Raya and the Last Dragon

[Sotiris]

Raya's clan symbol is the one with the dragon and the gem (the one below). I guess the gem maybe symbolizes the heart of a dragon.

That's the merch symbol, right? I don't think we've seen the in-movie one yet. Since all the other ones have been changed to varying degress, Raya's clan symbol must have been modified too.

[D82]

That's the merch symbol, right? I don't think we've seen the in-movie one yet. Since all the other ones have been changed to varying degress, Raya's clan symbol must have been modified too.

Oh, I thought you were referring to the symbol in general. Yes, we haven't seen the movie version yet. You're right that it could've changed.

[unprincess]

Thanks to the name of the clans revealed in the new EW article (the land of Heart, Talon, Fang, Spine, and Tail), I guess we can finally know what their symbols represent. The land of Heart was revealed long ago as the name of Raya's clan and the green one is confirmed to be Spine in the article, so that's probably what its symbol is. The pink one is clearly from Talon, and I suppose Fang is the white one and Tail the yellow one. They must be named after the different parts of a dragon's body. I guess it's a metaphor for the need of the five clans to be united to form a full body in order to be able to defeat the invaders.

The baby looks weird too. Is her head supposed to be square-shaped?

Judging by other images of her, I think it is. She looks a bit too photorealistic for my taste in that still, but I like the little buns she has. I wonder how she can "run a little con game in town" at such a young age.

It reminds me the realistic design that Dreamworks tried to do with How to Train Your Dragon.

Yes, the characters look more photorealistic than usual.

so each clans symbol is a...body part? um ok... would have preferred the symbols represented animals...

that pic with Raya and the toddler(whats her name anyway?) looks way too uncanny valley, I hope its just a weird shot.

[Sotiris]

I wonder how she can "run a little con game in town" at such a young age.

A better question is where are her parents or guardians? Why is such a young child allowed to run around the city with a bunch of animals (and commit crimes, apparently)?

That pic with Raya and the toddler (what's her name anyway?) looks way too uncanny valley. I hope it's just a weird shot.

Her name's Noi and I agree with you; that shot gives off uncanny valley vibes.

[D82]

A better question is where are her parents or guardians? Why is such a young child allowed to run around the city with a bunch of animals (and commit crimes, apparently)?

I thought she could be an orphan, but maybe I'm wrong. Boun strikes me as an orphan too.

That pic with Raya and the toddler (what's her name anyway?) looks way too uncanny valley. I hope it's just a weird shot.

Her name's Noi and I agree with you; that shot gives off uncanny valley vibes.

I also got that impression. But maybe it's just that shot as you say, unprincess. Perhaps it's the lighting, for example.

[Sotiris]

I thought she could be an orphan, but maybe I'm wrong. Boun strikes me as an orphan too.

She probably will be, but it's not very believable. Someone would have noticed a toddler running around in the city unaccompanied by an adult and they would have done something. Her being a con artist is also not believable because of her age. Boun or someone the age of young Raya being an orphan and stealing or swindling people in the streets to survive I can understand.

[D82]

New book covers:


Source: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Books/dp/ ... ref=sr_1_2


Source: https://www.amazon.fr/Disney-Raya-Drago ... ref=sr_1_4


Source: https://www.amazon.com/Raya-Last-Dragon ... 0736441050

She probably will be, but it's not very believable. Someone would have noticed a toddler running around in the city unaccompanied by an adult and they would have done something. Her being a con artist is also not believable because of her age. Boun or someone the age of young Raya being an orphan and stealing or swindling people in the streets to survive I can understand.

I guess the Ongis probably take care of her, but you're right; it's not too believable she can run around in the city without an adult by her side. I'm curious to see how it'll be explained in the movie. I also wonder whether she'll talk or not. Another thing I'm curious about is to know how Raya will end up teaming up with these misfits when she's been described as a lonely warrior. Well, now that we know Boun has a boat, I guess she'll probably need his help to get somewhere by boat. But it'll be interesting to see how she meets the others.

