Raya and the Last Dragon

[Sotiris]

Do you think Raya will be actually wearing the Light of Kumandra as a necklace in the movie or is it something done for toy purposes? I would like it if she did, even though it's similar to Moana wearing the Heart of Te Fiti. I wonder what its purpose is in the movie. My guess is that the Light of Kumandra is a special kind of Kumandrian flower that has magical abilities and will maybe help Raya restore the land to its previous prosperous state.


Source: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-s-Ray ... /969574257

[D82]

Full pose of Raya wielding her sword:


Source: https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-80170525

The Art book will be released on March 16th:
https://www.target.com/p/art-of-raya-an ... nk=sametab

Thanks for the heads up!

Do you think Raya will be actually wearing the Light of Kumandra as a necklace in the movie or is it something done for toy purposes? I would like it if she did, even though it's similar to Moana wearing the Heart of Te Fiti. I wonder what its purpose is in the movie. My guess is that the Light of Kumandra is a special kind of Kumandrian flower that has magical abilities and will maybe help Raya restore the land to its previous prosperous state.

I don't think she'll be wearing it as a necklace in the movie, but I also believe the flower will have magical abilities.

Here are more products. The first one is quite cool, isn't it?

Raya and Tuk Tuk
https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... nk=sametab

Tuk Tuk Interactive Pet
https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-79535304

Petite Character Gift Set
https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-79398638

Kumandra Story Set
https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... nk=sametab

Chattering Ongis Plush
https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-79398609

Raya's Adventure Outfit
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-s-Ray ... /942015483

Signature Dragon Blade
https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-79398628

[Disney's Divinity]

I think I would like it more as a necklace than Moana's or even Pocahontas' because it's in the shape of a lotus flower. Most Disney characters don't really have a distinctive necklace design. Ursula's nautilus shell is the only thing that comes to mind. I guess there's the little brooches that the Queen and Stepmother have, too, although they're not very defined either--just some round shapes.

[D82]

Some details I've noticed from the new merchandise:

• According to the description, The Light of Kumandra Necklace is inspired by the dragon gem.

Inspired by the dragon gem, a key part of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, The Light of Kumandra Necklace is a beautiful flower necklace with a light-up element and yellow details on the petals.

• The Kumandra Flower represents hope in the movie.

In Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon, young Raya believes in dragons just like her father. Inspired by Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon animated movie, Young Raya and Kumandra Flower pays homage to her hopeful adolescent character. When kids lift her arm, she will play soothing music and the Kumandra flower in her hand, which represents hope in the movie, will light up.

Source: https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... nk=sametab


• There are five "flower gems" in Sisu's Dragon Jewelry Chest and the symbols that represent each clan appear inside flowers as decorative motifs, so maybe there's a magical flower for each clan in the film as well. The flowers and the dragon gem light up in a light show while the "Flower Pond Theme" plays in the background.





Also, the embossed drawing on the bottom of the drawer looks like it could be a map of the sea in Kumandra which is shaped like a dragon, don't you think? It's the same drawing seen in the film's logo.








• Sisu is described as "majestic, wise and powerful" in her doll box.


• The strange weapon Raya has in the Kumandra Story Set is also a sword.

The Boun doll includes his musical instrument, the Raya doll includes her sword, and the Sisu Human doll includes her jacket and satchel.

• The Ongis are called Dyan, Pan, and Uka. They're described as "mischievous" and "always up for a hustle".


• New description of Tuk Tuk's animal combination.

Part pill bug, part pug, part off-road vehicle and 100% adorable, Raya’s faithful steed, from Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, Ready to Roll Tuk Tuk is built for speed.

Source: https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-79535304


• Also, it was quite clear he's male, but the description of these two Tuk Tuk plushies confirms it.

https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Raya-Tuk- ... ref=sr_1_6
https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Raya-Smal ... ref=sr_1_2

[Farerb]

Funko pops:

[Disney's Divinity]

I'll probably buy the one of Raya with the hat. Maybe Namaari depending on if I end up liking that character. Sisu is alright, although I have a feeling she'll receive a better pop in future (maybe a 6 inch) and so I'll wait for that.

