Video Interviews

Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, and the Wish Cast on Hidden Disney References

The stars and producer of the film also talk about their favorite Disney moments, songs from previous films that inspired them, and their creative process in bringing this film to life.

by RT Staff | November 17, 2023 | Comments

Disney’s latest animated treat celebrates the studio’s 100th anniversary with a story about a young girl who makes a wish upon a star in order to save her home from darkness. Ahead of the release of Wish, stars Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine and producer Jennifer Lee sat down to discuss their creative process, what hidden Disney references to look out for in the film, and more.

On seeing the film on the big screen for the first time:

Ariana DeBose: I cried buckets and buckets, but I also had these moments of, “Yeah, get ’em!” I’m a very reactive audience member, but it was kind of odd, because I was like, “That’s my voice. This is very strange, but I am rooting for this girl and these people.” But I loved Chris Pine. I thought he was so delicious. His King Magnifico is sexy. Am I allowed to say that? I don’t know. But it’s a great character. Delicious Disney villain. It’s good.

Favorite moment from any Disney film:

DeBose: There were quite a few. I mean I wore out the Beauty and the Beast and the Aladdin VHSs. Like, wore them out, loved them so much. But then also, Tarzan was really special to me. That was when I really was introduced to the sound of Glenn Close. “Trashin’ the Camp” was… The rhythmic nature of that, and how rhythm can tell a story, and I don’t know, I felt very young, but it was very profound for me. So those were very important films.

Favorite Disney reference in Wish:

DeBose: Well, my favorite I can’t talk about, which isn’t helpful. That was not a helpful thing for me to say, but I think it’s probably more obvious. But if you look at the animation style from the first scene, for me, I’m like, “Ha! Sleeping Beauty! It’s beautiful.” That’s one of my favorite films. So it’s like we start, and then it just goes and goes and goes. It’s like, if you haven’t noticed the Alice in Wonderland climbing down the rabbit hole yet, point that out because it’s cute. It made my heart go pitter-pat, just saying.

Watch the video for the full interview with Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, and Jennifer Lee.

48% Wish (2023) is in theaters on November 22, 2023.