‘Raya And The Last Dragon’s Don Hall To Direct Disney’s Next Animated Film Which Will Focus On A Biracial Teenager
Disney’s latest animated offerings have produced a series of successful box office hits. Regardless of whether they stem from Pixar or Walt Disney Animation, films like Onward, Luca, and Raya and the Last Dragon have received favorable reactions from both fans and critics alike. Up next, as first reported by DiscussingFilm, Walt Disney Animations Studios has tapped Don Hall to helm its next endeavor.
lDon Hall is best known for co-directing films like Winnie the Pooh, Big Hero 6, and Moana. However, most recently, Hall served as director for Raya and the Last Dragon. His next Disney project will reteam with him Qui Nguyen, who is on board to pen the screenplay. Additionally, Frozen II director and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee will executive produce the film. Moreover, Roy Conli (Tangled) will produce as well. The film is currently on track to release on November 23, 2022.
According to insider Daniel Richtman, the upcoming untitled animated feature will follow Ethan, a young Biracial (half white, half Black) teenager. Character descriptions point to his tendency to be a wise-ass while not being particularly tough. At the time of this writing, the studio is looking to cast a voice actor able to display a funny, likable sound with the ability to demonstrate an emotional side as well.
The latest project continues Disney’s initiative to create more diverse and inclusive stories. Marginalized groups all over the world are beginning to see themselves represented on screen and an animated story following a typical Biracial teenager will resonate with a huge audience. Up next for Walt Disney Animation is Byron Howard & Jared Bush’s Encanto, a story set within Colombia featuring original songs by In The Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.