Pixar has released the latest promo clip of Turning Red which is an animated family comedy that will debut on March 11, exclusively on Disney+.
The promo video features commentary from Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell, Rosalie Chiang, and Sandra Oh as they talk about the entertaining and profound stories of Pixar films and their significant impact on people’s lives. Producer Lindsey Collins and director Domee Shi also revealed that Turning Red’s unique and universal story was actually inspired by some of Shi’s personal childhood experiences.
Turning Red follows the story of Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang), a 13-year-old girl trying to get through various obstacles at school and family in a period of very chaotic life. This clip offers only a handful of scenes from the film, but there’s quite a lot to convey in the short promo.
Sandra Oh lent his voice to Mei’s mother Ming, and Orion Lee as the voice of Mei’s father, Jin, and Wai Ching Ho as the voice of the grandmother. Mei’s group of friends are voiced by Ava Morse as Miriam, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Priya, and Hyein Park as Abby. Tristan Allerick Chen voiced Tyler, and Addie Chandler gave his voice to Devon’s crush on May. Delivering the harmonious voice of the 4*Town boy band members are Jordan Fisher, Grayson Villanueva, Josh Levi, Topher Ngo, and Finneas. Completing this line of animated voice actors are James Hong, Lori Tan Chinn, Lillian Lim, Mia Tagano, Sherry Cola, Sasha Roiz, and Lily Sanfelippo.
Turning Red will also continue the trend of greater and more diverse representation that Pixar recently launched. Same as Cocowhich draws inspiration from Mexican heritage and Lucawhich displays an Italian setting. Turning Red will focus on Asian culture and will also be Pixar’s fifth film to feature a female protagonist. With three of them including Dory from Finding DoryJoy from Inside Out and Elastigirl from The Incredibles 2.
The film is written and directed by Chinese filmmaker Domee Shi. She draws from her own experience growing up as an Asian girl in Canada. Shi has worked for Pixar since 2011 but this will be his first major film for the studio. He has previously worked as a storyboard artist on other films such as Inside Out and The Incredibles 2. Shi has demonstrated his talent for directing a film with the critically acclaimed Bao (short film). Bao won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 2019.
