King Magnifico | |
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Wish character | |
First appearance | Wish (2023) |
Created by | Jennifer Lee Chris Buck Fawn Veerasunthorn Allison Moore |
Voiced by | Chris Pine |
In-universe information | |
Title | King Magnifico of Rosas |
Weapon | Magic staff |
Spouse | Queen Amaya |
Home | Kingdom of Rosas |
King Magnifico is a fictional character and the antagonist of the animated film Wish (2023) produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The concept was created by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck. Lee then wrote the screenplay with Allison Moore. Magnifico is voiced by Chris Pine. He is a sorcerer who uses magic to control the wishes of his subjects. Beginning as a seemingly charming and benevolent king of the fictional kingdom of Rosas, Magnifico is revealed to be vain, controlling and tyrannical after his motives are questioned by Asha (Ariana DeBose), the film's heroine.
Lee conceived the film as a 100-year anniversary celebration of the studio with the aim to make a homage to classic Disney villains. It originated in conversations between Lee and Buck while they were working together on Frozen II. Magnifico was designed to be a relatable character whose desire for power causes his descent into madness over the course of the film. The filmmakers wanted him to be a layered character rather than being an evil villain from the outset. The darkening nature of his character and his transition into villainy is expressed in the song "This Is the Thanks I Get?!".
The character received a mixed critical response. Some critics hailed Magnifico as a return to classic Disney villains, with praise for Pine's vocals. Conversely, the character received criticism for having few defining traits, while other critics disliked his lack of character development and backstory.