Raya and the Last Dragon

[Sotiris]

I assumed that it's her mother. Now that Raya is indeed a princess, her elegant dress explains a lot.

It's possible it's her mother. But why would they include her mother but not her father in the line-up with the main characters? Unless, of course, her father has passed. But even if that's the case, mothers usually don't have a lot of presence and importance in Disney movies. That's why I'm inclined to believe she's the villain. Her design doesn't scream bad guy but that could be the twist.

From what I can remember and without saying too much, my source just told me that she's "the youngest" of her family. I honestly had a kid pictured in my mind, but we all know Disney enough to know that she should be a late teenager, especially if she's a "princess."

Thanks for the info! I really hope she isn't a kid because no matter what she looks like and what her age is we know Disney will include her in the line-up because she's the first Latina lead. They won't pass up the opportunity to rake in that dough even if she didn't fit with the other princesses at all.

Naturally Raya will be joining the princess line. Now Mulan is no longer the only Asian princess in the line.

If they had included Kida, Tiana wouldn't have been the only Black princess either. It's a shame Atlantis flopped. Kida would have made a great addition.

The sword also looks more like the sword Mulan takes from Shan-Yu than what we saw in the first concept image for the film.

Yes, the wave-shaped blade is what makes it similar to Shan-Yu's.

[D82]

New synopsis from WDAS website:

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it’s going to take trust as well.

And more details about the story from this interview with Kelly Marie Tran:

In the movie, Raya (voiced by Tran) is the daughter of the Chief of the Heart Lands, one of the five lands in the fictional kingdom of Kumandra. Years ago, dragons and humans lived in harmony, until monsters known as Druun invaded, forcing the dragons to sacrifice themselves and save humanity. Raya's father was also killed, and the film follows her journey as a warrior to find the last dragon, who she believes can save Kumandra.

[Sotiris]

^Thanks for the updates, D82! So Raya's father has indeed passed. It's an interesting reversal of the absent mother trope. I think disneyprincess11 may be right and the artwork of the short-haired lady is actually Raya's mother. I feel the plot is a bit reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon, but it has enough differences to be its own thing.

[Sotiris]

Yes, Raya is totally unique.

"Raya Merida is totally a warrior. When she was a kid, she was excited to get her sword bow and arrow. And she grows up to be a really badass, gritty warrior and can really take care of herself."

Source: https://ew.com/movies/kelly-marie-tran- ... interview/

[Farerb]

The plot sounds interesting, though now I don't want some one note villainess controlling the Druun, I want them to be a metaphor for existential threat for humans.

[Disney Duster]

Yes, Raya is totally unique.

"Raya Merida is totally a warrior. When she was a kid, she was excited to get her sword bow and arrow. And she grows up to be a really badass, gritty warrior and can really take care of herself."

Source: https://ew.com/movies/kelly-marie-tran- ... interview/

To be fair, she didn't say she's the only Disney heroine to ever be warrior-like ever, lol. She didn't even use the word "unique" there.

[Sotiris]

To be fair, she didn't say she's the only Disney heroine to ever be warrior-like ever, lol. She didn't even use the word "unique" there.

They're trying to sell her as this new, improved, "not like other girls" princess. Disney has been doing the same routine with every new princess since The Princess and the Frog and it's getting really tiresome.

"She is someone who is technically a princess, but I think that what's really cool about this project, about this character specifically, is that everyone's trying to flip the narrative on what it means to be a princess."

Source: https://ew.com/movies/kelly-marie-tran- ... interview/

[Disney Duster]

Yes, that is true, Sotiris. I see how those aspects are annoying and personally I don't like them, either. But whenever creating a new character, usually what goes along with that is you talk about different a character is to past characters, so, really the problem is that she's a princess yet again, all for the sake of money.

[DisneyBluLife]

I want a human female lead (main character) in an animated Disney movie who is not a princess, do not become a princess or is in the Disney princess line. I think the recent one was Alice in Wonderland (1951).

[Farerb]

I want a human female lead (main character) in an animated Disney movie who is not a princess, do not become a princess or is in the Disney princess line. I think the recent one was Alice in Wonderland (1951).

Lilo & Stitch and if you count Pixar then Incredibles 2.

[D82]

I want a human female lead (main character) in an animated Disney movie who is not a princess, do not become a princess or is in the Disney princess line. I think the recent one was Alice in Wonderland (1951).

