Disney is bringing three of its biggest modern songs back to screens on April 27th, but this time through a reimagined language of movement, emotion, and expression. As 2026 continues to deliver unexpected turns across Hollywood, the streaming giant now appears ready to raise the bar once again with a release few may have imagined, re-animating beloved hits in American Sign Language (ASL).

Coinciding with National Deaf History Month, the special event breathes new life into three modern favourites, ‘The Next Right Thing’ from Frozen II, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ from Encanto, and ‘Beyond’ from Moana 2. Instead of using direct word-for-word translation, the team reshaped each song through movement and expression to carry its true meaning. More than 20 animators created fresh sequences designed to match the rhythm, emotion, and beauty of American Sign Language.

Meanwhile, these three songs have remained among the biggest musical standouts of their respective films, with ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ drawing over 34.9 million U.S. streams in a single week, ‘The Next Right Thing’ gathering around 100 million views, and ‘Beyond’ already crossing more than 48 million streams on Spotify.

Longtime Disney animator Hyrum Osmond led the project, joining forces with Los Angeles-based Deaf West Theatre to bring the songs to life in ASL. Alongside producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen, plus artistic director DJ Kurs and a team of performers, the creators shaped choreography that carries each song’s meaning, heart, and emotion through sign.

However, for animator Osmond, the project also seems to hold a deeply personal place beyond its creative ambition.

Hyrum Osmond opens up on the heart behind Disney’s new ASL project

While sign language is often seen as one of the most beautiful forms of communication, director Hyrum Osmond, whose father is deaf, appears to feel that truth deeply himself. Speaking about the project, he said animation was the perfect medium to celebrate the beauty and emotion of sign language on screen. Osmond also revealed that not learning sign language while growing up created a barrier between him and his father, making this reimagining a deeply personal chance to break barriers and connect with the Deaf community.

"This reimagining of Disney Animation musical numbers helps bring down barriers and allows us to connect in a special way with our audiences in the Deaf community. I’m grateful that the Studio got behind making something so impactful." Osmond during official press statement released by The Walt Disney Company on March 4, 2026.

Meanwhile, artistic director DJ Kurs said he instantly embraced the collaboration, calling Disney stories the universal language of childhood. He added that bringing ASL into that world felt both historic and deeply emotional, especially as the art form was now adapting to them. Kurs also said he hopes the project opens new possibilities in the minds and hearts of Deaf children for years to come.

And as Disney+ prepares to unveil this new vision on April 27, the franchise once again looks ready to prove why it remains one of the most beloved homes of magic for audiences across generations.

Which of these three songs are you most excited to see reimagined in American Sign Language? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui