Disney Animation Revives Iconic Songs with Fresh Vocal Talent

LOS ANGELES — Disney Animation is giving some of its most iconic songs a new voice—one expressed through American Sign Language (ASL). In a groundbreaking collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, the studio has reimagined three beloved musical numbers from its films, transforming them into fully animated ASL performances. The project, titled Songs in Sign Language, debuted exclusively on Disney+ on April 27, 2026, marking a significant step forward in accessibility and representation for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Iconic Songs Reimagined Through ASL

The Songs in Sign Language collection features nearly all-new animation designed specifically for ASL performance, ensuring that the visual rhythm, emotional expression, and narrative intent of the original music are preserved. The three songs selected for the project are:

• “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2
• “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto
• “Beyond” from Moana 2

These tracks were chosen for their emotional resonance and cultural impact, providing a rich canvas for ASL interpretation. Unlike traditional sign-language interpretations, which often feature a small interpreter in the corner of the screen, this project reanimates the characters themselves to perform the signs, creating a seamless and immersive experience.

A Collaboration Rooted in Representation

The initiative was directed by Hyrum Osmond, a veteran animator and director at Disney, in partnership with Deaf West Theatre’s artistic director DJ Kurs and a team of Deaf actors. Osmond, who grew up with a Deaf father, described the project as a personal and professional milestone. “Sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth,” he said. “If ever there was a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation.”

The collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, a Los Angeles-based company known for its innovative fusion of ASL and theatrical performance, ensured that the songs were adapted with authenticity and creativity. Deaf actors played a central role in interpreting and choreographing the songs, preserving the emotional core of each track while leveraging ASL’s visual-spatial expressiveness. American Sign Language, which prioritizes ideas and movement over direct word-for-word translation, allowed the animators to explore new dimensions of storytelling.

Breaking Barriers in Mainstream Media

The Songs in Sign Language project arrives at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity. National Deaf History Month, celebrated from March 13 to April 15, honors the achievements of the Deaf community, including milestones like the founding of the American School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University. Disney’s initiative aligns with broader efforts to make media more accessible, such as the Chrome Extension SignUp and platforms like HBO Max, which have expanded closed-captioning and sign-language options.

By reanimating characters like Elsa, Moana, and Mirabel to perform in ASL, Disney is not only making its content more accessible but also amplifying representation for Deaf audiences. The project underscores the studio’s commitment to inclusivity, offering a fresh perspective on familiar melodies while making them available to a broader range of viewers. “This is a rare instance where the characters themselves are reanimated to perform the signs,” Osmond noted, emphasizing the project’s unique approach.

The Future of Inclusive Storytelling

The Songs in Sign Language collection has already garnered praise from fans and advocates for its innovative approach to accessibility. Leslie Katz, a senior contributor at Forbes, highlighted the project’s significance in a recent article, noting that it “brings Disney hits to a wider audience” by leveraging ASL’s expressive visual vocabulary. The initiative also reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry, where studios are increasingly exploring ways to make content more inclusive without compromising artistic integrity.

For Disney, the project represents a natural evolution of its storytelling ethos. The studio has long been a leader in animation, and this collaboration with Deaf West Theatre demonstrates its willingness to push creative boundaries in the name of representation. As Osmond put it, “This is just the beginning. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and how we can continue to make our stories accessible to everyone.”

How to Watch

The Songs in Sign Language collection is available exclusively on Disney+ as of April 27, 2026. The three reimagined songs offer a unique viewing experience, blending the magic of Disney animation with the beauty of ASL. For Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, the project provides an opportunity to engage with beloved characters and music in a way that feels authentic and immersive. For hearing audiences, it offers a chance to experience Disney’s iconic songs from a fresh perspective.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Songs in Sign Language serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and connect communities. By centering accessibility and representation, Disney is not only expanding its audience but also setting a new standard for inclusive media.