Me too. The thing I liked the least from the new info we've gotten is that she's going to be yet another daughter of a chief. I already thought it was a bit too cliché when they announced it for Moana. I didn't expect they would do the same with Raya.

So Raya's father has indeed passed. It's an interesting reversal of the absent mother trope.

Yes, it is. Well, Tiana's case is similar, though her father still appears at the beginning. Maybe that will happen here as well, but if the mother is the third female lead they mentioned in the article, then she'll have much more screen time than Eudora.

I feel the plot is a bit reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon, but it has enough differences to be its own thing.

It also reminds me of Moana, especially that Raya needs to find the Last Dragon to save her kingdom like Moana needed to find Maui to save her island. Not to mention that in both cases the protagonist is the daughter of the chief. I agree, though, that Raya seems to have enough unique elements to differentiate it from these other movies.

[Sotiris]

The plot sounds interesting, though now I don't want some one note villainess controlling the Druun, I want them to be a metaphor for existential threat for humans.

Emm...Disney's not great with metaphors. Did you like how the villain in Ralph Breaks the Internet was the embodiment of Ralph's insecurities and fears? I don't think that was well-executed. In any case, I'd much prefer a traditional villain (even if they're underdeveloped) over some non-sentient monsters who terrorize humans for no rhyme or reason. That's boring to me.

The thing I liked the least from the new info we've gotten is that she's going to be yet another daughter of a chief. I already thought it was a bit too cliché when they announced it for Moana. I didn't expect they would do the same with Raya.

Poor Tiger Lily. All the daughters of chiefs made it into the DP line-up except her.

Well, Tiana's case is similar, though her father still appears at the beginning. Maybe that will happen here as well, but if the mother is the third female lead they mentioned in the article, then she'll have much more screen time than Eudora.

They'll probably show her father here too, perhaps in a prologue telling the story of the first Druun war. I still feel the third female lead won't be her mother because there'd be no reason for the producer to hide it if it were. She'd be like "Raya's mom also plays an important role in the story". Her being so cryptic makes me believe it's the villain. And as you said there is no precedent in WDAS movies of the mom of the protagonist playing a big part in the story. Unless her mom is the villain! Now that would be a twist! But Disney doesn't have to guts to do that.

It also reminds me of Moana, especially that Raya needs to find the Last Dragon to save her kingdom like Moana needed to find Maui to save her island. Not to mention that in both cases the protagonist is the daughter of the chief.

You're right. I didn't recognize the similarities to Moana right away.

[Farerb]

The plot sounds interesting, though now I don't want some one note villainess controlling the Druun, I want them to be a metaphor for existential threat for humans.

Emm...Disney's not great with metaphors. Did you like how the villain in Ralph Breaks the Internet was the embodiment of Ralph's insecurities and fears? I don't think that was well-executed. In any case, I'd much prefer a traditional villain (even if they're underdeveloped) over some non-sentient monsters who terrorize humans for no rhyme or reason. That's boring to me.

I didn't like almost anything about Ralph (both of them). I was thinking more about something like Men from Bambi. However, I expect them to be more like the Huns from Mulan.

Well, Tiana's case is similar, though her father still appears at the beginning. Maybe that will happen here as well, but if the mother is the third female lead they mentioned in the article, then she'll have much more screen time than Eudora.

They'll probably show her father here too, perhaps in a prologue telling the story of the first Druun war. I still feel the third female lead won't be her mother because there'd be no reason for the producer to hide it if it were. She'd be like "Raya's mom also plays an important role in the story". Her being so cryptic makes me believe it's the villain. And as you said there is no precedent in WDAS movies of the mom of the protagonist playing a big part in the story. Unless her mom is the villain! Now that would be a twist! But Disney doesn't have to guts to do that.

Don't think they'd do that with a biological mother, but they did do it with Gothel (and in the series she was a biological mother). It would be interesting if Disney explored a mother-daughter relationship, the only film that did that was Brave. However, since the deuteragonist is Sisu then I'm going to guess the mother will be like Grandma Tala (though Moana and Tala had a great relationship so maybe they can do something similar but with a mother instead of a grandmother).

[D82]

Poor Tiger Lily. All the daughters of chiefs made it into the DP line-up except her.

And Kida, as you mentioned in another comment.

They'll probably show her father here too, perhaps in a prologue telling the story of the first Druun war. I still feel the third female lead won't be her mother because there'd be no reason for the producer to hide it if it were. She'd be like "Raya's mom also plays an important role in the story". Her being so cryptic makes me believe it's the villain. And as you said there is no precedent in WDAS movies of the mom of the protagonist playing a big part in the story. Unless her mom is the villain! Now that would be a twist! But Disney doesn't have to guts to do that.

