In my humble opinion, the evolution of the Disney Princesses over the years has been nothing short of magical – much like their enchanting tales and timeless songs! From Snow White to Raya, each princess has left an indelible mark on our hearts, teaching us valuable lessons about love, friendship, and courage.
There’s no princess quite like a Disney Princess. While some might argue that characters like Princess Leia from “Star Wars” or even jokingly suggest that the Xenomorph Queen from “Aliens” ought to qualify, the truth is that not every princess that Disney has put on the screen is actually considered a Disney Princess. When the Disney Princess brand officially launched in 2001 (something only adult Disney Princess fans would notice), just nine Princesses were included on the roster. Since then, some members of the original lineup were dropped (sorry Tinker Bell and Esmeralda), with new princesses added to the list, which now sits firmly with 13 in total. But could more be added soon? Anything’s possible, especially as Disney continues to craft new fantastical adventures for young girls.
Ever since Disney introduced its Princess line, it has experienced remarkable growth, earning the nickname of “the fastest-growing brand the company has ever produced.” However, the question arises: Who qualifies as an official Disney Princess? While some choices may be predictable, others might surprise you. On the contrary, there are characters who seem to have been overlooked, leaving one puzzled as to why they weren’t included. As we delve into one of Disney’s longest-running franchises, let’s appreciate the rich history and the studio’s most iconic princesses. Although there may be unsettling tales associated with the Disney Princess films, it doesn’t diminish our ability to enjoy the enchanting stories they present.
Snow White (1937)
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which premiered in December 1937 and was the first full-color animated film as well as the initial transition from stop-motion to cel animation, revolutionized Walt Disney’s career. The movie, not only a massive box office hit, but also received an Honorary Oscar. Adriana Caselotti provided the voice for Snow White, paving the way for many of the iconic Disney Princess traits that the brand is recognized for today. Nearly 90 years later, Disney’s original princess continues to hold significance within the brand.
Her pure, gentle, and trusting disposition sets Snow White apart as an exceptionally virtuous character, and her talent for communicating with animals proves to be quite beneficial. It’s hardly surprising that she was the first fictional female character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and remains the only official Disney Princess to do so. While the Disney portrayal differs significantly from the original Brothers Grimm tale, that’s precisely what makes Disney unique. In any case, the entire Disney Princess franchise would crumble without Snow White.
Cinderella (1950)
It’s quite surprising that it took Walt Disney 13 years after the successful premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to produce “Cinderella,” given how frequently Disney Princess films seem to be released today. However, after financial struggles following films like “Fantasia,” “Bambi,” and “Pinocchio,” Disney found salvation by adapting Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale. The success of “Cinderella” was immense, helping the company in one of its most difficult periods. Few Disney Princesses can boast such a significant impact.
Speaking about Cinderella specifically, the character (previously voiced by Ilene Woods) eventually earns her royal status through marriage. However, there’s no denying that she truly deserves it due to her positive outlook on life despite difficult circumstances, compassion towards small creatures, and humble demeanor. This is what makes Cinderella one of Disney’s most enchanting princesses. The reason this tale has been revisited numerous times over the years is because of its captivating, magical quality.
Aurora (1959)
Nine years following the debut of “Cinderella,” Walt Disney introduced “Sleeping Beauty” to cinemas in 1959, a film that charmed audiences with its adorable protagonist, Briar Rose (later known as Aurora). Interestingly, while production on “Sleeping Beauty” had started back in 1950, it took almost a decade for the completed movie to be unveiled. Aurora, who completed the trio of original Disney Princesses, was the last official princess for quite some time due to the box-office flop of “Sleeping Beauty” – a disappointing outcome indeed.
Aurora, characterized by her playful, imaginative, and romantic nature, is renowned for one of the most iconic appearances among Disney Princesses, although it deviates slightly from her original film portrayal. In the movie, Aurora initially wears a blue dress created by her fairies; however, at the end, the dress magically transforms into pink. To distinguish her from Cinderella, who shares similar blonde hair and initial blue attire, official Disney promotional materials typically depict Aurora in the pink version of her dress.
Ariel (1989)
After the death of its founder in 1966, the Walt Disney Company refrained from creating another Disney Princess for three decades. In fact, during this period, they chose not to adapt any new fairy tales following “Sleeping Beauty.” While films like “The Black Cauldron” were produced, which contained fantasy elements, traditional Disney Princesses were overlooked. However, in 1989, the company mustered up the courage to venture into fairy tale adaptation once again with “The Little Mermaid,” marking the beginning of what is now known as the Disney Renaissance. Despite deviating from the original “Little Mermaid” storyline, Ariel’s introduction resonated deeply with a new audience.
Speaking of Ariel, the mermaid, her endearing, determined, and defiant character quickly endeared her to many. Though some may question her decision to trade her voice for love (and legs), she remains one of Disney’s most beloved princesses. With Jodi Benson’s powerful vocals bringing her to life, Ariel was the first Disney Princess to star in her own animated television series, which aired for three seasons on CBS.