By the way, one thing I liked about this latest EW article is that it seems each clan will be inspired by a different part of Southeast Asia, so even though it's still a mish-mash of cultures, at least people from different parts of the region will be able to identify with one group more than with the others.

The article also said that the first full trailer is coming. Who knows, maybe even next week. Though producer Osnat Shurer says it "will further showcase the film's humor and action", so we better not have too high expectations.

[Disney's Divinity]

I have a feeling they'll all be orphans, including Raya and Sisu as well (do we know if Raya's mother is still alive?), and they'll operate as sort of a "found family" by the end of the film. And that includes the older man, too. He seems like an orphan who survived life alone and will probably be resistant to getting along with the others at first before becoming a father figure to them by the end. That picture of him holding the baby makes me think of Sesshomaru and Rin from Inuyasha--she breaks through his cold heart.

[unprincess]

By the way, one thing I liked about this latest EW article is that it seems each clan will be inspired by a different part of Southeast Asia, so even though it's still a mish-mash of cultures, at least people from different parts of the region will be able to identify with one group more than with the others.

Oh gee I wonder where they got that idea from.

That picture of him holding the baby makes me think of Sesshomaru and Rin from Inuyasha--she breaks through his cold heart.

He was my favorite from that show. I have his dog form Funko pop. One of my first anime crushes. Good Times.

[Disney's Divinity]

^ I would have, but I have so many Funko already between Sailor Moon and Disney, that I decided to pass.

[D82]

You can listen to a little snippet from "Flower Pond Theme", the music that Sisu Dragon Chest plays, here and hear the sounds Raya's toy sword makes here.

I've also found the latest issue of Total Film magazine online. Here's what it says about Raya in their 2021 preview:

Oh gee I wonder where they got that idea from.

Are you referring to Avatar: The Last Airbender? I haven't seen that show or the movie, but I've just read a summary on Wikipedia and it reminded me a lot of Frozen 2. Maybe it's not the first time Disney has taken inspiration from that TV series.

I have a feeling they'll all be orphans, including Raya and Sisu as well (do we know if Raya's mother is still alive?), and they'll operate as sort of a "found family" by the end of the film. And that includes the older man, too. He seems like an orphan who survived life alone and will probably be resistant to getting along with the others at first before becoming a father figure to them by the end.

I hadn't thought about that. You could be right. Raya is at least fatherless as you say, Sisu must be as well since she's the last dragon, and the old man could be too. Even if he didn't grow up without parents, they are probably dead now. I'm not sure about Namaari, though. But maybe her mother also died in the Druun attack; then she would be the leader of her clan now. Either way, I think Namaari will have some backstory which is what causes her to oppose Raya.

By the way, I've noticed that Noi (the toddler) seems to walk like the Ongis on that last book cover I posted. I wonder if she was abandoned or lost her parents as a baby and the Ongis have raised her. She doesn't look like a feral child, but the Ongis seem more civilized than normal animals, so maybe they provide her with clothes, clean her, etc.

[Farerb]

The cover of the art book:


I'm surprised the trailer hasn't been released yet, the film is out in less than two months. Hopefully next week.

[Disney's Divinity]

Sisu looks so pretty in that drawing. Her tail almost looks like Ariel's.

I hadn't thought about that. You could be right. Raya is at least fatherless as you say, Sisu must be as well since she's the last dragon, and the old man could be too. Even if he didn't grow up without parents, they are probably dead now. I'm not sure about Namaari, though. But maybe her mother also died in the Druun attack; then she would be the leader of her clan now. Either way, I think Namaari will have some backstory which is what causes her to oppose Raya.

If I had to bet, that's what I think will be the case. I expect Namaari to have a lot of parallels to Raya--perhaps both lost their parents in the Druun attack and became leaders--but ultimately they diverged in two opposite directions over how to deal with the situation. Of course I expect Namaari to eventually "stand down" at the end with whatever her plans are, otherwise she wouldn't be a friend of Raya that they would include in the merchandise.

[DisneyFan09]

You can listen to a little snippet from "Flower Pond Theme", the music that Sisu Dragon Chest plays, here and hear the sounds Raya's toy sword makes here.