To be honest, that possibility also crossed my mind, but I agree it's very unlikely. They did it in Maleficent, but not in any of their animated films. It would be interesting if she was a bit like Triton, though, and for example, opposed to Raya's journey instead of being supportive like every previous Disney mother. You're probably right about her not being the third female lead, though, and also about Raya's father appearing in a prologue. Speaking of him, one thing I don't understand about the new story details is how he could die during the first invasion of the Druun if that was 500 years before Raya begins her adventure. Are they not normal humans? Is Raya 500 years old then? Or did her father died later? I also wonder who has been ruling the land after his passing. Could it be Raya's mother? Or perhaps a new chief?

[Sotiris]

And Kida, as you mentioned in another comment.

Her father isn't a chief; he's a king and only referred to as such in the film.

They did it in Maleficent, but not in any of their animated films.

She doesn't really count as she's the mother-in-law of the princess. Making the mother-in-law nasty or villainous is not exactly a novel or risky narrative choice. Mother-in-laws are often portrayed as such in media. Gothel doesn't count either since she's a baby snatcher. The only family film I can recall where the biological parents are portrayed in a negative light is Matilda. We need more movies like that. Anyway, it would be so brave and unexpected to have her biological mother be the villain and behind the Druun attacks. But I get that's too emotionally complicated and "messy" for Disney.

It would be interesting if she was a bit like Triton, though, and for example, opposed to Raya's journey instead of being supportive like every previous Disney mother.

Yes, that would be interesting. Maybe she can be the overprotective or traditional mom like Elinor was. I doubt they'll go that route though.

Speaking of him, one thing I don't understand about the new story details is how he could die during the first invasion of the Druun if that was 500 years before Raya begins her adventure. Are they not normal humans? Is Raya 500 years old then? Or did her father died later?

I was perplexed by that bit too. There are a couple of possibilities. Either the people of Kumandra have really long lives (which I find unlikely) or her father was not killed by the first Druun attack 500 years ago but by the second one now in the present. We don't know how long it's been since the Druun re-appeared. Maybe when we first encounter Raya we are months or years into the Druun's re-emergence. Her father could have been killed at any point since they first re-appeared. I think that would make most sense. It would explain why Raya takes it upon herself to find the last dragon and it would give her quest a more personal significance.

I also wonder who has been ruling the land after his passing. Could it be Raya's mother? Or perhaps a new chief?

Her mom would probably be the new chief. I think having a female chief/leader would be cool.

[D82]

Her father isn't a chief; he's a king and only referred to as such in the film.

Oh, you're right! I guess I got confused because the Atlanteans look more like a tribe than inhabitants of a kingdom.

She doesn't really count as she's the mother-in-law of the princess. Making the mother-in-law nasty or villainous is not exactly a novel or risky narrative choice. Mother-in-laws are often portrayed as such in media. Gothel doesn't count either since she's a baby snatcher. The only family film I can recall where the biological parents are portrayed in a negative light is Matilda. We need more movies like that. Anyway, it would be so brave and unexpected to have her biological mother be the villain and behind the Druun attacks. But I get that's too emotionally complicated and "messy" for Disney.

I was actually referring to King Stefan, who is Aurora's biological father and the film's real villain.

I was perplexed by that bit too. There are a couple of possibilities. Either the people of Kumandra have really long lives (which I find unlikely) or her father was not killed by the first Druun attack 500 years ago but by the second one now in the present. We don't know how long it's been since the Druun re-appeared. Maybe when we first encounter Raya we are months or years into the Druun's re-emergence. Her father could have been killed at any point since they first re-appeared. I think that would make most sense. It would explain why Raya takes it upon herself to find the last dragon and it would give her quest a more personal significance.

I think you're right. It must be the second option you mentioned. I actually like that the father dies because, as you said, it gives Raya a more personal reason to go on this journey and makes the story more interesting.

Her mom would probably be the new chief. I think having a female chief/leader would be cool.

I agree that it would be cool and different, but if as you were speculating, Raya's father is killed just months or years after the Druun re-appear, maybe there's no chief at the moment and the Druun are the ones who rule the land.

[Sotiris]

I was actually referring to King Stefan, who is Aurora's biological father and the film's real villain.

