10 ‘Ultraluminary’ things you need to know about Netflix’s ‘Over the Moon’

“Over the Moon” is Netflix’s new animated movie about a young girl named Fei Fei who builds a rocket to the moon to prove the existence of the legendary Moon Goddess Chang’e.

The movie directed by Oscar-winning animation legend Glen Keane treats the audience to an out-of-this-world adventure, mind-blowing graphics and a touching story that celebrates love, family and culture.

It also features nine original songs and spectacular audiovisuals brought to you by an all-Asian cast and an amazing team of more than 200 artists.

GMA News Online was given the chance to talk to Glen Keane and some of the film’s terrific cast members in a virtual press junket over Zoom.

We also got to see the film in advance and learned some super-interesting movie trivia, so here are 10 fun facts about “Over the Moon” that we think are just too cool to overlook.

1. Fei Fei is voiced by a Filipino-Chinese actress.

“Over the Moon” follows a young girl named Fei Fei who builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove the existence of the legendary Moon Goddess, Chang’e.

A bright young dreamer and lover of science, Fei Fei believes anything is possible. Her love for her family and determination to prove what she believes in literally takes her to the moon and back.

Fei Fei is voiced by Filipino-Chinese actress and singer Cathy Ang, who completely blew the production team away when she did a recording for one of the movie’s biggest song numbers, “Rocket to the Moon,” on her first try.

2. The story was inspired by the Legend of the Moon Goddess.

An ancient Chinese legend says a beautiful woman called Chang’e has been living on the moon, longing for the love of her husband Huoyi.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival, is centered on this legend.

In China, the holiday marks a day of celebration and the gathering together of families and friends over a shared meal. (And, yes: You can expect to see some yummy-looking mooncakes throughout the movie.)

3. The director, Glen Keane, worked on many of our Disney faves.

Glen Keane is an Oscar-winning animator, author and illustrator.

He was an animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios for feature films, including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” “Tarzan” and “Tangled.”

No wonder the graphics on this film are amazing!

4. “Hamilton” in the house!

Okay, who else was shocked to see the legendary Chang’e as a fierce and fabulous pop star on the moon?

If you’re curious who’s behind those “Ultraluminary” vocals, the goddess was voiced by the unbelievable Philippa Soo.

Sound familiar? The American singer and actress is best known for her role as Eliza Hamilton in the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

5. For “Ultraluminary,” Philippa Soo was inspired by divas like Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande.

The Goddess Chang’e totally gave us some diva vibes, from her voice, her hair flips and costumes, to the ferocious way she strutted across the stage.

During a roundtable interview, the voice actress Philippa Soo said she was actually channeling some inner divas like Beyonce and Katy Perry.

Now we know why we were floored by Chang’e’s Superbowl half-time-level performance of “Ultraluminary”!

6. It has an awesome all-Asian cast.

Aside from Cathy Ang as Fei Fei and Philippa Soo as Chang’e, the number of names of Asian-American Hollywood and Broadway greats in the credits might shock you.

“Over the Moon” also stars “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Sandra Oh as Fei Fei’s step mother Mrs. Zhong and “The Hangover” actor Ken Jeong as Gobi.

We also hear John Cho (“Harold and Kumar”) as Fei Fei’s dad; Margaret Cho (“All American Girl”) as Auntie Ling and Gretch; and Broadway star Ruthie Ann Miles as Fei Fei’s mom.

7. Chang’e’s costume comes from the designer who made Rihanna’s iconic MET Gala look.

Remember when Rihanna dominated the 2015 MET Gala by arriving in a yellow couture gown with a long train covered in embroidery?

The same internationally renowned fashion designer, Guo Pei, designed the beautiful red garb that Chang’e wore while singing “Ultraluminary.”

Another amazing thing is that Glen Keane, who can’t speak Mandarin, and Guo Pei, who can’t speak English, communicated and collaborated on their ideas for the costumes through drawing.

8. Cathy Ang’s partner is studying to be an astronaut!

Just like her character Fei Fei, Cathy Ang is “in love” with science!

During a roundtable, the Filipino-Chinese actress also shared that her real-life partner is actually studying to become an astronaut. What are the odds?

“So I also really love space!” she said.

9. “Over the Moon” was completed despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like many film and TV productions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Over the Moon” team had to find alternative ways to finish the movie.

According to Netflix, the filmmaking team—spread across Shanghai, Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles—quickly got back up and running within a week in order to finish the film.

Keane said the team had even formed a “greater bond” after all those intimate Zoom meetings from home during quarantine.

10. It celebrates Asian culture and family values.

“Over the Moon” presents a touching story about a young girl whose incredible love for her family and determination to prove what she believes in literally takes her to the moon and back.

Apart from her epic space adventure filled with wonder and excitement, Fei Fei goes on an emotional journey where she learns to love again after experiencing loss.

In other words, have some tissues at the ready when you watch “Over the Moon” with your family or loved ones, okay? – RC, GMA News