How Ariana DeBose Inspired Key Elements Of Her Wish Character

The CCO of Disney Animation Studios and writer of Wish, Jennifer Lee, reveals how Arian DeBose was an inspiration when creating her animated character Asha. In the movie, Asha learns a dark secret about King Magnifico, the leader of her home, the Kingdom of Rosas. She makes a wish upon a star, hoping for help, but when it is answered, she may have gotten more than she bargained for. With the help of her new friend Star, who has the power to grant wishes, Asha will try to create a better future for her people while fighting against the dark forces of the powerful King Magnifico.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for Wish, Lee shared how she was inspired by Debose while crafting her character Asha. She explained how Asha is, in some ways, an extension of DeBose’s own personality. Lee also broke down how Debose’s style of movement was incorporated into how Asha is animated in the movie. Check out Lee’s full quote below:

Jennifer Lee: She’s a very open, expressive, warm person, and she’s very compassionate. And so, even the body language of Asha. Asha is one of our most relaxed and open, inviting characters, but she’s also a dancer, so there’s this incredible extension of her personality through her physicality. That’s on the simple animation side. But on the emotional side, she really cares deeply about that when you step forward, the impact you have.

That all came from conversations, not just of her wonderful open silliness and comedy that she has, effervescence, I will say, which is captured in Asha, but the deep caring nature of her and the understanding of how hard it can be to speak the truth about something to someone you love. I think that, at the core, helped me to see, watch her wrestle. But it also is what gives Asha the courage to rise because she has to on behalf of those she cares about. That all was very inspired by Ariana.

Disney Incorporating Ariana DeBose’s Personality & Physicality Into Asha Can Make Wish Stronger

With Walt Disney Animation Studios hitting the milestone of 100 years, Wish has big shoes to fill. This movie is expected to celebrate this centennial anniversary by honoring the movies that came before it while still being contemporary and fresh with show-topping music. DeBose joins a long line of actresses who have become the voices of iconic Disney heroines, and it seems she didn’t only lend her voice but brought who she is into every aspect of the role of Asha.

By incorporating aspects of DeBose’s personality into the character, she can more easily not only identify with Asha but also understand her on a deeper level. It seems like the core of Asha, including how caring she is, her willingness to be silly, and her quiet strength, are all elements of who DeBose is at her core as well. Lee bringing those pieces into who Asha is and using them as part of what motivates Asha’s decision-making could allow DeBose to be more open and vulnerable while recording these lines and songs.

Wish is the culmination of 100 years of magic and storytelling, and by creating an even stronger connection between the main character and the actress voicing her, Disney has set DeBose up for success. This gives DeBose the freedom to bring her heart and humor into the role fully. Taking inspiration from her physicality can further elevate the performance, especially in moments of comedy, singing, dancing, and when she taps into deep emotions. DeBose has proven to have a truly incredible talent for singing, dancing, and acting, so bringing every piece of that into Wish can only elevate her performance and the story as a whole.