Disney’s latest hits are now in ASL

Disney bridges the gap between sound and sight by re-animating hit sequences from “Encanto” and “Frozen 2” in native American Sign Language.

In celebration of National Deaf History Month, Disney+ will release three animated musical sequences from recent movies that are newly animated in American Sign Language (ASL). A first look at “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from “Encanto” is now available, while “The Next Right Thing” from “Frozen 2” and “Beyond” from “Moana 2” will also be featured. 

These animations will debut on Disney+ on April 27. It will also feature the behind-the-scenes of the work that made the signed version of these songs possible. 

Beyond literal translation

The Songs in Sign Language initiative is directed by veteran Disney animator and director Hyrum Osmond, who worked with a team of over 20 animators and utilized sign language reference materials made specifically for the project. Rather than translating the songs word-for-word, they focused on communicating the songs’ main concepts and emotions. 

Osmond’s team also collaborated with Los Angeles’ Tony Award-winning Deaf West Theatre in creating these new versions. The team had to create an entirely new animation to feature the ASL while staying true to the original work’s intention. 

Osmond, who was inspired by his deaf dad, explained that animation is a good medium to showcase sign language communication. He added that this project is meant to connect with the Deaf community and bring down the barriers of communication that they often face.