Raya and the Last Dragon

About Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon is a 2021 American animated fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, it draws inspiration from Southeast Asian cultures. The film is set in the realm of Kumandra, where humans and dragons co-existed peacefully long ago. When an ancient evil threatened their world, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned, and Raya, a lone warrior, is determined to find the last dragon and stop the Druun for good.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Animation Studios. It was directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, with Paul Briggs and John Ripa co-directing. Much of the film's production took place from the homes of the cast and crew due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Actors

• Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, who delivered a strong and tenacious performance as the titular character, a fearless and passionate warrior on a quest to save her kingdom.
• Awkwafina as Sisu, the water dragon, who provides comedy relief and depth. She performed her character with endearing clumsiness mixed with ancient wisdom.
• Gemma Chan as Namaari, portrayed as a formidable and complex antagonist who is also Raya's rival, instilling the film with necessary tension and conflict.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Raya is the first Disney princess to be inspired by Southeast Asian cultures.
• The film was mainly brought to life from over 450 homes due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Raya and the Last Dragon is the 59th film by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Quotes

• "My whole life, I trained to become a guardian of the Dragon Gem, but this world has changed."
• "Our people never see eye-to-eye. But now, to restore peace, I must find the last dragon."

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's score is composed by James Newton Howard, who created a powerful and atmospheric sound that complements the thrilling quest and the vast, fantasy world of Kumandra.
• The soundtrack includes seven songs, including "Lead the Way", performed by Jhené Aiko, which is played during the closing credits.