The newest Disney Princess is Raya, who is Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess. Raya made her debut in the 2021 animated film, “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
This film is particularly special because it showcases the rich culture and folklore of Southeast Asia, which is a first for Disney. Raya’s story is set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, which draws inspiration from various Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
To create this film, more than 450 artists and crew members from Walt Disney Animation worked remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, they were able to bring Raya’s world to life with stunning animation and attention to detail.
One of the impressive scenes in the film is an underwater sequence, where Raya and her companions encounter a vibrant and bustling underwater world. This scene features over 23,836 animated fish, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of the animators.
It’s worth noting that Disney has been making efforts to diversify its princess lineup in recent years, representing different cultures and backgrounds. Raya’s introduction as a Southeast Asian princess is a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in Disney’s storytelling.
Raya is a trailblazing character and represents a new era of Disney princesses. Her story and cultural background provide a fresh and meaningful perspective, capturing the hearts of audiences around the world.