On November 20, in London at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, the highly anticipated UK premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ enchanting musical, Wish, lit up the blue carpet with all its star power and glamour.
Ariana DeBose, the voice behind Asha, graced the event alongside notable figures like songwriter Julia Michaels and filmmakers Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn, Peter Del Vecho, and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones.
Styled by the dynamic duo Zadrian Smith and Sarah Edmiston, the 32-year-old American actress captivated the crowd in a regal deep purple Dolce & Gabbana tulle gown.
Ariana DeBose looking enchanting in a deep purple Dolce & Gabbana tulle gown at the UK premiere of Wish held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, England on November 20, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
The strapless silhouette of the sweeping gown, adorned with glass bugle bead embroidery at the bodice, showcased the perfect blend of elegance and modern charm.
Ariana paired her outfit with silver patent leather double-platform sandals featuring rhinestone accents, infusing a touch of sophistication to her look.
Ariana DeBose wearing silver patent leather double-platform sandals with rhinestone accents for a glam touch (Credit: Hesther Ng / Cover Images)
Keeping accessories to a minimum, she allowed her gown to take center stage. Silver dangling earrings, rings, and a bracelet added a subtle touch of bling to her ensemble.
With flawless makeup highlighting smokey eyes and nude lips, her hair was elegantly styled into two braids framing her face.
Ariana DeBose’s beauty look consisted of smokey eyes, a nude lip, dark hair styled in two braids, and silver dangling earrings (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Ariana joined Julia Michaels, who co-wrote songs for Wish, and Rochelle Humes, the voice behind Rochelle in the movie, on the blue carpet. The trio held onto each other’s arms and shared warm smiles as they posed together.
Julia donned a turtleneck black gown paired with a blue shawl, and Rochelle opted for a black dress featuring a thigh-high slit.
Ariana DeBose and Julia Michaels stand at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), whereas Rochelle Humes is taller at 5 feet 7 ½ inches (171.5 cm). The height difference between Ariana DeBose/Julia Michaels and Rochelle Humes is 4 ½ inches (11.5 cm).
Julia Michaels and Ariana DeBose, both at the height of 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), and the taller Rochelle Humes, who stands at 5 feet 7 ½ inches (171.5 cm), stood closely together as they posed for photographs on the blue carpet (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Taking to Instagram, Ariana shared a video of her that captured the magical moments from the premiere, set to her song “This Wish” from the film.
In the caption, she expressed her pride in the film and its message, writing, “Wishes do come true ✨ With effort, care, love, and good energy, anything is possible.”
Ariana added, “I’m so proud of this movie, of Asha, of the message of this film. I hope you’ll share this film with your families ⭐️. Only in theaters: US Nov 22nd / UK Nov 24th 💜💜💜.”
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Ariana’s Inspiring Message for Dreamers
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the venue, Ariana DeBose shared an inspiring message for dreamers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
She said, “Never stop believing. You know, your dreams don’t work unless you do.”
Ariana continued, “It’s hard in the world that we live in, but your dreams have possibility. They always do; never give up on them.”
Ariana DeBose encourages everyone to continue believing in their dreams and to embrace different routes that might lead to extraordinary destinations (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Reflecting on her journey, she highlighted the unpredictability of the path to success, adding that it’s “never the path that’s obvious.”
Ariana encouraged dreamers to embrace different routes that might lead to extraordinary destinations, noting, “Sometimes, in order to be re-inspired, you have to choose a different path, and you never know where it’s going to take you. But it’s always led me to really interesting places.”
What Is Walt Disney’s Wish About?
Ariana DeBose, acknowledging her childhood immersed in Disney, lends her voice to the character Asha in Wish. Asha is a young girl in a magical kingdom overseen by Chris Pine‘s character, King Magnifico.
Though expected to fulfill the desires of his subjects, Asha discovers a different reality when she takes on the role of his assistant. The king, it turns out, only grants wishes that align with his choices.
Ariana DeBose lends her voice to Asha in the 2023 animated musical fantasy film Wish (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Seeking fairness in the kingdom, Asha takes matters into her own hands and rebels, making an unconventional wish upon a star. However, her bold move leads to unexpected consequences.
Wish promises to enchant audiences as it recently hit theaters on November 22, just in time for Thanksgiving.