Disney has ignited the animation world with the release of the highly anticipated first trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon 2, the sequel to the 2021 beloved hit that introduced audiences to the vibrant, dragon-filled land of Kumandra. Slated for a 2027 theatrical release, this follow-up brings back fan-favorite voices Kelly Marie Tran as the fierce warrior princess Raya and Awkwafina as the quirky, powerful dragon Sisu. The teaser, tagged with the intriguing line “Trust saved Kumandra once… but can it survive the truth?”, has fans buzzing with excitement over its lush visuals, deeper emotional stakes, and promises of expanded mythology.
The trailer opens with breathtaking aerial shots of a reunited Kumandra, now thriving in peace years after the events of the original film. New bridges span the once-divided lands of Heart, Fang, Spine, Talon, and Tail, bustling markets teem with life, and dragon-blessed rivers flow with shimmering magic, restoring color and vitality to the world. Raya, older and more confident, patrols her homeland with her trusty companion Tuk Tuk, while Sisu lounges in her human form, cracking jokes about finally getting some relaxation. The old crew – including the entrepreneurial Boun, the mighty Tong, the clever Noi and her ongies, and even a reformed Namaari – reunite in joyful scenes, highlighting the hard-won unity that defined the first movie’s triumphant ending.
But tranquility shatters quickly. Beneath the land of Heart, an ancient map glows to life, revealing a hidden sixth realm erased from history – a forgotten land that holds secrets about the dragons’ past and the origins of the Druun plague. As Raya investigates, a mysterious, scale-marked storm brews on the horizon, draining the world’s vibrant colors and sapping its magic. Rivers dry up, flowers wilt, and stone-turned dragons from the original film begin to flicker and crack, threatening to turn back to lifeless statues.
Raya and Sisu embark on a new quest, joined by their loyal friends and intriguing new allies – including enigmatic “frenemies” hinted at in shadowy glimpses. Sweeping action sequences showcase bigger dragon magic: Sisu unleashing massive water waves, other revived dragons soaring into battle, and Raya wielding enhanced skills in fluid, martial arts-inspired fights. The trailer teases fracture lines spreading across the realms, symbolizing resurfacing divisions as old distrusts bubble up. In a poignant moment, Raya confronts visions of her ancestors, forcing her to grapple with the possibility that her own people – the guardians of Heart – may have played a role in breaking the world centuries ago.
Voiced with heartfelt intensity by Kelly Marie Tran, Raya’s narration drives the emotional core: reflecting on how trust rebuilt Kumandra, but questioning if buried truths could undo it all. Awkwafina’s Sisu brings levity with her signature humor, quipping about “dragon family drama” while showcasing newfound powers. The supporting cast, including Gemma Chan as Namaari, Izaac Wang as Boun, and Benedict Wong as Tong, return to add layers of camaraderie and conflict, with fresh voices joining for the mysterious new characters tied to the sixth land.
Visually, the sequel elevates the stunning Southeast Asian-inspired animation of the original. Lush jungles, intricate architecture, and dynamic water effects gleam with even greater detail, blending humor – like Sisu’s clumsy attempts at stealth – with emotionally charged moments of doubt and reconciliation. The score swells with orchestral grandeur mixed with cultural instruments, amplifying themes of forgiveness, legacy, and the courage to choose unity anew.
Raya and the Last Dragon 2 builds on the first film’s success, which celebrated trust and teamwork while drawing from rich Southeast Asian cultures. This installment dives deeper, exploring hidden histories and the consequences of forgotten sins, promising a story that’s funny, action-packed, and profoundly moving. With sweeping dragon flights, intense chases across crumbling bridges, and heartfelt reunions, it looks set to deliver bigger magic and higher stakes.
Fans are already hailing the trailer as a masterpiece of animated storytelling, praising its balance of adventure and heart. Kelly Marie Tran’s Raya evolves into a wiser leader burdened by legacy, while Awkwafina’s Sisu remains the comedic soul, reminding everyone that vulnerability strengthens bonds. The promise of uncovering Kumandra’s erased past opens doors to expanded lore, potentially introducing new dragons, lands, and threats that test the fragile peace.
As Disney continues its streak of innovative animation, Raya and the Last Dragon 2 stands poised to captivate a new generation while rewarding longtime fans. Mark your calendars for 2027 – this is the dragon-powered epic that’s ready to soar higher than ever, reminding us that true strength lies in facing the truth together.
