Disney released a new clip and feature from Raya and the Last Dragon that teases more about the film's character roster and Southeast Asian-inspired fantasy world.In the clip, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) and a human-form Sisu (Awkwafina) attempt to get transportation aboard a food boat called the Shrimporium, but their efforts are delayed by the boat's owner Boun (Izaac Wang), who tries to have them order something as both waiter and ship captain. Raya instead demands Boun take them to the nation of Talon as enemy riders approach from the background, which he initially dismisses but quickly comes around to after Raya provides a large payment. However, in a comical moment, his boat proves to be quite slow after undocking from its port.
In an extended interview with Tran, Awkwafina and members of the writing and animation team, Tran stated how "It's so exciting to be the first Southeast Asian Disney princess." Writers Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim discussed how they "were inspired by things from Southeast Asia" to create the world of Kumandra, whose cultural divisions Raya hopes to mend with the help of Sisu and a "ragtag team of misfits" that include Boun, one-eyed warrior Tong (Benedict Wong) and con-baby Little Noi (Thalia Tran).
The animation process, which Awkwafina described as "on a totally different level," was also revealed to have been produced by a team of over 400 artists all working from their homes. Director Don Hall attributed the success of this process to how "everybody is passionate about the films we make and they brought that," calling Raya "one of our most beautiful films." Nguyen also talked about being a martial arts consultant on Raya and incorporating his knowledge of Southeast Asian fighting styles and weaponry into the animation, hinting at action scenes where viewers could recognize familiar stances used in arnis, muay Thai and krabi krabong.
Raya and the Last Dragon follows the titular Raya, a warrior princess from one of Kumandra's five regions, whose world was formally populated by dragons. Following their sacrifice against an enemy known as the Druun, the world has been plagued by generational feuds among the nations. However, when Druun returns, Raya and her animal companion Tuk Tuk seek out the last dragon Sisu in hopes of restoring trust in the world again. This mission not only includes fighting off monsters, but other humans who desire Sisu for their own agendas, including Raya's warrior rival Namaari (Gemma Chan).
Directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada from a script by Paul Briggs and John Ripa, Raya and the Last Dragon stars Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, Izaac Wang, Thalia Tran, Alan Tudyk, Lucille Soong, Patti Harrison and Ross Butler. The film arrives in theaters and on Disney+ Premiere Access March 5.
Source: Twitter