Disney+ has debuted Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language, a new collection of animated musical sequences reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL), released on 27 April to mark National Deaf History Month.
The project features three songs from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios films: “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto and “Beyond” from Moana 2.
The sequences were directed by veteran Disney animator and filmmaker Hyrum Osmond, alongside producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen and artistic director DJ Kurs.
The project is a collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, the Tony Award-winning company known for pioneering Deaf-centred performances.
A behind-the-scenes featurette has also been released, offering viewers a look at the creative process behind the adaptation.
Osmond led a team of more than 20 animators who worked from specially produced sign language reference footage.
DJ Kurs collaborated with sign language reference choreographer Catalene Sacchetti and eight Deaf West performers to reinterpret the lyrics through ASL, focusing on meaning, rhythm and emotion rather than direct word-for-word translation.
“In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation,” Osmond said.
“There were a lot of adjustments that we had to do within the animation to be true to the original intention.”
The project required animators to carefully rework hand shapes, body movement, timing and facial expression - all essential components of sign language communication.
Osmond, whose father is Deaf, said the project carried deep personal meaning.
“One, 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,” he noted.
“The other big reason for doing this project is to connect with the deaf community. Growing up, I never learned sign language, and that barrier prevented me from really connecting with my dad.”
He added that reimagining Disney musical numbers in ASL could help break down barriers and create stronger connections with Deaf audiences.
Artistic director Kurs said the opportunity to integrate ASL into Disney storytelling was immediately embraced.
“When Hyrum approached me with a potential collaboration involving the integration of ASL into the fabric of Disney storytelling, it was an immediate yes for us,” he noted.
“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 said he hoped the project would inspire Deaf children and encourage more inclusive productions in the future.
The launch comes amid broader industry efforts to improve accessibility across streaming platforms through subtitles, audio description and sign language content, particularly in family entertainment.
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