Disney’s “Vasa”: A Personal Reflection on Loss
The artistic director of Disney’s upcoming short film “Vasa,” Marcon Pearce, has shared that part of the film’s inspiration comes from his own experience of losing a child. The film, described as a non-dialogue piece, portrays a young couple navigating the emotional journey from grief and loss to joy and acceptance, depicted through an ethereal cosmic dance.
Pearce recounted that during the production of “Moana,” he and his wife were expecting their son Cooper, but complications led to his passing. Reflecting on this, Pearce mentioned, “This was a huge reset for my wife and I. I was just thinking about grief as this incredibly big, almost impossible thing to get through.”
The director drew inspiration from infant loss support groups, where attendees share their experiences processing such profound loss. He noted, “I was inspired by an infant loss group that my wife and I were involved in. Many talked about how watching a film with a pregnant character affected them, and there were conversations about how each partner copes differently.” These discussions illuminated how common these experiences are among couples.
Pearce expressed a desire for the film to resonate with others in similar situations. He thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was something that reflected that experience and helped them build their relationships with each other?” He also shared that Disney’s Chris Buck suggested reading “Permission to Grieve: A New Way to Grieve” by Tom Zuba, which included poignant lines about the nature of grief.
“Grief tears the heart apart,” Pearce recalled, noting this really connected with his experiences. He acknowledged how, while one might think they can process a great loss and move on, grief is actually something that stays with you—something you learn to carry over time. “It’s a heavy thing, but I wanted to show this idea of wearing your scars proudly,” he added.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the Walt Disney Company regarding the film.
