Walt Disney Animation Announces First Theatrical Short In 5 Years, 'Us Again'

Walt Disney Animation Studios is getting ready to debut a brand new theatrical short, titled Us Again!

The new animated short will debut in theaters ahead of Raya and the Last Dragon, before premiering on Disney+ in June.

Here’s a synopsis: Set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. The years fade away as the joy of dancing propels them across the exciting cityscape of their youth and revives fond memories and ambitions.

Us Again comes from director Zach Parrish, who was head of animation on Big Hero 6, with choreographers/dancers Keone and Mari, as well as composer Pinar Toprak.

“Working with Keone and Mari was the key to making this film work,” Zach said in a statement. “From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted this film to be music driven. And I felt that dance is a universal language that can translate into any culture. I loved that their dance style felt like it was made for animation, and that there was this genuine, honest and organic connection between them because they were actually a married couple in real life.”

“The story itself was inspired by my own grandparents, who faced getting older in different ways, along with my own physical limitations in playing sports resulting from getting older and injuries. I started thinking about how someone might look at the world differently as things change and they grow older,” he added.

Us Again is the first short from Walt Disney Animation since Inner Workings in 2016, which accompanied Moana in theaters.

Watch out for Us Again, along with Raya and the Last Dragon, in theaters March 5th!

If you missed it, check out the latest teaser trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon.