(Image Source: Walt Disney Studios)
Last month, Disney announced plans to release sign language versions of several of its animated musicals, reimagining iconic song-and-dance sequences with characters performing in sign language to celebrate National Deaf History Month.
Currently, sign language versions of tracks like "The Next Right Thing" from "Frozen 2," "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Encanto," and "Beyond" from "Moana" have been released. Disney has provided preview clips of these songs (see links below), with the complete full-length versions launching on Disney+ on April 27.
These sign language editions were a collaborative effort led by Disney Senior Animator Hyrum Osmond, alongside 20 other animators and the artistic director and actors from the Los Angeles Deaf Theatre. The team specifically brought in sign language choreographers to design the intricate sign language performances. Osmond revealed in an interview that his inspiration for spearheading the project came from his deaf father.
Osmond stated that if there was any medium best suited to showcase sign language, it was animation. He added that in a sense, this initiative helped break down barriers, allowing them to connect with the deaf community in a special way.