a Poignant Time for Asian Americans

There’s no question the global pandemic has affected the lives of many within the United States having the highest COVID-19 cases and death rate. The previous administration under President Donald Trump blamed China for the deadly coronavirus, labeling the disease as the “China Virus” and, more broadly, putting targets on the backs of Asian Americans by fellow citizens who are angry by the economic and social impact of the pandemic. Since then, there has been a rise in Anti-Asian hate crimes throughout the U.S. After multiple attacks on the elderly Asian population, the media started to notice, thanks to the help of Asian American advocates and allies pushing for these stories to be shared. Multiple brands, including Disney, Nike, and Apple, began releasing statements condemning the attacks on Asians and where people can donate and show support.

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Osnat Shurer, Adele Lim, and Fawn Veerasunthorn Keep ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Authentic

Raya and the Last Dragon is being celebrated for being the first Southeast Asian-inspired story produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, where long ago humans and dragons coexisted in harmony. After an evil force called the Druuns threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity with the creation of the Dragon Gem. Raya’s family are the Guardians of the Dragon Gem and must protect the gem at all costs. When conflict arises within the clans, the same evil returns and causes a path for destruction. It is up to Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) to track down the legendary last dragon Sisu (Awkwafina) to restore the fractured land and defeat the evil surrounding it.

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Disney Journeys to a Place Beyond What’s Possible in ‘Strange World’ Trailer

Walt Disney Animation Studios is no stranger to having films about characters going on thrilling adventures into the unknown. Now, we are getting a first look at what’s to come in the first trailer for Strange World, a throwback to the classic pulp magazines of the past which featured stories of explorers to lost worlds and bizarre places.

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‘Strange World’ Creators on Modernizing Classic Pulp Action-Adventures

The legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios has built its rich history of films on innovative animation technology and bold storytelling. And while we’ve seen hit animated musical features, Strange World leans heavily into the action-adventure genre while also telling timeless stories about family legacy. And as the 61st animated feature, Strange World takes much of its inspiration from the pages of pulp magazines that asked its readers to go on a journey beyond what’s possible.

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Disney Announces Limited Early Screenings of ‘Wish’

Disney is certainly showing its confidence in their upcoming release of Wish. Their 62nd animated musical feature serves as a celebration of the studio’s centennial anniversary. So Disney is paying it forward by giving fans early access to screen the film in 750 theaters nationwide.

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‘Strange World’ Featurette Has Cast Promising an Exciting Adventure

Walt Disney Animation Studios has released the newest featurette for their upcoming feature Strange World. From directors  Don Hall (Oscar®-winning Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer Raya and the Last Dragon), the film is a take on the classic pulp comics of the past and centers on a family exploring a strange world that is just as crazy and bizarre just as it is mysterious, thrilling and mind-blowing.

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Getting Real with Raya: An Interview with Kelly Marie Tran

Today, I’m beyond thrilled that I get to say that we finally have a Southeast Asian Disney Princess! That’s right! Raya and the Last Dragon is officially hitting cinemas and Disney+ via Premier Access today, and we couldn’t be happier. In fact, if you want to take a look at what we thought of the film, check out our review here.

Having said that, here at The Nerds of Color, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing may talented and wonderful actors of color; each one doing their part to further the cause of shining a light on the underrepresented. However, to me, this 10 minute interview may top them all!

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NOC Review: ‘Us Again’ Charms Right Before ‘Raya’

If you have the great fortune of seeing Raya and the Last Dragon in a safe, socially distant drive-in theater this coming weekend, I’m happy to say you’ll be treated to a neat little short from Walt Disney Feature Animation called Us Again.

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Walt Disney Animation Studios Announces ‘Moana 2’ for a November 2024 Release

When Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana first hit the shores in 2016, it was critical and commercial smash that brought Polynesian culture and a contemporary sound from singer and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda onto the big screen in a way that could only be described as magical. Now, the studio hopes to replicate that once more with Moana 2, a newly announced sequel that is set to arrive in theaters November 2024.

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Hard NOC Life 238: Why is Gamora?

On a new episode of Hard NOC Life, Keith and Britney recap the season finale of What If, speculate about potential Marvel series on Disney+, and ponder the question, “Why is Gamora?”

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Walt Disney Animation Studios Reveals First Look at ‘Strange World’

Walt Disney Animation Studios has taken us to beautiful, even mystical worlds that are far beyond our reach and yet filled with grounded characters. Now they delve into the strange by reuniting a familiar creative team behind one of their most popular films. Today, the studio revealed their first look at Strange World an animated adventure helmed by director Don Hall (Big Hero 6Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (Raya and the Last Dragon), and produced by Roy Conli (Big Hero 6Tangled).

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Adele Lim Takes All-Star Asian American Cast on a Hilariously Raunchy ‘Joy Ride’

Following in the footsteps of buddy comedies like Rough Night and Girl’s Trip, we are getting to see a new spin on friends going on one of those unforgettable trips where everything seems to go hilariously wrong. Directed by Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon scribe Adele Lim, Lionsgate has released the red band trailer for Joy Ride.

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Chris Pine Confirmed for Walt Disney Animation Studio’s ‘Wish’

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.

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Hard NOC Life 206: ‘Raya’ and the Last ‘WandaVision’

Dominic, Keith , are joined by new recurring co-host (and friend of the NOC) Britney Monae! Together, they break down the series finale of WandaVision, review Disney’s latest animated adventure Raya and the Last Dragon, and more!

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‘Strange World’ Trailer Brings Classic Sci-Fi Adventure with a Bit of Disney Magic

Walt Disney Animation Studios has released the newest trailer for their latest feature film, Strange World. Directed by Don Hall and Qui Nguyen, both of whom worked together on Raya and the Last Dragon, Strange World follows Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), a simple farmer who comes from a long line of explorers.

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Gold House and CAPE Unveil the 2022 Gold List in Time for Awards Season

It’s officially Awards Season in Hollywood, and Gold House and CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) are launching the 2022 Gold List to highlight outstanding work by Asian filmmakers and talent. Think of the Gold List as an elaborate “For Your Consideration” campaign to get the Academy to recognize some of the amazing work by Asian and Asian American directors, writers, and actors in 2021.

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Disney Sails Live-Action ‘Moana’ into Early Development

Disney is preparing to chart a course to a live-action telling of their beloved animated hit, Moana, with voice talents like Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, as well as writer and co-director Jared Bush on board in creative capacities.

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Pixar’s ‘Turning Red’ to Debut Exclusively on Disney+

There was plenty of excitement surrounding Domee Shi‘s Turning Red as it would have marked the turn of a Pixar film to be released in a theater. It was also the studio’s first film to be directed by a woman. However, because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Turning Red will make its debut on Disney+ on March 11, 2021, instead of the traditional theatrical release like initially planned.

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‘Wish’ Directors on the Power of Making Wishes and Honoring Old and New Animation Techniques

Disney recently held a special presentation of their forthcoming Wish for a select group of journalists. And we walked away from the experience feeling excited to see generations of visual artistry and wonderful music merging together to commemorate the studio’s 100th anniversary. So it seems fitting that Chris Buck (Tarzan, Frozen) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (story artist for Raya and the Last Dragon) be paired to direct Wish. And we got to talk to Buck and Veerasunthorn about the upcoming film and what it means to celebrate such an occasion.

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