As Raya is from a fictional land, the concept of race and ethnicity doesn't totally translate one-for-one, but, generally, she is Southeast Asian. Raya is voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, who is Vietnamese-American.

What race is Raya supposed to be?

Raya and the Last Dragon is inspired by traditional Southeast Asian cultures. The production team consulted with Southeast Asia Story Trust experts to ensure an accurate cultural representation in the film, and they emphasized the importance of avoiding stereotypical portrayals of Asian characters.

Is Raya supposed to be Chinese?

The story of Raya and the Last Dragon isn't taken from any specific legend or myth. But, as co-screenwriter Adele Lim, who is Malaysian, told IGN, Raya is symbolic of the Southeast Asian women she grew up with.

Is Raya a Disney Princess Filipino?

It was revealed that the movie is set up in an imaginary world but the world is similar to regions of South East Asia like Vietnam, Philipines, Thailand etc. Hence people get the misconception that the movie is filipino while it's not.

What race is Princess Raya?

If Raya is eventually canonized into the franchise, she will be the second Asian Princess and the first Southeast Asian Princess.

How Raya and the Last Dragon CHANGED Movie History... FOREVER!

Is there an African Disney Princess?

Tiana is notable for being Disney's first black princess. The studio's decision to create a black heroine was met with mixed reception.

Where is Raya supposed to be from?

Raya and the Last Dragon illustrates how unhelpful a description it can be. It is set in the fictional realm of Kumandra, which is very much south-east Asian. Its artists researched cultures across the region: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Is Raya an Indian Disney Princess?

Like the Polynesian protagonist of the last, Raya too is a Disney Princess — and the first of Southeast Asian origin.

What language does Raya speak?

It's just one example of the movie's impressive world-building with Disney's Raya And The Last Dragon Kumandran language taking inspiration from a range of Southeast Asian cultures including Thai, Vietnamese and Javanese.

Does Raya have Lgbtq?

Therefore, Raya and the Last Dragon is the first Walt Disney Animation Feature to have a transgender character. If the protocol at Disney remains in the way it has been presented, it may not be the last time.

Is Raya based on Thai culture?

Raya translates to “celebration” in Malay. It also translates to “one who leads” in Southern Thailand. When creating Raya, screenwriters Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim drew inspiration from female Vietnamese warriors like the Trung sisters. Nguyen also looked to his own mother for inspiration.

Is Raya culturally accurate?

The story of Raya and the Last Dragon isn't taken from any specific legend or myth. But, as co-screenwriter Adele Lim, who is Malaysian, told IGN, Raya is symbolic of the Southeast Asian women she grew up with.

What countries does Kumandra represent?

Welcome to Heart

The Land of Heart's distinctive round rock formation is home to the magical Dragon Gem and was inspired by the iconic limestone rocks found in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay and along the Mekong River, the longest river in Southeast Asia.

What animal is tuk tuk?

Tuk Tuk is a character in Raya and the Last Dragon. He is a third-pill bug, third-armadillo and third-pug hybrid, he is Raya's pet, with the ability to roll into a ball as a means of transportation. When he was younger, he was quite small.

What is Princess Jasmine's ethnicity?

While some claim Jasmine is Arab because the movie opens with a song called Arabian Nights, others believe that the architecture in Agrabah is clearly based on the Taj Mahal, making Jasmine Indian. It's a debate that has fueled speculation that in Hollywood, Indians and Arabs are interchangeable.

Who is the Mexican Disney Princess?

Disney reveals first Hispanic princess, Princess Elena of Avalor.

Why is Esmeralda not a Disney Princess?

According to the most common theory behind her removal, she was deemed not marketable to or suitable for kids. It wouldn't be fair to blame Esmeralda herself for that—she's as kind-hearted, clever, and intrepid as any card-carrying Disney Princess. But The Hunchback of Notre Dame is infamous for its mature themes.

What is that hat that Raya wears?

Raya wears a hat that looks like the Salakot - a traditional headgear in the Philippines. Her loyal sidekick and also her form of transportation is named Tuk Tuk - a cheeky reference to a rickshaw that is a popular mode of transportation there.

What does kumandra mean in raya?

Kumandra means "(the land of) union, peace and harmony". The dragon-shaped river is a reference to the real life Mekong River, the longest river in Southeast Asia. Each of the five lands has its own signature color(s) which is/are also worn by its respective people.

How old is Raya supposed to be?

Physical appearance. Raya is an 18-year-old Southeast Asian girl of average height with a slender, slightly muscular build, tan skin, long black hair, and dark brown eyes.

Which princess are black?

In Disney's nearly 100-year history, there has been only one Black Disney princess — Princess Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog,” a 2009 animated feature starring Anika Noni Rose. The singer Brandy starred in a 1997 made-for-TV film version of “Cinderella,” a remake of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

Why did they choose a black girl to play Ariel?

Representation of an African American woman as a love interest and a beautiful being should become natural. This version of The Little Mermaid is great for young people because it allows them to better appreciate diversity and gain a better sense of the world.

How many ethnic Disney princesses are there?

There are currently only five non-Caucasian Disney Princesses: Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana and Moana. Jasmine is Arabian. Pocahontas is Native American. Mulan is Chinese.