Disney+ to Debut “Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language” Collection for National Deaf History Month

Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language Brings ASL Storytelling to Beloved Musical Moments

In recognition of National Deaf History Month, Disney+ will introduce a unique new collection of animated musical performances that reimagine beloved songs from recent animated films in American Sign Language (ASL). The special presentation, titled "Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language," will premiere on April 27 and feature three iconic musical moments recreated with new animation designed to reflect the expressive beauty of sign language.

The project highlights songs from several recent films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Fans will see ASL interpretations of "The Next Right Thing" from Frozen II, the globally popular "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto, and "Beyond" from Moana 2. Each musical sequence has been reanimated to incorporate ASL storytelling, creating a new way for audiences to experience these memorable songs.

Veteran animator and director Hyrum Osmond helmed the project, collaborating closely with producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen. The creative team also partnered with the Los Angeles-based Deaf West Theatre, a Tony Award-winning company known for its innovative productions blending American Sign Language with spoken storytelling. Artistic director DJ Kurs worked alongside sign language reference choreographer Catalene Sacchetti and a group of Deaf West performers to develop the visual language of the songs.

“In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation. There were a lot of adjustments that we had to do within the animation to be true to the original intention.”

According to Osmond, the animation team created largely original sequences rather than simply adapting existing footage. "In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation," he explained. "There were a lot of adjustments that we had to do within the animation to be true to the original intention."

More than 20 animators contributed to the effort, using specially recorded sign-language reference material to guide the performance and movement of the characters. Instead of translating lyrics word-for-word, the creative team focused on capturing the emotional and conceptual meaning behind each song. This approach allowed the choreography and animation to reflect the expressive storytelling qualities unique to ASL.

“Sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth. If ever there was a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation.”

For Osmond, the project carries personal significance. His father is deaf, and he says the experience inspired him to explore new ways to connect through animation. "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. Growing up, I never learned sign language, and that barrier prevented me from really connecting with my dad. This project helps bring down barriers and allows us to connect in a special way with audiences in the Deaf community."

Kurs said the collaboration with Disney Animation was an opportunity to bring ASL into a globally recognized storytelling tradition. "When Hyrum approached me about integrating ASL into the fabric of Disney storytelling, it was an immediate yes," Kurs said. "Disney stories are the universal language of childhood. The chance to bring our language into that world was a historic opportunity to reach a global audience."

He added that the process of creating the new musical sequences was deeply meaningful for the performers and artists involved. "For so long, we have known and loved the artistic medium of Disney Animation," Kurs noted. "Here, the art form was adapting to us. I hope this opens doors in the minds and hearts of Deaf children and leads to even more opportunities like this in the future."

Alongside the animated musical numbers, viewers will also be able to watch a behind-the-scenes featurette exploring the creative collaboration between Disney Animation and Deaf West Theatre. The feature will offer an inside look at the choreography, animation, and performance work that helped transform the songs into expressive ASL storytelling.

The initiative reflects Disney Animation's ongoing effort to expand the ways audiences can experience its stories. Since the studio's earliest days—including the groundbreaking release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937—it has continued to combine artistic innovation with evolving technology to reach viewers around the world.

With "Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language," the studio is using that same spirit of creativity to build stronger connections with the Deaf community while offering a new perspective on some of its most beloved modern musical moments.