Belle (1991)
Two years following my immersion in the enchanting world of “The Little Mermaid,” Disney unveiled another magical tale – “Beauty and the Beast.” This timeless story, originally penned by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, was reimagined as a captivating animated film that resonated with both critics and audiences alike. The title character, Belle, voiced by Paige O’Hara, quickly stole hearts due to her grace and poise. Much like Cinderella, she found herself marrying into royalty, yet even before donning a crown, she carried herself with an air of nobility that was truly captivating.
A person fond of knowledge and yearning for exploration, Belle finds an extraordinary experience when she’s unexpectedly confined in the castle of a beast-like figure (Robby Benson). Initially disheartened, she gradually develops feelings for this creature as she uncovers his tender nature and learns about the enigmatic curse he’s under. Some have called it Stockholm syndrome, but isn’t it understandable given the circumstances? After all, he shared his entire library with her – an offer no bibliophile could refuse.
Jasmine (1992)
Among all Disney princesses, Jasmine, portrayed by Linda Larkin, stands out as particularly distinct. Not only is she the first non-European princess in the lineup, but she is the only one who doesn’t headline her own film. Introduced a year after Belle, Jasmine made her appearance in 1992’s “Aladdin.” She was depicted as a marriageable princess from Agrabah city, yet she swore not to marry a man she didn’t love. It was then that Aladdin (Scott Weinger) entered the scene, literally sweeping Jasmine off her feet.
Jasmine stands out from traditional Disney princesses due to her unique individuality, strong beliefs, and bravery in dangerous situations. She shares similarities with Belle and Ariel, and has developed a reputation beyond her initial introduction. She appeared in numerous direct-to-video productions and the “Aladdin” animated series during the ’90s. Although she hasn’t had her own movie yet, Jasmine remains a valued part of the Disney Princess group.
Pocahontas (1995)
In the mid-90s, Disney chose to step away from traditional fairy tales and bring a historical princess to life instead, this time drawing inspiration from American history rather than the Old World. The movie “Pocahontas” hit theaters in 1995, marketed as a romantic reinterpretation of the main character’s true story. The film focused on Pocahontas (voiced by Irene Bedard), portraying her journey through adolescence and her relationship with John Smith (Mel Gibson). Much like other Disney princesses from the Renaissance era, Pocahontas was a strong-willed, brave character who stood firm in her beliefs, even if it meant distancing herself from her community.
Despite the inaccuracies in the portrayal of Pocahontas, as she wasn’t a princess by birth but rather the daughter of a chief, the animated film “Pocahontas” remains an exciting journey that marked the introduction of Disney’s first American Princess. In many ways, the popularity of “Pocahontas” paved the way for Disney to create more stories featuring strong and independent female characters, like Mulan, Merida, and Elsa from “Frozen.
Mulan (1998)
In 1998, instead of sticking with traditional fairy tales, Disney chose to retell the Chinese folklore of Hua Mulan. Much like Pocahontas, Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen) demonstrated herself as a brave and intelligent lead character, one who was more daring than some of the original Disney Princesses. However, if you’re puzzled about how Mulan could be classified as a Disney Princess, remember that she is the sole exception to the rule of royalty. Unlike all other Disney Princesses who are either born or married into royalty, Mulan earns her Disney status through honor.
From its debut, Mulan – the sole character of East Asian descent – has consistently been present and undeniably deserving of that position. The film “Mulan” stands out as a crowd favorite, rightly so. With courage, honor, and intelligence, Mulan ranks among the most multidimensional characters in her peer group. Far from a stereotypical damsel in distress, Mulan solidified her Disney Princess status by restoring honor not just to her family but to all of China.
Tiana (2009)
In today’s era of advanced computer-generated animation, it’s uncommon to find 2D productions. This includes even popular lines like Disney Princesses. However, the latest princess in Disney’s catalog to debut with traditional animation was Tiana (portrayed by Anika Noni Rose), the main character from 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Based on the Brothers Grimm tale “The Frog Prince,” this Disney film reimagined the story, setting it in a vibrant 1920s New Orleans backdrop. This unique environment gave the movie a soulful and distinctly American flavor.
Regarding Tiana, she’s an ambitious, dedicated individual who relentlessly pursues her aspirations. Unlike most Disney Princesses, Tiana has a unique character journey. Throughout the movie, she understands that a fulfilling life isn’t solely about chasing dreams but also includes enjoying leisure time, cherishing friendships, and experiencing love. This is where Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), our charming frog prince, enters the scene. As one of the most well-rounded princesses in this list, Tiana remains captivating with each viewing of “The Princess and the Frog”. A sequel for this remarkable character would be more than welcome!