[Sotiris]

According to the description, The Light of Kumandra Necklace is inspired by the dragon gem.

When they say "inspired" do they mean the necklace part or the shape part? Will the dragon gem, after it's been re-assembled into an orb, end up opening up like a flower into a lotus-shaped crystal? It's a shame Raya won't be wearing it. It would have made a cool accessory for her.

In Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon, young Raya believes in dragons just like her father.

The way this is phrased makes it seem like the existence of dragons is not something widely accepted as fact in the land. That Raya and her dad are outliers in this belief. That's odd considered how the dragons saved everyone during the first Druun attack, unless that plot point has changed since then.

There are five "flower gems" in Sisu's Dragon Jewelry Chest and the symbols that represent each clan appear inside flowers as decorative motifs, so maybe there's a magical flower for each clan in the film as well.

The flower gems are Kumandrian flowers, right? They must be connected to dragons or the dragon gem. The fact there are five of them representing the five clans can't be a coincidence. I wonder if all five of them are needed to placed around the dragon gem in order for it to activate and unleash its power.

Also, the embossed drawing on the bottom of the drawer looks like it could be a map of the sea in Kumandra which is shaped like a dragon, don't you think? It's the same drawing seen in the film's logo.

Nice catch! I also think it's supposed to be a map of Kumandra.

[D82]

Two more Funko pops:


Source: https://twitter.com/portalfunko/status/ ... 2921263107


And another figurine set (more photos here):


Source: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-s-Ray ... /349831090

[Disney's Divinity]

Those action figures look really nice--Sisu especially looks awesome! I'm happy for the kids that will grow up with those.

[unprincess]

there's already 2 or 3 Sisu figures that I would love to get! I really like that Hasbro one that comes with the toddler Raya. Curious what the plush will look like. Really like the figure set too. I wonder what the story is with the toddler girl and the monkeys?

And another dragon to add to my dragon POPs collection.

[D82]

When they say "inspired" do they mean the necklace part or the shape part? Will the dragon gem, after it's been re-assembled into an orb, end up opening up like a flower into a lotus-shaped crystal? It's a shame Raya won't be wearing it. It would have made a cool accessory for her.

In the toy description, the flower pendant is described as "film-inspired" while the necklace chain as "custom", so probably the thing that is inspired in the dragon gem is just the flower. After all, it seems the gem is in the middle of the flower, doesn't it? The gem in the newest figurine set also seems to have petals under it, so maybe you're right the gem transforms into a lotus-shaped crystal.



Regarding Raya wearing the flower in some way, after seeing there's also a bracelet featuring it included in the Jewelry Chest, I now think it's possible she could be wearing it in the film at some point. Maybe at the end with the second outfit that was included in Hasbro's Raya's Adventure Styles doll. Also, young Raya doll's shoes have a flower on them too, so it seems it's a popular motif in her clan as well as dragons.

By the way, I've noticed that in the description of the figurine set it says the following:

Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon Journey Through Kumandra Figurine Set features characters from all five lands of Kumandra. For added story-authenticity, the set features a figurine of Sisu in her dragon form.

5 figurines, representing the lands of Kumandra, form a perfect circle that fits around the center base.

Sisu is a beautiful mix of rich blues, purples and white and stands atop a unique red base.

They make it clear Sisu doesn't represent any clan, so that rules out the dragons being the fifth clan. I guess Namaari is the fifth member of the band after all.

The way this is phrased makes it seem like the existence of dragons is not something widely accepted as fact in the land. That Raya and her dad are outliers in this belief. That's odd considered how the dragons saved everyone during the first Druun attack, unless that plot point has changed since then.

I've just noticed that in the back of the doll box, it also says the same but in different words: "Her father's daughter, young Raya believes in dragons". When I read the first description, I thought it meant Raya and her father believe there are still dragons left (or at least a last dragon) while others think they all died, but the way it's written it actually sounds like it's what you said. I think it does make sense, though. The first Druun attack was 500 years before the second, so in present times probably most people in Kumandra believe the story of dragons saving the land is just a fairy tale. I think the second Druun attack takes place when Raya is a girl (which is when her father is killed) and the Druun have been ruling the land since then. If this is true, Raya and her father being the guardians of the dragon gem would also make sense; they'd be the only ones to believe it still has a purpose and to care about protecting it.

