Encanto is an upcoming American computer-animated musical fantasy comedy film by Walt Disney Animation Studios set in a fantasy version of Colombia. The 60th film produced by the studio, it is directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, co-directed by Charise Castro Smith, produced by Clark Spencer and songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Encanto is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on November 24, 2021.
Premise
Encanto is about a family called the Madrigals, who live in an enchanted town in the mountains of Colombia. Every child but one in their magical house has been granted a unique ability such as strength or healing powers. Mirabel, the only ordinary child, discovers that the magic is under threat and she may be the only one able to save it.
Cast
- Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel Madrigal
- John Leguizamo
- María Cecilia Botero
- Wilmer Valderrama
- Adassa
- Diane Guerrero
- Mauro Castillo
- Angie Cepeda
- Jessica Darrow
- Rhenzy Feliz
- Carolina Gaitan
Production
Development
In November 2016, Miranda revealed that John Lasseter, the then-chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, had presented an idea for an animated project to himself and Howard. Miranda said work on the project had begun but was at an early stage.
On January 29, 2020, it was reported the studios were developing an animated film centered on a Latino family. The directors, producers, and screenwriters were named.
On June 18, 2020, the tentative title was revealed to be Encanto. The project was also confirmed to be the film Miranda was talking about in 2016, and it was reported to be about a girl in a magical family. While initial reports had said the film would be set in Brazil, Miranda stated on June 22 that it would actually be set in Colombia. The same day, it was also reported that Castro Smith would be a co-director in addition to co-writing the screenplay.
On December 10, 2020, the project was officially confirmed at a Disney Investor Day meeting, where a clip was shown, a release in fall of 2021 announced, and magical realism referenced.
Music
By June 2020, Miranda had begun writing the film's music, which will have eight original songs in both Spanish and English.
Release
Encanto is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on November 24, 2021.