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I am excited to share the newest virtual press junket Q&A for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic fantasy-adventure Raya and the Last Dragon. I saw the film, it was amazing but the cast in itself was definitely star-studded and I got a chance to attend the media day Zoom junket with the cast. Check out more details below!

TRAILER

About “Raya and the Last Dragon” 

“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

• Kelly Marie Tran (voice of “Raya”)
• Awkwafina (voice of “Sisu”)
• Gemma Chan (voice of “Namaari”)
• Daniel Dae Kim (voice of “Chief Benja”)
• Sandra Oh (voice of “Virana”)
• Benedict Wong (voice of “Tong”)
• Izaac Wang (voice of “Boun”)
• Thalia Tran (voice of “Little Noi”)
• Don Hall (Director)
• Carlos Lopez Estrada (Director)
• Osnat Shurer (Producer)
• Qui Nguyen (Writer)
• Adele Lim (Writer)

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE VIRTUAL PRESS JUNKET WITH THE CAST HERE. 

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON REVIEW

So many beautiful notes about this film. I love films that mix in a little folkore, fantasy and a touching message. Raya and the Last Dragon is full of adventure and an ongoing theme is perseverance. We are living in a great era right now where WOMEN are heros. This is evident that this is a girl power and woman centric film that proves that women are the heros as well. This is very important for Disney, as they have been world known as an animated studio known for producing princesses. We have so many Disney princesses, but they are also birthing more women protagonist who are the strength and heros and not just the pretty princesses in distress. From the start of the film, young Raya was born into a family of warriors and strength. She is proficient in martial arts and has a strong desire to protect her town, family and everything she loves.

What I also love about this film is the diversity and the Asian inclusivity. From the animation to the star studded voice actors this was a great story to feature an new story to highlight some Asian traditions, cultures and a new story to incorporate it all. I know people will automatically compare this film to Mulan due to the theme of a young woman protagonist who exudes strength and courage, but the difference is Raya is a girl who doesnt hide her power! She is given the power despite her gender and expected to help lead and protect her village and find the last dragon.

I will not be spoiling any parts of this film, but you will get all of the emotions. Suspense, laughter, joy and yes even tears. Disney knows how to make me cry its something they perfected because they know how to touch your heart with their animated stories. This film has a great message on unity, and especially unity with women I don’t think I have ever seen in an animated film before. Please watch for the journey and stay around for the message and let it marinate in your soul after you watch the film! Another great Disney animated film for the book – say hello to your new hero Raya!

LEAD THE WAY VIDEO

A brand-new sneak peek at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” reveals the new original song, “Lead the Way,” written and performed by Grammy®-nominated artist and songwriter, Jhené Aiko.  Oscar®-nominated, Emmy® and Grammy®-winning composer James Newton-Howard (“News of the World,” “A Hidden Life,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald”) created the original score.   “Lead the Way” is featured in the end credits and is included on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, available digitally on Feb. 26.  The music video for the track featuring Aiko is directed by one of  “Raya and the Last Dragon” directors, Carlos López Estrada.

About Jhené Aiko

Six-time Grammy nominee Jhené Aiko has crowned a breakthrough year with three new Grammy nominations for her R&B masterpiece, Chilombo, including the prestigious ‘Album Of The Year.’ Chilombo was also nominated for an American Music Award for Best Soul/R&B female, two Soul Train Awards, and three NAACP Awards. Jhené’s 2020 album Chilombo – now certified Platinum with seven gold and platinum singles – topped the Billboard R&B Chart at #1 not once but twice this year, and has garnered over 2 Billion streams worldwide. Chilombo made chart history as the biggest Billboard R&B debut from a female artist since Beyonce’s Lemonade. Jhené is currently dominating urban and rhythm radio with her hit single “B.S.” featuring H.E.R. and guest appearances on new singles from Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, and Saweetie. 

FREE ACTIVITY PACKET

In anticipation of the release of Raya and the Last Dragon coming to Disney+ and theaters, Disney has created an fun Activity Packet with several activity pages and stories to follow along with the movie. The interactive activities are:

• About the Movie
• Seek the Light – character introductions
• Journey through the Kingdom – Discover the colors of nature
• Warrior Tales – Mad Libs or fill in the blank with the words provided
• Made for Water – Draw what you think rain helps bring to life
• Create your fantasy costume – draw and plan your own fantasy character and costume
• Stronger together – fill out information about your own personal friendships
• Raya and the Last Dragon Poster

To get the FREE printables go to the official Raya and the Last Dragon Website or click here or the image below. Save the PDF and print and have fun with this free activity sheet for all the fans of the film!

Click this image to download the activity packet

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY REVIEW ON “US AGAIN” the Disney animated short that premiere right before Raya and the Last Dragon here. 

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon’’ will be available on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets, at the same time as it is released in theaters on March 5, 2021. Premier Access for the title will be priced at $29.99.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rayaandthelastdragon

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DisneyRaya

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/disneyraya/

Hashtag: #DisneyRaya 

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON opens in theaters and on Disney+ with premier access this Friday, March 5th

Are you looking forward to watching Raya and the last Dragon?