10 June 2024 , 14:46
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In 1937, Walt Disney and his team of gifted animators and storytellers revolutionised the film industry with the launch of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This legendary Disney animation was the first full-length animated film to be shown in cinemas worldwide.
The plot centres around Snow White, a princess who falls into a deep sleep after eating a poisoned apple, allowing her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen, to retain power and remain the fairest in the land.
Nearly 90 years on from its original release, the film continues to form a significant part of Disney's enduring success. Walt Disney Animation Studios has experienced highs and lows over the years, but to mark its 100th anniversary, it released a special new animated film - Wish (2023).
The prequel to Snow White has been discovered (W.Disney/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)Wish narrates the tale of Asha (Ariana DeBose), a young woman residing in the Kingdom of Rosas, where wishes genuinely come true. King Magnifico (Chris Pine) is a sorcerer adored by all, including Asha, until she uncovers his true identity.
She then makes a wish so potent that a wishing star, named Star, descends to assist her in saving her people and their wishes. Despite a disappointing box office performance, the new animated film seems to have struck a chord with fans, earning an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But it's only now that people are realising Wish just might be the prequel to Snow White
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It might seem far-fetched, but Disney subtly hints at it in Wish. The creators made it clear that Wish would be peppered with references to classic Disney films like Snow White, evident in elements such as the poison apple in Magnifico's castle.
However, there are many more subtle cues, including a fleeting image that you'll miss if you blink. In the climax of Wish, all the characters unite to overthrow King Magnifico, who has become power-mad. So much so, that he's destroying wishes to amass more power.
Through their collective dreams and fresh wishes, all the wishes are liberated, and King Magnifico ends up imprisoned in his staff. Just before Magnifico is fully ensnared, there's a flash of light, and he appears as the Magic Mirror from Snow White!
TikToker Ivan Mars dissects this image, along with every other hint that Disney dropped throughout Wish, to confirm that Magnifico is indeed the Magic Mirror. Posted on social media it was quickly inundated with comments from startled fans. One person wrote: "I’m pretty sure his staff is also Maleficent’s staff too. I think it’s the origin for all the fairy tales. The castle resembles Cinderella’s too. It’s as if the story is also meant to show that through the birth of evil you always have the birth of good as long as there are those willing to hope and fight for better. I really enjoyed it!" Another user noted: "Not only this. But have you notice that Asha, bacame the Blue Fairy? [In Sleeping Beauty]"
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Does King Magnifico become the mirror on the wall in Snow White? (Walt Disney Co/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)Disney animators excel at providing numerous clues in a beautiful and understated manner. During the pandemic, Disney started releasing its films on Disney+ shortly after their cinema debut. Usually, there was a 45-day theatrical run before a Disney+ premiere.
However, Wish broke the pattern, only appearing on Disney+ 133 days after its cinema release. Once it started streaming, it rapidly climbed to the top of the charts. In its first five days on Disney+, the animated film was viewed over 13 million times.