Disney recreates songs in ASL for deaf fans

Disney Animation is reimagining some of its most iconic songs in American Sign Language (ASL), offering Deaf audiences a new way to experience classic musical moments during National Deaf History Month.
Songs including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, “Beyond” from Moana 2 and “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2 have been recreated using performances by Deaf West Theatre actors, who served as reference models for the animation. The project is showcased in Songs in Sign Language, which premiered on Disney+ alongside behind-the-scenes footage detailing the creative process.
DJ Kurs, artistic director of Deaf West Theatre, said the initiative challenges long-standing misconceptions that Deaf people cannot engage with music. He emphasised that Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists have always expressed music through rhythm, movement and emotion, with modern tools such as captions and assistive technology further expanding access.
Animator Hyrum Osmond, whose credits include Zootopia and Raya and the Last Dragon, described the project as deeply personal, noting that his father is Deaf. He framed the work as an effort to bridge communication gaps and create a more inclusive connection between Disney storytelling and the Deaf community.
The production required a detailed adaptation of ASL’s visual language, incorporating facial expression, body movement and spatial awareness. Animators studied performances from multiple angles to capture complex sequences, including overlapping signing in group scenes and physically demanding moments, such as a character signing while climbing in Frozen 2.
Each song underwent extensive translation, rehearsal and filming. Rather than focusing on direct word-for-word interpretation, the team prioritised conveying emotion and narrative through movement. Developed over four years, with six months dedicated to animation, the project signals broader industry efforts towards accessibility and more inclusive storytelling in mainstream entertainment, reflecting a growing shift towards representation and creative experimentation across global audiences today worldwide universally. — Reuters