Raya and the Last Dragon

[blackcauldron85]

Shop Disney finally has merch!

https://www.laughingplace.com/w/article ... hopdisney/

https://www.shopdisney.com/movies-shows ... Redirect=0

[unprincess]

I hope they make a Namari doll too.

[blackcauldron85]

^ There was a video posted, it must have been here, with Kelly, Awkwafina, and Gemma opening their dolls that Disney sent them, so there is a Namaari doll out there somewhere!!

[DisneyFan09]

And here's the "Flower Pond Theme" in better quality from young Raya's doll:

https://youtu.be/ssNL6Zp2whY?t=596
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKlX_NEA0mn/

Thanks for posting. After listening to the snippet, I can definitively tell the Atlantis-influence on it. After all, James Newton Howard used Indonesian Gamelon for the Atlantean parts in Atlantis

[D82]

I like your first four, though I don't know how I'd rank them, they're quite similar, but I guess it would be Flynn, Nick, Naveen, Maui. I actually think TPatF might have turned better if they focused on Naveen rather than Tiana cause in some ways it feels like it's his story (kind of like how BatB is the Beast's story rather than Belle's). Same reason why I think it was smart for them to focus on Judy instead of Nick.

It was difficult for me to rank them too because I like several of them more or less the same. I changed Naveen's position, for example, several times in my ranking. Personally, I like Naveen and Tiana more or less the same, so I like that the story focuses on both, but I don't know, maybe you're right the film would've turned better had they focused more on Naveen. For one thing, it would've been more faithful to the original fairytale. However, I don't know how people would've reacted if the first black princess from the studio wasn't the lead of her film (though the fact that she's a frog during most of the movie is equally bad).

I don't care much for the others, I do find Vanellope quite annoying and Kristoff is such a "Poster Boy" I honestly don't know what his role in the story even is other than fool the audience.

Well, to be honest, Vanellope is the only one I find a little annoying sometimes, but I understand why she behaves like that, so that makes me forgive her. And I like Kristoff too, I just find him a little bland. Though, since his role is not as big as the others', I guess that's OK.

As for Maui, I agree with you, I don't see them able to play with the tattoos on a slimmer design like Flynn, so he needed to be wide, but I also find it unique that they didn't go with their usual handsome design for their male heroes (Maui is not a romantic lead so it might have been easier for them to go this way because of that). What I also like about the character is that he shapeshifts because according to M&C it's something that is hard to do in CGI because they're dealing with models and not drawings, I can't recall that it was ever done before in CGI or at least to the same extent that it was done with Maui.

It never occurred to me they could've made him wide because of the tattoos; you could be right they took that into consideration. I'm also glad they didn't go for a typical hero design and I agree about his shapeshifting ability; it's very cool and well done.

As for his personality, I don't mind his sarcasm and egomaniac behavior as long as he learns sincerity by the end, but what I really like is that other than being that way, he has his moments of vulnerability and sensitivity, and we learn that he is like that, not because he actually think he is amazing, but because he is incredibly insecure, and I really think they brought it out in an organic way with Tamatoa (if anyone thought that Tamatoa was unnecessary). And I guess that's what I like about his relationship with Moana - he's not there to just help her, but she is there to help him as well, which elevates this relationship from unwilling teacher- student into being more on the same level. I think besides the romantic angle, it's similar to Rapunzel and Flynn, two people who help each other out and brings out the best from one another.

I agree on everything you said. I think you described Maui's personality and his relationship with Moana perfectly.

I don't really include Tiana and Naveen because I think Tiana was great as she was (and why I think the story should have been about Naveen), and I don't include Judy and Nick because "racist" Judy feels contrived. I slightly prefer Rapunzel and Flynn to Maui and Moana.

I don't know, I think Tiana also needed to learn something. She was too focused on work and Naveen taught her to enjoy life more. My issue with that is more that the message is not very subtle. Though it's not my biggest issue with the film and children are the main audience for these films after all, so I understand why the felt the need to make the message clear. As for Judy, personally I don't find that moment contrived, but maybe it's because I live in a country where there's a lot of racism. And even though I've been raised to believe we're all equal and I've never understood how people can be racist, I've also had moments like that in which I realized I still had some prejudice I hadn't really noticed I had.

[D82]

I thought this was neat. Nothing too spoilery, but just in case:

Raya and the Last Dragon: Building the World of Kumandra
https://bleedingcool.com/movies/raya-an ... -kumandra/

Thanks for posting that, blackcauldron85! It was really interesting. It's clear they've put a lot of thought into creating the world of Kumandra. We had already noticed the drop symbol in some elements from Raya's clan, but I didn't know even the buildings had that shape. And now we know more about its meaning.