The flower gems are Kumandrian flowers, right? They must be connected to dragons or the dragon gem. The fact there are five of them representing the five clans can't be a coincidence. I wonder if all five of them are needed to placed around the dragon gem in order for it to activate and unleash its power.

I'm not completely sure, but I'd say Kumandrian flowers and flower gems are the same thing. I also think they're definitely connected to dragons or the dragon gem. Maybe you're right that they're needed to unleash the power of the gem. It would fit with the theme of unity between the clans if they not only needed the dragon gem but a magical item that represents each clan to save the day. I wonder if Raya will have to find a flower in each of the five lands in addition to the fragments of the gem.

Those action figures look really nice--Sisu especially looks awesome! I'm happy for the kids that will grow up with those.

I agree. I usually don't collect any merchandise, but I wouldn't mind having those figures.

there's already 2 or 3 Sisu figures that I would love to get! I really like that Hasbro one that comes with the toddler Raya. Curious what the plush will look like.

We already have a first look at it thanks to a couple of the photos on Tuk Tuk's plush page, as well as at Raya's:

[D82]

Sorry for taking so long to reply to the things you wrote me more than two weeks ago, Sotiris. I hadn't forgotten about it, but I haven't had much time and there were new things to comment about the film. Here's my response to some of them:

I think they might have inspired the horn(s) more than the tail. If they wanted her to look more like Naga they wouldn't have given her legs. The fin at the end of her tail looks quite different too. Not to mention, Sisu has little sails throughout her body whereas these are smooth. I would have preferred if her final design resembled these artistic depictions of Naga more. It would have made Sisu feel more authentic and dragon-like.

Yes, the horns look more similar to the ones those traditional Naga depictions have than the tail. I think it would've been a bit complicated to animate her during the entire movie without legs, though. Plus, some Naga representations (like the one below) do have legs. But I also would've preferred she had looked a bit more dragon-like.

I'm sure there will be. I don't think there's been a non-musical WDAS film in the last decade without an original end credits song. It will probably be more pop than musical theater, but I hope it can still function as a signature song for Raya. Perhaps, if it's told from her perspective and sung by a female vocalist. I'd hate for her to be the only princess in the DP line-up without a theme song. Even Merida has "Touch the Sky".

You're right, it would be weird if there wasn't an end credits song. And I think it's very likely it's told from her perspective, since she's the protagonist. I wonder who they'll choose to perform it. Is there any well-known singer from Southeast Asia?

That symbol looks like Sisu and the dot in the middle like the dragon gem.

Yes, that's true. Some of the other symbols also feature a dot. I wonder if they're meant to be the gem too. Maybe all the clans have a symbol related to dragons since their land is called the Land of the Dragon.

I'd like it because that would mean more screen time for Raya and Sisu and less for the misfits.

I think that will be that case. That's not only indicative by the still that was released with Raya sitting in front of Sisu alone, but also by the fact that the two of them will need time to bond. Like with any buddy road trip movie, their relationship is supposed to be central to the story and serve as the emotional core of the narrative. They can't become closer and grow together with all the misfits constantly around. They will need some alone time, away from distractions.

That's true. It's probably what will happen.

And it's not perfectly cut, so I guess the reason all those fragments exist is that the gem broke into pieces at some point.

Maybe it was broken during one of the Druun attacks.

That's very likely.

I doubt Namari is supposed to be part of the group. Even if she joins them at the end, she wasn't part of their journey and their coming together as "found family".

Well, if as you speculated, Raya first meets Sisu and then finds each misfit at a different location while they're looking for the pieces of the gem, then they won't be all together from the beginning. Namaari could just be the last one to join the group. Plus, perhaps her "redemption" is not at the very end, but a bit earlier, like for example, at the end of the second act.

The part where she says "flaws in their thinking, but their heart is in the right place" is a dead giveaway she's not a villain, and therefore won't be redeemed in the classic sense, but will come to see Raya's perspective and value. Raya will do the same for her. They'll both realize they need each other and they'll end up leading the clans together at the end.

