Disney’s new powerful project: Songs in Sign Language

Disney+ has launched Songs in Sign Language, a new project from Walt Disney Animation Studios that reimagines iconic musical moments from recent Disney films in American Sign Language (ASL). Developed in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, the project features newly animated versions of “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, and “Beyond” from Moana 2. 

Inspired by the director's personal experience

Directed by Hyrum Osmond, the initiative was inspired by his personal experience growing up with a hard-of-hearing father and aims to strengthen connections with the Deaf community through animation and music. According to Disney, more than 20 animators worked on the project, with approximately 95% of the shots newly animated to ensure authentic ASL representation rather than simply adapting existing scenes. 

The production team worked closely with Deaf performers, choreographers, and cultural consultants to accurately translate the songs’ emotional meaning, rhythm, and cultural nuances into ASL. For example, Deaf actors of Pacific Islands heritage and Colombian performers were involved to preserve authenticity in sequences from Moana 2 and Encanto. 

National Deaf History Month

Disney released the project during National Deaf History Month, continuing earlier accessibility initiatives that included British Sign Language adaptations of songs from The Little Mermaid and Encanto. 

Online reactions have been largely positive, with viewers and members of the Deaf community praising the effort to make Disney’s musical storytelling more accessible and inclusive. Some discussions also highlighted the technical complexity of animating readable sign language while maintaining musical timing and emotional performance

Source: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/songs-in-sign-language/