Speaking of Raya's clan, it seems there's a rock similar to the one in her land in Indonesia. I guess Disney artists were inspired by it:


Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKtFf9cng__/


Also, I've now noticed when I posted the new stills that were released the same day as the trailer, I missed two of them, as we had already seen those images in the teaser and they didn't look new to me. Their captions, though, reveal new info about two of the clans:

Resourceful and independent, the people of Tail are accustomed to looking after themselves with little interference from the rest of the five lands of Kumandra.



The people of Spine in Kumandra are fierce warriors who thrive in the snowy mountains of the kingdom. Led by their chief, voiced by Ross Butler.

Source: https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/featu ... ast-dragon


So, these are the leaders of the five clans (from left to right): Raya's father, Benja (Daniel Dae Kim), chief of the Heartlands; Namaari's mother, Virana (Sandra Oh), chief of Fang; Dang Hu (Lucille Soong), chief of Talon; the chief of Tail (Patti Harrison); and the chief of Spine (Ross Butler).



I wonder what happened to the previous leader of Talon that was shown in the teaser trailer. Is he turned into stone at the beginning of the movie like Raya's father?


By the way, the French cast announcement reveals some new character names (in bold, translated by Google):

For the French version of this fantastic adventure full of humor and emotion, the exceptional participation of Géraldine Nakache who lends her voice to the mythical and legendary dragon Sisu, Anggun to the powerful and authoritarian leader Virana and Frédéric Chau to Benja the wise and pacifist father of Raya.

Émilie Rault, for her part, lends her voice to the determined warrior, Raya, Jade Phan-Gia to Namaari the sworn enemy of Raya, Paul Borne to the formidable giant Tong, Aloïs Le Labourier Tiêu to Boun an adorable young expert entrepreneur of the elderly street of 10 years, Adeline Chétail to Bébé Noi a mischievous professional baby of the scam, Bruno Magne to Tuk Tuk the best friend and faithful steed of Raya, Évelyne Grandjean to Dang Hu the head of the Earth Claw of the Dragon, Deborah Claude to the Chef de Queue du Dragon, Stéphane Fourreau for Chef Dos du Dragon, Clara Quilichini for Young Namaari, Alice Taurand for General Atitāya, Fabrice Trojani for Chai, Eilias Changuel for Dang Hai, and Arnaud Léonard for Wahn.

Source: https://newsroom.disney.fr/actualites/r ... dc71f.html

And is Raya wearing her hair in a bun in one of the figures?


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

Here's an image of the back. It turns out she was wearing two braids:


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

Orphans has been a Disney trope which has been overused. It began during Walt`s days, but during the Renaissance and the following decade it was quite overused. So it would`ve been nice if Disney gave a twist to the idea.

I agree.

Btw, I`ve noticed that it haven`t been discussed, but Raya`s age is confirmed in this article; https://nordic.ign.com/feature/43115/ra ... ered-movie

She has the same age as Rapunzel then, right? I don't remember now if there's any other princess who is also 18.

Shop Disney finally has merch!

https://www.laughingplace.com/w/article ... hopdisney/

https://www.shopdisney.com/movies-shows ... Redirect=0

Some articles are quite cool! The Ongis mug and the pin with Raya's team in particular caught my attention.

I hope they make a Namari doll too.

^ There was a video posted, it must have been here, with Kelly, Awkwafina, and Gemma opening their dolls that Disney sent them, so there is a Namaari doll out there somewhere!!

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think what unprincess meant by "they" is the Disney Store. Yes, there is a Namaari doll, which is the one that appears in that video, but that doll is from Hasbro.

After listening to the snippet, I can definitively tell the Atlantis-influence on it. After all, James Newton Howard used Indonesian Gamelon for the Atlantean parts in Atlantis

I see the resemblance too.

[blackcauldron85]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think what unprincess meant by "they" is the Disney Store. Yes, there is a Namaari doll, which is the one that appears in that video, but that doll is from Hasbro.

Oh, I gotcha. I hope that more merch is put on Shop Disney as well.

[DisneyFan09]

She has the same age as Rapunzel then, right? I don't remember now if there's any other princess who is also 18.

Anna was also 18 in Frozen (at least in the first one). According to sources, both Cinderella and Pocahontas were also 18.

[Disney's Divinity]

So, these are the leaders of the five clans (from left to right): Raya's father, Benja (Daniel Dae Kim), chief of the Heartlands; Namaari's mother, Virana (Sandra Oh), chief of Fang; Dang Hu (Lucille Soong), chief of Talon; the chief of Tail (Patti Harrison); and the chief of Spine (Ross Butler).

I like the designs for all of these characters. I could definitely see the chief of Spine getting more attention in sequels if this franchise takes off. Interesting that Benja and Virana (and Raya and Namaari by extension) will have a pacifist versus authoritarian dynamic.

