A previously unreleased song by Disney songwriter and Legend Richard M. Sherman has been confirmed as part of the animated short film Mushka. One of the final touches to the music that shaped generations.
Mushka is a hand-drawn animated short directed by longtime Disney animator Andreas Deja. The film was released on December 15, 2025, on major video-on-demand platforms worldwide.
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The new song, titled “Mushka’s Lullaby,” appears during the end credits of the film. The piece is one of Sherman’s final original compositions and is included on the Mushka — Original Score soundtrack.
Sherman wrote the song in collaboration with composer Fabrizio Mancinelli. Mancinelli also arranged the piece. Vocalist Holly Sedillos performs the song on the soundtrack recording.
Sherman’s Legacy
Sherman was widely known for his work with his late brother, Robert B. Sherman, as the songwriting duo the Sherman Brothers. Together, they wrote music for films such as Mary Poppins and for theme park attractions including it’s a small world. Their work became closely associated with The Walt Disney Company over several decades.
The Sherman Brothers and Walt Disney – YouTube, Good morning America
In addition to his earlier Disney work, he composed new songs for the 2018 film Christopher Robin. He also appeared in the 2023 Disney short Once Upon a Studio.
Throughout his career, Sherman received numerous honors, including Academy Awards for Mary Poppins and recognition as a Disney Legend. His music has been performed in films, theme parks, and concert settings worldwide.
The Mushka score, including “Mushka’s Lullaby,” received recognition from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. The song won the award for Best Song in a Short Film in 2023.
Mushka
Deja’s Mushka tells the story of Sarah, a young Ukrainian girl who discovers an orphaned Siberian tiger cub. The film follows her struggle to decide whether to care for the animal or allow it to survive on its own. Production on the short took place over nearly ten years and reflects Deja’s continued interest in traditional, hand-drawn animation.
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Deja had never imagined Sherman helping with the project and had merely been telling him about the project. He shared his experience on the project with Attractions Magazine.
It was a joy to work with Richard. Once in a while, I had to step back and pinch myself, going like, ‘Is this really happening? It is!’ I grew up with his ‘Jungle Book’ songs. When I was a kid, that was the first Disney film I ever saw at the age of 10. I had the records and played those songs over and over again. And here you are, finding yourself working with this master.
The hand-drawn style took inspiration from the 1960s style of inspiration, films such as One Hundred and One Dalmations.
Deja, a Disney legend himself, is no stranger to bringing characters to life. He drew the sketches for Disney classics such as Lilo from Lilo & Stitch and Scar from The Lion King.
“Mushka’s Lullaby”
A music video for “Mushka’s Lullaby” was released alongside the film’s promotion. The video combines scenes from the animated short with footage from the recording sessions. The score was recorded with a sixty-piece orchestra at Synchron Stage in Vienna.
Mushka premiered at film festivals in 2023, where it received several awards prior to its broader release. The inclusion of “Mushka’s Lullaby” adds one of Sherman’s final original compositions to his body of work.
Viewers can now stream Mushka on Amazon, Apple, and Google Play.
Have you had a chance to watch Mushka? Do you have a favorite Sherman song? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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