Rapunzel (2010)
In 2010, Disney chose to blend classic Disney fairytale storytelling with computer-generated animation in the movie “Tangled,” inspired by the Brothers Grimm tale of Rapunzel. Mandy Moore lends her voice to Rapunzel, a character known for her curiosity, optimism, and adventurous spirit, who is widely considered one of the most charming Disney Princesses. This film not only signified the end of traditional animation in the Disney Princess series but also represented a departure from earlier films like “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Beauty and the Beast.
Rapunzel is really charming, and her adventure to explore the world seems like it’s straight from a fairy tale book. What makes her story particularly compelling is that Disney smartly revealed that Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) had actually taken her captive. This twist moves Rapunzel’s story beyond the typical “prince saves princess” trope. Although “Tangled” didn’t get a sequel movie, Rapunzel and Eugene “Flynn Rider” Fitzherbert (Zachary Levi) made appearances in “Frozen” after a few years, and they also got a short film conclusion, as well as a multi-season continuation in an animated series.
Merida (2012)
Among the Disney Princesses debuting in the 21st century, Merida (played by Kelly Macdonald) stands out as breaking new ground. Unlike her predecessors who found themselves in romantic relationships by the end of their films, Merida is unique as she remains unmarried throughout “Brave”, the Pixar movie where she originates. Instead, her story revolves around preserving her family from a spell she unwittingly casts upon them.
In medieval Scotland, the film “Brave,” although often overlooked, is primarily focused on the turbulent bond between Merida and her mother Queen Elinor (portrayed by Emma Thompson). This bond becomes strained when Merida expresses her disinterest in being forced into marriage. Contrary to the traditional Disney Princess narrative, “Brave” maintains a classic aesthetic and fairy tale framework, even though it was the first Disney Princess film not derived from a prior story, legend, or historical occurrence. As you may know, there are many pioneering aspects in this movie.
Moana (2016)
Five years after “Brave,” I found myself immersed in another captivating tale from Disney, this time centering around a unique princess hailing from ancient Polynesia – Moana. Voiced by the talented Auliʻi Cravalho, she was our fearless protagonist. Drawing inspiration from Polynesian mythology and featuring Dwayne Johnson’s character Maui, the story unfolded with Moana yearning to embark on a daring voyage, following her heart as a heroine. Throughout this thrilling journey, I discovered a world filled with adventure.
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but admire Moana’s courage, resilience, and unyielding spirit. Even when Maui lets me down, she keeps going. Unlike other Disney princesses who’ve had short films, TV series extensions, or direct-to-video sequels, Moana stands alone as the only one with a theatrically released sequel, “Moana 2.” Here’s hoping this sets a trend for more Disney Princess sequels instead of just more live-action remakes.
Raya (2021)
In the 2021 film “Raya and the Last Dragon”, the latest character to join the Disney Princess lineup is Raya, portrayed by Kelly Marie Tran. Originating from the fantasy kingdom of Humandra, which draws inspiration from Southeast Asia, Raya is primarily a warrior, with her title of princess coming second. Driven by a strong desire for redemption following an unfortunate incident that turned her father into stone, she sets out on a quest to find the last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina). In this grand fantasy journey, Raya aims to persuade Sisu to aid in defeating the Drunn. This adventure is reminiscent of both “Mulan” and “Brave”, while Raya carves her unique path along the way.
It should be noted that Raya’s position among the other Disney Princesses can seem a bit puzzling. Although she is a princess in a Disney-produced film, “Raya and the Last Dragon” leans more towards action-adventure fantasy rather than the traditional Disney musical format. This film does not include any songs like most of the other movies in this genre, making it distinct from previous Disney Princess stories. It’s an unusual decision, one that has left many fans scratching their heads, but it’s a direction that Disney has chosen since Raya’s introduction.
Wait, why aren’t Anna and Elsa official Disney Princesses?
After everything, you might be curious about why Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa from “Frozen” aren’t included as official Disney Princesses on the company’s website. The reason is quite straightforward: Disney doesn’t categorize them as part of their brand. However, these characters are sometimes grouped with the Disney Princesses in promotional materials. Interestingly, they made an appearance alongside the official princesses in “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018). But why aren’t they on the official roster? Because they have their own franchise and are headliners in their own right.
It’s worth mentioning that unlike other Disney Princesses, Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” don’t lead their own successful, high-grossing franchise series. In her book “Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara,” author Emily Zemler points out that initially, Disney Princess characters were not even permitted to communicate with each other. This rule would clearly exclude Anna and Elsa. However, it’s more probable that they are kept apart because the “Frozen” franchise has been exceptionally unique and profitable on its own. It’s also not just Anna and Elsa who have been overlooked in this way; many others share their fate.
It’s worth noting that Tinker Bell, Esmeralda, and Jane Porter from “Tarzan” were once excluded from the official roster, while characters like Amy Adams’ Giselle from “Enchanted”, Princess Elena (Aimee Carrero) from “Elena and the Secrets of Avalor”, Asha (Ariana DeBose) from “Wish”, were never considered. Surprisingly, being a Disney Princess is more challenging than it appears at first glance.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-16 15:31