Asha's Journey: Analyzing the Heroine's Transformation in Disney's Wish (2023)

Abstract

This study analyzes the heroine transformation of Asha in Disney’s Wish (2023) using Christopher Vogler’s Hero’s Journey theory. The study aims to examine how Asha's character develops across the twelve narrative stages of the Hero’s Journey and how her transformation reflects ideological resistance against King Magnifico’s authoritarian control. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, the analysis focuses on narrative structure, character interactions, and selected dialogues. The findings show that Asha experiences significant transformation through ten of the twelve stages, with the exception of the Refusal of the Call and Resurrection stage, and that her journey is shaped by supporting archetypes such as Star (Mentor), Magnifico (Shadow), Valentino (Trickster), her friends Dahlia, Hal, and Simon (Allies), and Asha herself as the Hero. The study concludes that Asha’s heroism is rooted not in physical strength but in moral conviction, emotional resilience, and the power of collective hope.