The Nerd Series

The Classic Disney Movies That Made Our Wishes Come True

Movies January, 22, 2025

Disney Animation's Chief Creative Officer and co-creator of Frozen Jennifer Lee recently shared her excitement about the release of the 100th-anniversary animated film from Disney Studios. Lee stated “We acknowledged what a privilege and responsibility it is at this significant time. And we thought what a wonderful way to celebrate a century of storytelling to tell a joyful original story with original characters and songs inspired by our legacy of films.” The movie she referred to is Wish the 62nd animated Disney film which takes audiences on a magical adventure filled with unforgettable characters and the power of wishes.

An Original Fairytale: The Story of Wish

Wish directed by Chris Buck and co-directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn brings to life an original fairytale inspired by Disney's tradition. The film centers around Asha a young woman portrayed by Ariana DeBose who resides in the enchanting kingdom of Rosas where wishes truly come true. Asha embarks on a fantastical journey driven by the power of her heart's desires.

Honoring Disney's Legacy: Creating Something New

Wish aims to honor Disney's remarkable 100-year legacy while also introducing something fresh and exciting. Director Fawn Veerasunthorn shared her journey from being rejected twice in her applications to work at Disney to directing her first feature. She expressed her elation at being able to contribute to Wish calling it her "secret wish." Veerasunthorn also mentioned her initial theories about the project and how pleasantly surprised she was to discover that Wish is an original story with original songs.

Original Songs by a Grammy-Nominated Artist

The film is packed with seven original songs that are nothing short of spectacular all penned by the incredible Julia Michaels. Yes you heard it right! Julia Michaels the five-time Grammy nominee who's been the genius behind hits for stars like Selena Gomez Britney Spears and Dua Lipa. This isn't just any soundtrack; it's a musical masterpiece waiting to enchant your ears.

Veerasunthorn spills the details of this extraordinary collaboration and it's something you don't want to miss. Imagine a fusion of today's pop sensations with the timeless charm of classic Disney melodies. That's what this film's soundtrack is all about. It's a perfect blend of the new and the nostalgic a harmony of modern beats and age-old Disney magic. This isn't just honoring the studio's legacy; it's redefining it.

Each song in the film is a journey in itself crafted by a contemporary music icon who knows how to hit the right notes. Whether you're a fan of upbeat pop soulful ballads or catchy tunes that stick in your head for days this soundtrack has it all. It's a musical rollercoaster that will take you through a spectrum of emotions making you dance laugh and maybe even shed a tear.

The collaboration between Julia Michaels and the film's team is like a dream come true for music lovers. It's a rare treat to see such a renowned artist bring her unique flair to a film blending her modern style with the classic Disney touch. 

Paying Tribute to Disney's Artistic Tradition

Chris Buck the director of Frozen plays a significant role in bridging the gap between Disney's traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated animation. Buck trained by one of Walt Disney's original animators Eric Larson emphasized the importance of honoring Disney's legacy. The team wanted to create a film that not only paid tribute to the studio's past but also looked to the future. By blending hand-drawn character designs with breathtaking watercolor backgrounds they sought to capture the essence of Disney's iconic films like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

Inspirations from Disney's Masterpieces

The creative team behind Wish drew inspiration from several iconic Disney films to bring Asha's story to life. Veerasunthorn mentioned Snow White and Sleeping Beauty as influences for the film's watercolor backgrounds and vibrant visuals. Additionally Alice in Wonderland inspired the fantastical elements and vivid colors portrayed in the movie. Buck highlighted the impact of Pinocchio and its ability to take audiences on an epic journey emphasizing Disney's fearlessness in exploring darker themes while still delivering a satisfying and happy ending.

A Villainous Challenge: King Magnifico



Hold onto your seats because Asha's journey is about to take a wild turn as she faces off against the dastardly King Magnifico portrayed by none other than Chris Pine. This isn't just any villain; King Magnifico is a character who will make your jaw drop! He's not just stealing wishes from innocent people; he's trading them for safety in the enchanting kingdom of Rosas. Talk about a high-stakes game!

The creative minds behind this epic tale are buzzing with excitement about King Magnifico. They're not just throwing around words like 'larger-than-life' and 'super-evil' for fun. They mean it! King Magnifico is the kind of villain who brings a whole new level of charisma and humor to the table all while being downright evil. It's a combination that's as rare as it is thrilling.

Imagine a villain so captivating that you can't help but be drawn to his every move. That's King Magnifico for you. His descent into madness isn't just a plot point; it's a spectacle that promises to leave viewers glued to their screens. The creative team is betting big that he'll become one of Disney's most unforgettable antagonists and from the sounds of it they're right on the money.

The Clash of Philosophies: Asha and Magnifico

Dive into a world where Asha's life collides with King Magnifico's descent into darkness. This isn't just any story – it's a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises! Veerasunthorn spills the beans on how Asha and Magnifico for a brief shining moment find common ground in their beliefs about the power of wishes. It's like they're two sides of the same coin but don't be fooled! Their similar beliefs are a ticking time bomb leading to an explosive clash that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

This isn't your typical hero-villain showdown. It's a complex dance of ideologies and ambitions. Asha with her pure heart and noble intentions sees wishes as a beacon of hope. On the flip side King Magnifico with his twisted journey to villainy views wishes as tools for his dark ambitions. This difference in their approach to the same belief is what ignites a firestorm of conflict propelling the story into uncharted territories.

As you follow their journey you'll be gripped by the intense drama unfolding. Every twist and turn in Asha and Magnifico's story is a testament to the intricate storytelling that Veerasunthorn has masterfully crafted. It's a tale of two paths intertwined a dance of light and shadow where every step forward is a step into a thrilling unknown.

Wish the 100th-anniversary animated film from Disney Studios promises to deliver a timeless adventure filled with original characters captivating songs and a heartfelt story. As the film pays homage to Disney's rich legacy of storytelling it also introduces new elements that push the boundaries of animation. With stunning hand-drawn visuals and an enticing exploration of wishes Asha's journey in the magical kingdom of Rosas is set to captivate audiences of all ages. Prepare to be transported to a world where dreams do come true in Wish.