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In Encanto, the youngest Madrigal is set to get his magical gift, and his voice actor and one of the film’s writers/directors discuss its power.
What would it feel like if your entire family received a magical gift, but you didn’t? And, further, no one is quite sure why? Encanto, the sixtieth Disney animated film, explores this dilemma in the Madrigal family. While their family is relatable, they are also unlike any other family due to their gifts. Their magical abilities perfectly match the personalities and struggles of each family member. Encanto seeks to answer why Mirable never received her ability.
This does not mean the miracle is over, though, as the youngest child in the family, Antonio, does receive his gift — talking to animals. Still, something else is wrong with the magic, so Mirable takes it into her hands to try and fix it, with family members like Antonio on her side. In anticipation for this new film, CBR sat in on a press conference for Encanto, where Antonio’s voice actor, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, and one of the film’s directors/screenwriters, Jared Bush, discussed developing Antonio’s character and his special power.
“Antonio’s gift is talking to animals and communicating with them,” Cabot-Conyers said. “And they can communicate with him. He’s kind of an introvert, but he also has a really big heart. So, I also think that I can communicate with all different sorts of people, so Antonio finally got out of his shell and was able to communicate with animals.”
Cabot-Conyers brings all of these traits to Antonio in life in Encanto. He worked hard to achieve this, rehearsing with animal figures at home to prepare for his first voice acting role. His character also holds a personal connection to writer/director Bush. “One of my sons loves animals,” Bush said. “He calls himself an animal whisperer. He’s very shy and quiet with all people, but you put [him] around an animal, and immediately it’s best friends. They’re talking, going to town.”
Beyond just Antonio’s personality and ability, Bush noted how Antonio and his son share similar rooms, with Antonio’s being magical, literally. In Encanto, each family member has a bedroom designated to them, and it also compliments whatever their abilities are. “[My son’s] room literally is themed like a rainforest, right now,” Bush said. “That’s the wallpaper he wanted. He has an inflatable palm tree in his room.”
The writer/director continued, “So, really, for him, I was thinking about Antonio, and going back and forth. There’s something I think for a lot of kids. There’s this wish fulfillment about being able to talk to animals, or you have this really special connection.”
Meet the family Madrigal this Thanksgiving with Encanto in theaters.
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