Well, yes, it's not really a redemption, what I meant is that she won't be an antagonist anymore at the end. It's actually refreshing compared to the typical villain redemption that has been done a lot recently.

And have you noticed the gem in Sisu's "bag"?

Was there ever any doubt Raya and co. would succeed in tracking down and reassembling the dragon gem?

Of course not. I just found it curious that that's the way she transports it.

When I first saw the playset, my first thought (very likely wrong) was that the orb Sisu was carrying might be her egg? And that perhaps the green Dragon Gem will be attached to it or something to turn her back into her original form. I don't know--why would they have two special items like that white orb and the green gem in the same movie?

I think both items you mention are the same. The gem probably just looks greenish sometimes because of the light.

As a toy, the Kumandra flower looks like a lotus-shaped crystal, but on the packaging it looks more like a will-o'-the-wisp on a lily pad.

I think the flower on the packaging is probably not the same as the Kumandra one. They look too different from each other, plus there are lots of them on the doll box. I think the Kumandra flower wouldn't be so abundant, so that kind of flower is likely just a "regular" one from this fantastical land.

[D82]

Better look at the first image we saw of Sisu's new design:


Source: https://www.walmart.com/browse/shop-by- ... 38_6299894 (via raya.and.the.last.dragon on Instagram)


And here are links to Raya's and Sisu's plushies and a Raya talking doll:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-Raya- ... /443845198
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-Raya- ... /596785910
https://www.amazon.com/-/es/30521/dp/B0 ... ref=sr_1_1

[Redadoodles]

Wait .. Am I on crack or Hasbro is releasing a Raya doll that is both accurate and pretty ?

[unprincess]

I think this one's been posted before but its a better picture. It is much prettier looking but the clothes still look cheap. Also find it funny that its a hair play/braid doll. Somehow I doubt tough warrior Raya's gonna stop mid story to let the monkeys braid her hair the way Pocahontas did in her movie.

We already have a first look at it thanks to a couple of the photos on Tuk Tuk's plush page, as well as at Raya's:

CUTE!!!!

[D82]

More images of the "Journey Through Kumandra Figurine Set" have been added on Walmart's website. They confirm who the characters that represent each clan are, and thanks to the symbols on the base under each figurine; which one belongs to each of them. Raya is from the clan of the dragon symbol, Namaari from the white clan (as we already knew), Boun (the boy) from the yellow/orange clan, Tong (the giant) from the green clan and Noi (the toddler) from the pink/purple clan.




The bases of the figurines can be assembled together and they form a circle around the dragon gem.



Seen from above, it's the same design that appears on some of the book covers.



On the back of the package it says: "Raya, Sisu and crew must learn to trust each other as they journey to save their world from an evil darkness."

[Farerb]

I'm just confused, is this movie about Raya and Sisu or Raya and the group?

[D82]

Wait .. Am I on crack or Hasbro is releasing a Raya doll that is both accurate and pretty ?

Yes, that doll is not bad. Is it just the pictures that are better or has it been redesigned? (new image on the right)

Also find it funny that its a hair play/braid doll. Somehow I doubt tough warrior Raya's gonna stop mid story to let the monkeys braid her hair the way Pocahontas did in her movie.

Yeah, it doesn't seem to fit the character much.

I'm just confused, is this movie about Raya and Sisu or Raya and the group?

I like the theme of unity between the clans and the misfits look like interesting characters to me, but I hope Raya and Sisu get enough screen time.

[Sotiris]

Regarding Raya wearing the flower in some way, after seeing there's also a bracelet featuring it included in the Jewelry Chest, I now think it's possible she could be wearing it in the film at some point. Maybe at the end with the second outfit that was included in Hasbro's Raya's Adventure Styles doll. Also, young Raya doll's shoes have a flower on them too, so it seems it's a popular motif in her clan as well as dragons.

While I do think Raya will be connected to the Kumandra flower in some way, she is shown to be holding it in the doll set after all, I highly doubt she'll be wearing it as necklace or a bracelet. I hope I'm wrong though, not only because I think that flower-shaped accessories are cute, but also because I like the idea of Raya having something symbolizing her softer, feminine side among all those blades and sticks.