It was hard to listen to the music. The sound was too low. But I liked the cue. And the sound of the sword was cool, as well.

I've also found the latest issue of Total Film magazine online. Here's what it says about Raya in their 2021 preview:

Thanks for posting. I wonder if the earliest storyline was akin to what originally was Dragon Empire.

The cover of the art book:

Thanks for posting. Though I`ve never liked the covers of the "Art books" of the Revival films, at least this cover has a handdrawn feel to it.

Her tail almost looks like Ariel's.

I know, right?

[D82]

I'm surprised the trailer hasn't been released yet, the film is out in less than two months. Hopefully next week.

Me too. I thought they would release it this week, but it seems we'll have to wait a little longer.

If I had to bet, that's what I think will be the case. I expect Namaari to have a lot of parallels to Raya--perhaps both lost their parents in the Druun attack and became leaders--but ultimately they diverged in two opposite directions over how to deal with the situation. Of course I expect Namaari to eventually "stand down" at the end with whatever her plans are, otherwise she wouldn't be a friend of Raya that they would include in the merchandise.

All that sounds quite likely to me.

It was hard to listen to the music. The sound was too low. But I liked the cue. And the sound of the sword was cool, as well.

That's true, the sound wasn't very good. I hope someone shares a better recording. I also like the little we can hear, though. By the way, these are the sounds the Ongis make. Judging by them, I guess they won't be talking animals.

I wonder if the earliest storyline was akin to what originally was Dragon Empire.

It probably was.

Though I`ve never liked the covers of the "Art books" of the Revival films, at least this cover has a handdrawn feel to it.

You're right, I like that too. And is Sisu grey there?

[D82]

Thanks to a new doll set we now know Raya's father is called Chief Benja and we can get an idea of what he'll look like in the film. I guess it's quite clear now Raya's mother won't be alive, otherwise I think there would be merchandise of her too.


Source: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-Raya- ... /281497265


Chief Benja is also included in a new figurine set, which also gives as a look at Namaari in a different outfit.


Source: https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-an ... A-79398749


And here's another figure set that I think hasn't been posted either:


Source: https://www.target.com/p/disney-raya-8p ... nk=sametab

[D82]

Three Lego sets have also been revealed this week. The first one is called "Raya and the Heart Palace". The palace has "a revolving wall with a secret room, a large treasure chest and opening central and side towers". We can also see a throne, a map of Kumandra and the dragon gem in it. Apart from that, the description reveals Namaari's pet (the purple figure) is called Serlot.


Source: https://learningexpressgifts.com/produc ... c255&_ss=r


The second set ("Raya and Sisu Dragon") can be combined with the previous one and includes a palace gate, which "has a secret room to hold a small box with a diamond and a waterfall that opens up".


Source: https://learningexpressgifts.com/produc ... c255&_ss=r


And the third one is "Boun's Boat". It includes a large shrimp boat (I guess it's the Shrimporium, the floating restaurant mentioned in the latest EW article), a smaller boat and a dock area.


Source: https://learningexpressgifts.com/produc ... c255&_ss=r


There's also this Lego polybag:


Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCNLlZJfiB/

[Sotiris]

New book covers.

The Little Golden Book looks really bad. It's too stylized and makes the characters, Sisu in particular, look too angular. My favorite of the three is the middle one. It has a nice color scheme and composition and the characters look most on-model.

I guess the Ongis probably take care of her, but you're right; it's not too believable she can run around in the city without an adult by her side. I'm curious to see how it'll be explained in the movie. I also wonder whether she'll talk or not.

I have a feeling she won't be talking, at least not intelligibly, and the Ongis will be speaking on her behalf.

Another thing I'm curious about is to know how Raya will end up teaming up with these misfits when she's been described as a lonely warrior. Well, now that we know Boun has a boat, I guess she'll probably need his help to get somewhere by boat. But it'll be interesting to see how she meets the others.

