The post-credits scene in Disney’s latest animated film, Wish, is a poignant reflection of the studio’s theme of dreams coming true. The scene shows Grandpa Sabino, played by Victor Garber, finally fulfilling his lifelong dream of composing the iconic song “When You Wish Upon a Star,” originally written for Pinocchio. This moment is not only a highlight of the film but also a celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary.
The scene connects to the classic Disney films, using nostalgia to honor the studio’s legacy. It highlights a central theme throughout Disney films: dreams come true. This is present in Wish, nearly all of Disney’s popular films, and in the story of the studio. Walt Disney started his work with nothing but a dream, and Wish celebrates 100 years of that dream’s fulfillment.
The beautiful scene in Wish is not only a heartwarming story but also ties the movie’s plot to the iconic song, amping up the Disney magic. The post-credits scene provides another important connection for the film, highlighting the theme of dreams coming true. Though this is prevalent throughout Wish, it becomes the focus of the final scene as not only Sabino’s wish comes true, but the song reminds us of it as well.
The fulfillment of dreams is central to many Disney films, whether through Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother or Aladdin’s Genie, but nowhere in Disney lore is it more important than when it comes to Walt Disney himself. A hundred years before audiences saw Wish, Walt Disney and his brother Roy started a small animation company, building it into the empire Disney is today. This film, and every Disney film, is the result of Walt Disney’s dream that did come true.
The story of Wish as a whole fits the quote “If you can dream it, you can do it,” as Asha learns that the best way for dreams to come true is not through a magical sorcerer but by letting people work towards them. Wish’s post-credits scene is not just a nod to Pinocchio but to the man who started it all. In a film meant to celebrate Disney’s anniversary, this is the perfect ending.
The film Wish is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S., making it an easy and convenient way to experience the magical world of Disney.