The first Druun attack was 500 years before the second, so in present times probably most people in Kumandra believe the story of dragons saving the land is just a fairy tale. I think the second Druun attack takes place when Raya is a girl (which is when her father is killed) and the Druun have been ruling the land since then. If this is true, Raya and her father being the guardians of the dragon gem would also make sense; they'd be the only ones to believe it still has a purpose and to care about protecting it.

That makes sense. However, if the Druun having been ruling since Raya was little then why has it suddenly become important to locate the dragon gem and the last dragon? What event in present day has caused this urgency?

It would fit with the theme of unity between the clans if they not only needed the dragon gem but a magical item that represents each clan to save the day. I wonder if Raya will have to find a flower in each of the five lands in addition to the fragments of the gem.

Maybe the fragments of the dragon gem will reside inside five special Kumandra flowers. I think that would be cool.

You're right, it would be weird if there wasn't an end credits song. And I think it's very likely it's told from her perspective, since she's the protagonist. I wonder who they'll choose to perform it. Is there any well-known singer from Southeast Asia?

I can't think of any at the top of my head. But I don't think Disney will require a Southeast Asian performer. They didn't seem to limit themselves before in this regard. They got Alessia Cara for Moana and she isn't Polynesian. They'll probably get a singer of color though to avoid any potential scrutiny.

Well, if as you speculated, Raya first meets Sisu and then finds each misfit at a different location while they're looking for the pieces of the gem, then they won't be all together from the beginning. Namaari could just be the last one to join the group. Plus, perhaps her "redemption" is not at the very end, but a bit earlier, like for example, at the end of the second act.

That's what will probably happen since Namaari turned out to be the representative of the fifth clan as you theorized.

I think both items you mention are the same. The gem probably just looks greenish sometimes because of the light.

I think so too. Having yet another special item featured in the film aside from the dragon gem and the Kumandra flower would be excessive.

I think the flower on the packaging is probably not the same as the Kumandra one. They look too different from each other, plus there are lots of them on the doll box. I think the Kumandra flower wouldn't be so abundant, so that kind of flower is likely just a "regular" one from this fantastical land.

You're probably right. It makes sense that the Kumandra flower wouldn't grow in such large numbers otherwise it wouldn't be special.

I think this one's been posted before but its a better picture. It is much prettier looking but the clothes still look cheap.

Yes, the clothing looks very cheap. The top half of her outfit is painted on for Pete's sake.

Somehow I doubt tough warrior Raya's gonna stop mid story to let the monkeys braid her hair the way Pocahontas did in her movie.

She might allow them to braid her hair begrudgingly in exchange for something. They are skilled thieves after all and she may find herself in need of their skills.

More images of the "Journey Through Kumandra Figurine Set" have been added on Walmart's website. They confirm who the characters that represent each clan are, and thanks to the symbols on the base under each figurine; which one belongs to each of them. Raya is from the clan of the dragon symbol, Namaari from the white clan (as we already knew), Boun (the boy) from the yellow/orange clan, Tong (the giant) from the green clan and Noi (the toddler) from the pink/purple clan.

So which color represents Raya's clan? It can't be green like the color of the outfits she and her father wore when addressing the rest of the clans since that's already taken. Is it blue like the color of the clothing she wore during training as a kid? It's got to be something otherwise it would be inconsistent.

The bases of the figurines can be assembled together and they form a circle around the dragon gem. Seen from above, it's the same design that appears on some of the book covers. On the back of the package it says: "Raya, Sisu and crew must learn to trust each other as they journey to save their world from an evil darkness."

It seems that the representatives of the five clans (and possibly their Kumandra flowers) will be needed to activate the full powers of the dragon gem.

Is it just the pictures that are better or has it been redesigned?

I think it's just the angle and the quality of the photos that makes it look a bit different.

[unprincess]

On the back of the package it says: "Raya, Sisu and crew must learn to trust each other as they journey to save their world from an evil darkness."

that figure set is just so cool and well designed!
Seems weird that Raya's clan is represented by a dragon and the others are colors. Though the symbols do vaguely look like animals: a snake, a beetle, a bat? a spider?