Right! I thought you were talking about the sequel. I totally forgot about the first one. Still, he's not the father of Maleficent who's the protagonist there. And making the dad the villain is much more acceptable and risk-averse than making it the mom.

I actually like that the father dies because, as you said, it gives Raya a more personal reason to go on this journey and makes the story more interesting.

Yes, but it also makes Raya another female character who has a stronger bond with her dad than with her mom.

I agree that it would be cool and different, but if as you were speculating, Raya's father is killed just months or years after the Druun re-appear, maybe there's no chief at the moment and the Druun are the ones who rule the land.

I don't think the Druun could literally rule the land as they seem like non-sentient monsters who just run amuck and destroy everything in their path. I think Raya's mom could still function as an interim chief for the people of the Heart Lands (or what's left of them).

[DisneyFan09]

If they had included Kida, Tiana wouldn't have been the only Black princess either. It's a shame Atlantis flopped. Kida would have made a great addition.

Agreed. One of the great contradictions about the Princess Franchise is regardless of how exposed it`s been, it doesn`t include all the Princesses. I remember a friend of mine who I used to discuss Disney with suggested that one of the reasons why Kida or Eilowny weren`t in the franchise, was because they didn`t sing (since songs are essentially a trademark for a Disney Princess). But if so, then why include Merida, who didn`t have a song at all? If Atlantis had been made during the Revival era, Kida would`ve been included in the franchise, regardless. And besides, I don`t mean to disregard the other Princesses, but I personally think that Kida portrays more personality and spunk than most of them. So yeah, it`s a pity that she`s neglected and that the movie flopped.

They're trying to sell her as this new, improved, "not like other girls" princess. Disney has been doing the same routine with every new princess since The Princess and the Frog and it's getting really tiresome.

Well, to be fair, they`ve done it since the Renaissance. Pocahontas was promoted as the strongest Disney heroine ever in The Making of-documentary, as was Esmeralda in the Disney Adventures Magazine. So that marketing strategy actually existed before.

Poor Tiger Lily. All the daughters of chiefs made it into the DP line-up except her.

Well, to be fair, Tiger Lily wasn`t a major character to begin with

Yes, but it also makes Raya another female character who has a stronger bond with her dad than with her mom.

Most likely. It will probably be like the case of Tiana and even Kayley from Quest of Camelot, where the bond between father and daughter is the main emphasis, despite the mother being alive. It`s somewhat contradictory, considering how Disney is constantly criticized for not depicting a mother/daughter-relationship for the Princesses. And when only the mother is alive, it`s mostly focused on the father/daughter-dynamic.

I want a human female lead (main character) in an animated Disney movie who is not a princess, do not become a princess or is in the Disney princess line. I think the recent one was Alice in Wonderland (1951).

Well, technically Mulan would`ve fit the bill, until she was incorporated into the franchise.

To be honest, that possibility also crossed my mind, but I agree it's very unlikely. They did it in Maleficent, but not in any of their animated films. It would be interesting if she was a bit like Triton, though, and for example, opposed to Raya's journey instead of being supportive like every previous Disney mother. You're probably right about her not being the third female lead, though, and also about Raya's father appearing in a prologue. Speaking of him, one thing I don't understand about the new story details is how he could die during the first invasion of the Druun if that was 500 years before Raya begins her adventure. Are they not normal humans? Is Raya 500 years old then? Or did her father died later? I also wonder who has been ruling the land after his passing. Could it be Raya's mother? Or perhaps a new chief?

To be honest, the choice of making the father a villain was one of the things that I disliked with Maleficent. As skimpy as the screenplay was, I disliked the choice. Not only due to how little it resonated, but also how it made little sense to have the protagonist`s father be the villain. After all, he loved his daughter in the animated counterpart, so why even have that table turned in Maleficent?

[Farerb]

Wasn't Kida only in 15 minutes in the film? Anyway, all the characters in the franchise are the main characters/subjects of their respective films with the exception of Jasmine, understandable because Aladdin was a hit unlike other films where the main character is not a woman, so that's probably the reason why Kida isn't included unlike Merida.

[DisneyBluLife]

Wasn't Kida only in 15 minutes in the film? Anyway, all the characters in the franchise are the main characters/subjects of their respective films with the exception of Jasmine, understandable because Aladdin was a hit unlike other films where the main character is not a woman, so that's probably the reason why Kida isn't included unlike Merida.

Aurora has like 20 minutes of screentime in Sleeping Beauty, I think.