North Texas Daily

In 2016, Disney introduced the princess, Elena of Avalor. After being marketed as the first Latina princess, it seemed like it was going to be something big.

When she was first announced, I thought Disney was going to give her a movie. I was excited about the possibility of the on-screen representation and what it could mean for younger generations.

But, I never heard much about her again and forgot about her entirely. Some people don’t even know she exists. 

She got her own show on Disney Junior, but that simply isn’t enough.

She’s independent and rules her own kingdom without a man. I mean what’s not to like?

Disney recently announced that they’re bringing in a new Latina Jewish princess to make an appearance on her show. Her name has yet to be revealed, but her debut will be on an episode to be aired sometime in December.

These diverse princesses should be getting their own larger stories and more time on the big screen. It would be interesting to see her incorporated with Elena in a big screen movie. 

It’s been said that she isn’t even considered an actual Disney princess, either. But, why can’t she be? Instead of countless remakes, Disney should shift its focus on evolving it’s brand in this way. 

Kids love movies and would love to feel seen. It would give the princesses more promotion and even more recognition.

No, this isn’t about why there should be fewer white princesses. Instead, it is more about why there should be more brown princesses and other more diverse ones, too. Why settle for just having a smaller screen one or feeling like you’re asking for too much if you want more? 

Sofia the First, another princess introduced on Disney Junior, is a mixed heritage princess. It would’ve been cool to see her story play out as well on a bigger scale than a television screen.

Nowadays, Disney is remaking many of their animated classics. While some of them sound promising, the execution can turn out pretty stale especially for those who compare the new live-action movie to the original animated version of it.

Executives seems to want to secure money from the previous generation and the new ones through all the remakes going on. Rehashing something already successful and popular simply comes down to the money.

Disney could be making new movies with new, refreshing characters that audience members of different ages, races and genders will enjoy.

There shouldn’t be this dependency on the nostalgia factor of marketing. It is time to move on. Instead, a new wave of princesses being added to the lineup. Even if the title of “Disney Princess” is given for pure marketing sake, for children it means so much more. 

Disney princesses are looked up to, admired, beloved and seen as a source of inspiration. A lot of us grew up watching these animated movies. Younger generations should not have to watch the same tired narrative, just now in live-action.

There are so many different kids out there so there should be all different types of princesses. Representation is important, especially during formative years. 

Diverse princesses deserve to get the same attention, praise and time on the big screen.

Featured Illustration: Olivia Varnell