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Although the new Disney animation film Wish (2023) isn’t doing as well as Disney hoped at the theatres, the message of hope and Disney magic still reaches many. Wish isn’t just the story of Asha and her desire to help her community. The story also features a group of friends who help Asha throughout this journey. In one of those characters lies a deeper story of making wishes come true.
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From Theme Park to Big Screen
Jennifer Kumiyama is a singer/actress who grew up in Fontana, California. Like most kids, Kumiyama got wrapped up in the Disney magic early on in life.
For 13 years, Kumiyama, now 43, performed in the beloved live-stage show “Aladdin: a Musical Spectacular.” The show occurred in Disney’s California Adventure, based on the beloved Aladdin (1992) movie.
From 2023 to 2016, the show took place throughout the day at the Hyperion Theatre in Hollywood Land, welcoming thousands of guests daily to the magic.
Kumiyama’s involvement with The Disney Company continued with the movie Wish. In the movie, Kumiyama voices Dahlia, Asha’s best friend, town baker, and leader of the friend group.
It is through this more recent role that Kumiyama continues to inspire all.
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Bringing Inclusivity and Inspiration
Kumiyama has worked hard to achieve the dream of being on the big screen. Born with arthrogryposis and a wheelchair restricted for her mobility needs, Kumiyama is striving to help kids like her find representation.
“Growing up, kids like me with disabilities didn’t see themselves represented in any media. I get the distinct honor of being that representation for kids today. Representation really matters, and kids with disabilities need to see themselves in every aspect of media,” she said.
Not only was Kumiyama the first performer in a wheelchair to take any Disney stage, but she is also becoming the voice for those with disabilities.
In the movie Wish, Dahlia is seen walking with a cane throughout the film. This, along with Kumiyama’s portrayal of Dahlia, is all part of Disney’s commitment to showcasing diverse and exceptional talent in their films.
As Disney continues to focus on inclusivity, Kumiyama is thrilled to be providing kids with disabilities the chance to see themselves as stars on the big screen as well.
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Wish
The newest Walt Disney Animation film, Wish, opened in theatres for Thanksgiving. The story follows young Asha as she strives to become King Magnifico’s apprentice, the city’s founder and ruler.
Asha’s dreams drastically change once she gets closer to the king and realizes his dreams aren’t hers. The movie follows Asha’s fight against King Magnifico as she hopes to give back to citizens their wishes.
After a weekend at the box office, Wish is struggling to compete with other box office hits such as Napoleon (2023) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023).
Even if it isn’t climbing the box office charts, the movie’s overall message is one that most can connect to.
Related: ‘Wish’ Doesn’t Disappoint, Critics Just Thrive on Disney Failing
