Raya and the Last Dragon is an Asian adventure, scheduled to be released March 5 on Disney+ and in select theaters. It stars Star Wars‘ Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico in The Last Jedi,The Rise of Skywalker, and the Lego Star Wars Holiday Special) as Raya, a brave swordswoman on a quest to find the last dragon.
Set in mythical Kumandra, this isn’t just some White Man’s fantasy of the exotic, magical Orient. It’s co-written by Malaysian scriptwriter Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians, Life on Mars) and Emmy-winning Vietnamese writer Qui Nguyen (Peg +Cat, Incorporated). Most of the roles are voiced by Asian-American actors: Awkwafina, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong. Izaac Wang, and Sandra Oh.
Do you “wish to join this fellowship of buttkickery”? The movie combines action, excitement, humor, and learning to believe again.
Raya must find the last dragon to bring peace to a war-torn land. She is assisted by the usual posse of sidekicks – a martial arts “con-baby” toddler, a street rat, and a big, bulky, one-eyed warrior, as well as some cute critters; it’s Disney – cute critters are required. The dragon admits she isn’t a typical dragon, “I’m going to be real with you. I’m not like, um, the best dragon.” Of course, Raya and her sidekicks aren’t the only ones looking for the last dragon.
Will Raya succeed in her quest? Will the dragon actually bring peace? Will the swordswoman who says “trust no one” learn how to trust? Are you looking forward to this movie? Are you planning to see it come March?
Now that I’ve seen the trailer, I can hardly wait. – ed.
-30-
Susan Macdonald is the author of the children's book "R is for Renaissance Faire", as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in "Alternative Truths", "Swords and Sorceress #30", Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, "Cat Tails" "Under Western Stars", and "Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid". Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio's web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.
