This is one example of the outrage that has followed since the premiere of Raya and the Last Dragon, an action-packed family film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The movie features Raya, a young heroine who fights to protect her people from a resurgence of powerful monsters. 

Raya and the Last Dragons is set in the fantasy land of Kumandra, a place where humans and dragons live together in harmony. Disney drew inspiration for this fictional place from Southeast Asian countries like Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. According to Kumandran lore, long ago, a group of sinister monsters, the Druun, attacked the realm. The peaceful dragons rose up and managed to subdue the threat, but they paid a terrible price for victory: all but one of them died in battle. The setting for the movie takes place 500 years later. The Druun have reappeared and Raya must find the last dragon, unite the five diverse clans of Kumandra, and take down the menacing beasts. Though Raya and the Last Dragon has been a long-anticipated Asian-themed Disney movie, it has sparked a great fire of controversy over proper representation. 

Some members of the Asian community feel concerned about the casting of Raya and the Last Dragon. Although the movie is supposed to reflect Southeast Asian culture, there isn’t much Southeast Asian representation in the movie. There is a general lack of Southeast Asian actors in Hollywood and this movie could have been a great opportunity to change that. However, most of the cast comes from East Asia, a subregion of Asia that can be defined geographically and culturally; it includes countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. Many people overlook Southeast Asians by grouping them in with East Asian people, which disrespects their specific culture and identity. One Twitter user states that they weren’t surprised by the lack of Southeast Asian representation. They pointed out that the two regions are quite different. The cultures of Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are distinct from Korea, Japan, China, and Mongolia. This is a valid concern: every part of Asia has its specific cultural differences and traditions. Unfortunately for the film giant, Disney, casting isn’t the only controversy surrounding Raya and the Last Dragon. 

There was also an eruption on Twitter about the generalized portrayal of Southeast Asian culture within the film. Asia is an incredibly diverse continent with many unique cultures, and many accuse Disney of failing to acknowledge this diversity. @Avamarga_ tweeted, “This movie represents no one in particular”. Many felt like Raya and the Last Dragon threw all the different Southeast Asian cultures in a blender and didn’t represent any distinct group. Overall, the lack of Southeast Asian representation has disappointed many viewers hopeful to see their people featured on the silver screen.

Despite facing harsh criticism, there is no denying the presence of Asian actors in the film. Although the casting fails to recognize the diversity of Asian culture, it proves that Disney is actively trying to incorporate Asian influence into their films. The film features established Asian American actors like Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Gemma Chan, and Kelly Marie Tran, who voices “Raya”. The movie’s focus on these actors alone brings together a greater sense of Asian representation. Many on Twitter reciprocate this feeling, with one Asian user writing, “yay for little kids that get to see ourselves represented in Disney!” The next generations of Asian Americans will benefit from introducing another Asian heroine as a household name. In the past, the typical white family in a suburban home has been the fallback for the average Disney movie, as seen in Toy Story, Incredibles, and Inside out. Now, these kids will be able to see more diversity. According to the movie’s supporters, children will not see the mixing of Asian cultures that critics have stated, but will instead see a positive Asain role model who overcomes all odds and be inspired to follow in her footsteps. Just as Mulan served as a source of inspiration for little boys and girls around the world, Raya and the Last Dragon will be a positive foundation that exposes future generations to the wonders and rich heritage of Asain peoples.   

Disney’s production of Raya and the Last Dragon provides Asian representation in the entertainment industry. Many children can see themselves represented in the media and find positive role models that look like them. Thanks to this movie, the youngest generation of Asian Americans will begin to emulate these characters. While the ideas and intentions are virtuous, the method for representing Southeast Asian culture is wrong. Many in the Asian American community believe that the story of  Raya and the Last Dragon could have been better if it focused on one specific culture in Southeast Asia, as opposed to a culmination of many. However, Disney is a large, influential company, and including Asian culture in their films is a step in the right direction. If the casting and portrayal of culture were done with more intentionality, the movie would not only be a good story, but also a great way to represent Southeast Asian culture. Even though Raya and the Last Dragon missed this great opportunity, its portrayal of Asian elements to a wide audience will pave the way for many other Asian-themed movies to come.