[DisneyFan97]

So, these are the leaders of the five clans (from left to right): Raya's father, Benja (Daniel Dae Kim), chief of the Heartlands; Namaari's mother, Virana (Sandra Oh), chief of Fang; Dang Hu (Lucille Soong), chief of Talon; the chief of Tail (Patti Harrison); and the chief of Spine (Ross Butler).



I wonder what happened to the previous leader of Talon that was shown in the teaser trailer. Is he turned into stone at the beginning of the movie like Raya's father?

Thanks for the pictures !

[DisneyFan97]

Émilie Rault, for her part, lends her voice to the determined warrior, Raya, Jade Phan-Gia to Namaari the sworn enemy of Raya, Paul Borne to the formidable giant Tong, Aloïs Le Labourier Tiêu to Boun an adorable young expert entrepreneur of the elderly street of 10 years, Adeline Chétail to Bébé Noi a mischievous professional baby of the scam, Bruno Magne to Tuk Tuk the best friend and faithful steed of Raya, Évelyne Grandjean to Dang Hu the head of the Earth Claw of the Dragon, Deborah Claude to the Chef de Queue du Dragon, Stéphane Fourreau for Chef Dos du Dragon, Clara Quilichini for Young Namaari, Alice Taurand for General Atitāya, Fabrice Trojani for Chai, Eilias Changuel for Dang Hai, and Arnaud Léonard for Wahn.

Source: https://newsroom.disney.fr/actualites/r ... les-talent
I see the resemblance too.

So Tuk Tuk will actually talk ??

I mean since they will dubb him into French.

[D82]

A couple of billboards:


Source: https://twitter.com/qui_writes/status/1 ... 41/photo/1


Source: https://twitter.com/qui_writes/status/1 ... 4503424000


The first books are already available to buy and with them spoilers arrive. Here are details about some important events that happen at the beginning of the film and about the Druun and Raya's mission: https://www.instagram.com/p/CK0BRsAh1f2/

It says there the Druun are smoke-like beings. That means they did appear in the latest trailer as I suspected (in this shot and the next), though it wasn't until having watched the trailer multiple times that I noticed it.

Here are also more details about Sisu's powers from a post from the same Instagram account. There were more images in that post; I only took a quick look at them and didn't read the text, but they seemed to reveal important parts of the plot, so I decided not to share them here to not tempt anyone who prefers not knowing too much before seeing the movie, but if you don't mind major spoilers, you can read them on Instagram.

Anna was also 18 in Frozen (at least in the first one). According to sources, both Cinderella and Pocahontas were also 18.

Thanks for the info. I didn't remember Anna was 18, and didn't know Cinderella and Pocahontas also were. I usually don't pay much attention to the characters' age unless it's mentioned in the movie. The young version of Raya is probably 12 then, since in the trailer she says she has been searching for the dragon for 6 years. That's older than most young versions of Disney princesses, right?

I like the designs for all of these characters. I could definitely see the chief of Spine getting more attention in sequels if this franchise takes off. Interesting that Benja and Virana (and Raya and Namaari by extension) will have a pacifist versus authoritarian dynamic.

I like their designs too. And you're right; that's an interesting dynamic. It's also noteworthy that there are more female chiefs than male ones.

Thanks for the pictures !

You're welcome, DisneyFan97!

So Tuk Tuk will actually talk ??

I mean since they will dubb him into French.

That's a good observation. I thought he wouldn't talk, but why would they dub him into French then? I think Hei Hei, for example, wasn't dubbed in other countries, but maybe I'm wrong.

[blackcauldron85]

DisneyFan97, I think you meant to quote Disney's Divinity, not me!

The first books are already available to buy and with them arrive the first spoilers.

Wait, when I've looked for books online, they all said coming out in March?! Raya doesn't trust people, so it can't be an easy journey; it's not like the other clans will just willingly hand over the shards, right?! Sisu has siblings?!?!? Awww. Are all the dragons her siblings, then?

*edit* A quick online search shows that "Raya's Team" and "The Guardian of the Dragon Gem" books are available now.

[D82]

A quick online search shows that "Raya's Team" and "The Guardian of the Dragon Gem" books are available now.

From what I've seen, it seems the books that come later are mainly novelizations, while shorter books for younger readers are available now.

Sisu has siblings?!?!? Awww. Are all the dragons her siblings, then?

I don't know. Four dragons seems a very low number, but wouldn't Sisu have access to more powers if there were more dragons? Unless only powers from family members are available to her, for example, or the powers are repeated (these are all the powers dragons can have and more than one has the same power).