I'm guessing it's because she'll need something from them. As you said, Boun will be for transportation, Noi for stealing stuff, and Tong for lifting heavy things or being her muscle in general.

I have a feeling they'll all be orphans, including Raya and Sisu as well (do we know if Raya's mother is still alive?), and they'll operate as sort of a "found family" by the end of the film.

I believe that will be the case too.

Oh gee I wonder where they got that idea from.

That part reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender as well. It's odd there are so many similarities between the two properties, but the crew on Raya deny drawing on Avatar/Korra for inspiration. They claim that any similarity is due to the fact that both properties are based on the same region and the culture.

You can listen to a little snippet from "Flower Pond Theme", the music that Sisu Dragon Chest plays, here and hear the sounds Raya's toy sword makes here.

I like the "Flower Pond Theme"; it has an ethereal quality to it. Does this mean the film had already finished scoring when the product was manufactured or is this just temp music?

I'm not sure about Namaari, though. But maybe her mother also died in the Druun attack; then she would be the leader of her clan now. Either way, I think Namaari will have some backstory which is what causes her to oppose Raya.

Namaari's mom probably gets killed along with Raya's dad during the Druun attack. Maybe Namaari will blame Raya or her dad for what happened. He was the leader of all the clans after all and perhaps an action or inaction of his caused the Druun attack. Maybe she'll blame him for not being a competent leader; for not foreseeing or preparing for the impeding invasion and being unable to protect his people. Maybe it's his fault the dragon gem got lost/broken into pieces.

By the way, I've noticed that Noi (the toddler) seems to walk like the Ongis on that last book cover I posted. I wonder if she was abandoned or lost her parents as a baby and the Ongis have raised her. She doesn't look like a feral child, but the Ongis seem more civilized than normal animals, so maybe they provide her with clothes, clean her, etc.

The Ongis probably raised her or at least spent a large amount of time with her and that's why she's mimicking their walk. I hope Noi get reunited with her biological family or gets adopted by a human couple at the end. A toddler shouldn't be left roaming around with a bunch of animals and stealing to survive. Maybe Tong will adopt her since we see him holding her and being on his shoulders in a lot of merch.

The cover of the art book.

The cover was illustrated by Mingjue Helen Chen who is the production designer on the film.

I expect Namaari to have a lot of parallels to Raya--perhaps both lost their parents in the Druun attack and became leaders--but ultimately they diverged in two opposite directions over how to deal with the situation. Of course I expect Namaari to eventually "stand down" at the end with whatever her plans are, otherwise she wouldn't be a friend of Raya that they would include in the merchandise.

I think so too. Namaari will undoubtedly end up seeing Raya's point of view. She will be convinced by her plan at the end and join her crew.

By the way, these are the sounds the Ongis make. Judging by them, I guess they won't be talking animals.

Maybe they will talk in addition to making animal sounds. While I prefer them not talking, how will they communicate with Raya and translate for Noi? Just through pantomime?

And is Sisu grey there?

I think it's the lighting that makes her look grey-ish.

Thanks to a new doll set we now know Raya's father is called Chief Benja and we can get an idea of what he'll look like in the film. I guess it's quite clear now Raya's mother won't be alive, otherwise I think there would be merchandise of her too.

Isn't Benja short for Benjamin? That doesn't sound very Southeast Asian. I like his character design and outfit. I think this establishes Raya's clan as the blue one, even though their clothing has some turquoise and emerald in there too. It's too bad we won't be seeing her mom at all. We knew she wasn't going to play a role in the film the way her dad does, but I had hoped they would have at least showed her at the very beginning when Raya was a baby or a toddler.

Chief Benja is also included in a new figurine set, which also gives as a look at Namaari in a different outfit.

I like that Namaari has a cape. That's another thing in common she has with Raya.

Three Lego sets have also been revealed this week. The first one is called "Raya and the Heart Palace". The palace has "a revolving wall with a secret room, a large treasure chest and opening central and side towers". We can also see a throne, a map of Kumandra and the dragon gem in it. The second set ("Raya and Sisu Dragon") can be combined with the previous one and includes a palace gate, which "has a secret room to hold a small box with a diamond and a waterfall that opens up".

