Disney+ to Release RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON in Theaters and on Disney+ Premiere Access This March
Disney+ has announced today on Disney Investor Day that the streamer and studio are following suit behind WarnerMedia-HBO Max in their simultaneous theatrical-streaming strategy, as they’ve decided to release their upcoming animated feature Raya And the Last Dragon both in theaters and on Disney+ premiere access this March.
Disney did this with their live-action feature Mulan, and they are releasing their Pixar film Soul on Disney+ on Christmas Day. We will have to see as other films approach release if they intend to do the dual releases for the foreseeable future, but it would make sense considering the other studios’ decisions, as well as the pandemic keeping people away from the theater.
The story for the film centers on an evil force that “threatens the fictional kingdom of Kumandra,” and the two characters “must leave their Heart Lands home and track down the last dragon to help stop the villainous Druun.”
Here’s the film’s synopsis:
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.
The film stars Kelly Marie Tran, and it was co-directed by Don Hall (Winnie the Pooh, Big Hero Six, Moana) alongside Carlos López Estrada (Blindspotting). Awkwafina also stars in the film and will be playing Sisu, “a dragon in human form who needs Raya’s help to reclaim her power and become her true dragon self.”
The script of which comes from playwright Qui Nguyen and Crazy Rich Asians scribe Adele Lim. Paul Briggs and John Ripa serve as co-directors.
Raya and the Last Dragon is set for a March 12th release. Are you looking forward to this film? Are there any other Disney titles you’re hoping to see released on Disney+ as well as in theaters?