Disney’s latest animated movie, Wish, has sparked conversations among audiences, and while opinions on the movie are varied, one particular element has caught the attention of many: a potential Peter Pan Easter egg. The movie is filled with nods to classic Disney films, but some viewers feel that the Peter Pan reference, along with others, is too overt. So, is Peter Pan really in Wish, or is it just a subtle hint that some find a bit too obvious?
One of the main points of discussion revolves around the inclusion of Asha’s seven friends. These characters, according to some viewers, are designed to mirror the seven dwarfs from Snow White. Each friend embodies personality traits reminiscent of the iconic dwarfs, a detail that some find unnecessary and distracting. As one viewer pointed out, having seven characters to develop for the sake of an Easter egg feels like overkill, potentially overshadowing the main narrative. The overt nature of these references is highlighted by a line from the character Gabo, who explicitly states, “I’m not Grumpy,” further emphasizing the connection to the dwarfs and drawing attention to the Easter egg.
Similarly, the Peter Pan reference at the movie’s conclusion has been described as being “incredibly in your face.” Instead of being a subtle nod for keen-eyed viewers, it’s presented in a way that feels deliberately obvious. This approach raises the question of whether such explicit references still qualify as Easter eggs, which are traditionally meant to be discovered and enjoyed by observant fans rather than loudly announced.
Beyond these character-based Easter eggs, Wish also incorporates elements like talking wood-animals and mushrooms, which some viewers found out of place. These elements, while possibly intended as whimsical additions, felt disconnected from the main story for some, creating a sense of stylistic inconsistency.
Regarding the movie itself, opinions are mixed. While the backgrounds are praised for their gorgeous animation style, some feel that this style doesn’t quite translate as well to the foreground characters. Musically, the songs have drawn comparisons to AI-generated compositions in the style of Lin Manuel Miranda, lacking the memorable and singable quality of classic Disney tunes, with the exception of perhaps a line or two.
The villain, Magnifico, breaks the mold of a surprise antagonist, which some appreciate. However, questions arise about his effectiveness as a truly great Disney villain and whether he receives an excessive amount of screen time compared to other iconic Disney antagonists. Asha, the protagonist, is seen by some as falling into the trope of clumsy Disney princesses, a character trait that feels forced and unnecessary given her overall narrative arc, which is more akin to a reserved and thoughtful character like Belle.
In conclusion, while Wish is intended to be a celebration of Disney’s 100-year legacy and is packed with references to beloved classics, some viewers find the Peter Pan and seven dwarfs Easter eggs, among others, to be too prominent and detracting. The question of whether Peter Pan is “really” in Wish in spirit is debatable, but the overt nature of the references is undeniable, prompting a discussion about the effectiveness of such explicit nods in a movie meant to stand on its own.
