Disney is getting its first Hispanic princess, Elena of Avalor:
Elena lives in “an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore,” according to an announcement from the company. She will be introduced first as part of Disney Junior’s hit show “Sofia the First.”
The supporting cast of the show includes Elena’s grandfather Tito, grandmother Cici, adviser Duke Esteban, and wizard-in-training Mateo.
The show will tell stories “influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the world-wide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale,” Disney Junior general manager Nancy Kanter said in a statement.
To remain auténtica, I’m sure she’ll be devoutly Catholic, and the villains will be dastardly moros.
Next up, a Desi princess. Then an Eskimo. And then … wait, there are too many.
Disney is just waiting for a super-multi-princess script, where princesses representing every major ethnic market in the world play in the princess-version of the Hunger Games or something.
I’m honestly surprised they haven’t produced a Bollywood-style film with a Desi princess.
I’m just happy we don’t have a gay prince yet.
It’s only a matter of time!
This was an intelligent economic decision, especially given the character’s role as a TV show leade. Multiculturalism isn’t needed to explain it. Not directly, at least.