I like the design of Raya's palace and the fact it has secret rooms and revolving walls. It gives it a bit of a gothic vibe.

[blackcauldron85]

Maybe Tong will adopt her since we see him holding her and being on his shoulders in a lot of merch.

I was thinking that, too.

Per Amazon, the Ongis' names are Pan, Dyan, & Uka.
https://smile.amazon.com/Disney-Raya-Sm ... B083X51PL8
https://smile.amazon.com/Disney-Raya-Sm ... B083X4ZW7C
https://smile.amazon.com/Disney-Raya-Sm ... B083X5HV2H

[D82]

My favorite of the three is the middle one. It has a nice color scheme and composition and the characters look most on-model.

That's my favorite too. I agree about the colors and the composition and I think it's where I liked Sisu in her new design the most so far.

I'm guessing it's because she'll need something from them. As you said, Boun will be for transportation, Noi for stealing stuff, and Tong for lifting heavy things or being her muscle in general.

I think you're right. After all, that's the most typical way of making characters reluctantly form a team at first, especially in current WDAS and Pixar films.

I like the "Flower Pond Theme"; it has an ethereal quality to it. Does this mean the film had already finished scoring when the product was manufactured or is this just temp music?

You're right, it could be just temp music. However, I've found out it's by James Newton Howard, so most likely it's from the film's score.


Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Disneys-Ra ... 4622817026

Namaari's mom probably gets killed along with Raya's dad during the Druun attack. Maybe Namaari will blame Raya or her dad for what happened. He was the leader of all the clans after all and perhaps an action or inaction of his caused the Druun attack. Maybe she'll blame him for not being a competent leader; for not foreseeing or preparing for the impeding invasion and being unable to protect his people. Maybe it's his fault the dragon gem got lost/broken into pieces.

Yes, it's very likely Namaari blames Raya or her father for something. Besides, there must be something that caused the clans to be divided.

The Ongis probably raised her or at least spent a large amount of time with her and that's why she's mimicking their walk. I hope Noi get reunited with her biological family or gets adopted by a human couple at the end. A toddler shouldn't be left roaming around with a bunch of animals and stealing to survive. Maybe Tong will adopt her since we see him holding her and being on his shoulders in a lot of merch.

I hadn't thought about that, but now that you've mentioned it, it's true that both are shown together in a lot of merch, so I think you're probably right he adopts her at the end.

I have a feeling she won't be talking, at least not intelligibly, and the Ongis will be speaking on her behalf.

Maybe they will talk in addition to making animal sounds. While I prefer them not talking, how will they communicate with Raya and translate for Noi? Just through pantomime?

That's a good point. It's true it'll be difficult for Raya to communicate with Noi and the Ongis if neither of them talk. It would be strange though that the plushies only made animal sounds if they talked in the movie, especially when they're called "Chattering Ongis".

I think it's the lighting that makes her look grey-ish.

Maybe you're right.

Isn't Benja short for Benjamin? That doesn't sound very Southeast Asian. I like his character design and outfit. I think this establishes Raya's clan as the blue one, even though their clothing has some turquoise and emerald in there too. It's too bad we won't be seeing her mom at all. We knew she wasn't going to play a role in the film the way her dad does, but I had hoped they would have at least showed her at the very beginning when Raya was a baby or a toddler.

It didn't occur to me his name sounded like Benjamin, but I guess it's just a coincidence. Probably Benja as a full name also exists in the region where the film is set in. And yes, now that we can see the full outfits, they have more blue in them that it seemed, so the color of their clan must be blue after all. Plus, blue is the color usually associated with water and it seems a drop of water is one of the clan's symbols. Regarding Raya's mother, I think it's still possible she appears in some short flashback, but we'll see.

I like the design of Raya's palace and the fact it has secret rooms and revolving walls. It gives it a bit of a gothic vibe.

Yeah, that's cool. I wonder if there'll be secret rooms in the film itself or not. Maybe they're used to protect the dragon gem or other important items.