Some more book illustrations (mild spoilers):

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1sRduh7Ew/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwaocbBhr6/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKzfZHSBqJc/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKxxFDMBfea/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKxBFjwBk80/

[unprincess]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think what unprincess meant by "they" is the Disney Store. Yes, there is a Namaari doll, which is the one that appears in that video, but that doll is from Hasbro.

yep that's what I meant. I don't like the Hasbro doll.

She might be included in a large set with Raya, human Sisu and maybe some of the other characters...which Im not crazy about, Id rather they just sell her alone.

the spoilers are insane right now. I'm trying to skip all the blacked out text. I don't really want to know everything that happens. I know trying to remember those spoiler tags is a hard thing, thanks for trying your best guys.

[DisneyFan09]

Thanks for the info. I didn't remember Anna was 18, and didn't know Cinderella and Pocahontas also were. I usually don't pay much attention to the characters' age unless it's mentioned in the movie.

You`re welcome. I liked to know the age of the characters during my childhood, for some reason. So it`s nice to know. One of the Making off-books of Cinderella reveals her age. And this site confirms Pocahontas`age; http://am.animatedviews.com/Pocahontas.html

A couple of billboards:

Source: https://twitter.com/qui_writes/status/1 ... 41/photo/1

I liked that banner. I hope that we`ll get a better picture of it.

[D82]

I've found two of the images from this post in higher quality. EDIT: I've updated the post with better pictures from Instagram.



Sources:
https://www.divercuc.com/detalles.php?id=42910
https://www.divercuc.com/detalles.php?id=42911
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK37c4zBfW2/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK28_MshiFl/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2-r14BhBI/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK3AQYrBFFO/


And for the people who don't mind mild spoilers, this shot by shot breakdown of the trailer is quite interesting and thorough. It reminded me I forgot to mention how cool it is that Raya's sword can transform into a kind of whip. I had also wondered if it was smoke or water what Sisu breathes in that shot in Spine, but now whe know it's fog.

You`re welcome. I liked to know the age of the characters during my childhood, for some reason. So it`s nice to know. One of the Making off-books of Cinderella reveals her age. And this site confirms Pocahontas`age; http://am.animatedviews.com/Pocahontas.html

That's interesting to know. I didn't know John Smith was supposed to be 25 either. What you said reminds me that when I was a child I was interested in the voices of the Disney characters for a while. It started because I noticed some characters shared the same voice in the Spanish dubs. Now it's very easy to find that info on the Internet, but back then I used to freeze the image when the names appeared in the end credits of the VHS and write them down in a notebook. I was interesting, because I discovered characters who were very different from one another and sounded nothing alike were sometimes voiced by the same person and things like that. So, DisneyFan97, you're not the only one who has been interested in that.

I liked that banner. I hope that we`ll get a better picture of it.

I liked it too. It was much better than the last poster, in my opinion. I also hope we can get it in better quality.

I know trying to remember those spoiler tags is a hard thing, thanks for trying your best guys.

I'll try to keep that in mind. By the way, I'm sorry if I've spoiled something before. Like Disney's Divinity said, sometimes it's difficult to remember what is a spoiler and what is not. Some things, for example, have been revealed by Disney themselves, but they can still be spoilery for some people. I guess the best way is to use some common sense.

[D82]

D23 Magazine cover (hi-res version here):


Source: https://d23.com/disney-twenty-three-ray ... st-dragon/

[Disney's Divinity]

^ I never paid much attention to the monkeys, partly because the design for the main one (the one with the hat) makes me think he'll be obnoxious--unless his personality ends up being like Francis in Oliver & Company. But I like the designs of the other two monkeys going by that picture. At least at the moment the two characters I'm most worried about not liking are the little boy and the head monkey. I like what we've seen / found out of the rest of the cast of characters so far.

[DisneyFan09]

That's interesting to know. I didn't know John Smith was supposed to be 25 either. What you said reminds me that when I was a child I was interested in the voices of the Disney characters for a while. It started because I noticed some characters shared the same voice in the Spanish dubs. Now it's very easy to find that info on the Internet, but back then I used to freeze the image when the names appeared in the end credits of the VHS and write them down in a notebook. I was interesting, because I discovered characters who were very different from one another and sounded nothing alike were sometimes voiced by the same person and things like that. So, DisneyFan97, you're not the only one who has been interested in that.

Oh cool I remember when The Lion King was released (when I was 10), I started for some reason to be interested in the voice actors for the Disney characters. In my Native Norwegian of course, since the Norwegian dubs (just like the Spanish dubs) had the same voice actors (hey, Norway is small country, anyways). I don`t remember writing the names down on my notebook, but I started to note the actors in both Disney and in cartoons in general.

D23 Magazine cover (hi-res version here):


Source: https://d23.com/disney-twenty-three-ray ... st-dragon/

I liked that picture. It was a nice shot.