The New Disney Princess

[Werewolf]

As a dad with two daughters who are not shaped like models, I can see the point of the blogger.

Yeah, it is always a little disappointing to see the lack of understanding and empathy on these type of cultural issues by those not affected by it. I can see the point that is sort of a mixed message to be sending girls that one of the few Disney heroines that is not defined by her appearance has to be changed to be what is considered more conventionally attractive.

[Nostalgiabuff]

I'm sure they will, except this time it'll be with a hot *** redhead! I think I'll be getting in line next time I go

actually the one they had there last year when we went was rather easy on the eyes, other than the really big wig they have to wear

[kingdom warrior]

I'm sure they will, except this time it'll be with a hot *** redhead! I think I'll be getting in line next time I go

Here you go D....enjoy....lol

[kingdom warrior]

There's really not that much difference between the two images...it's not like one's a nun and the other is a hooker...Geez

LMFAO!!!!!!!!

[ctc]

>This is a 2D interpretation of that

Yeah. It's not that different, simplified face (probably for the transition to line as opposed to digital skin based) and a lot more sparkly.

>I'm not going to start a protest group over it

....but SOMEONE will. That's the downside of the internets; it makes it harder to ignore the concerned citizen types.

>It does look like a concentrated effort to keep the characters relevant

And streamline the designs so's to better conform to the current standards. It makes animation (especially CGI) or toy production a LOT easier when you work off standardized templates. When you look at the Disney Princesses, you're combining characters from seventy years of cartoons. It takes some juggling to make them look similar enough that the older ones don't look like extraterrestrial invaders from a dimension where physics works differently.

Don C.

[Earth 2 Chris]

There's really not that much difference between the two images...it's not like one's a nun and the other is a hooker...Geez

Agreed. And while she is weaponless, she does exude that "don't mess with me" attitude still, even in that pose.

It looks more like a change in the art style than anything. Nearly all the images of Merida up to this point are the actual CGI model from the film. This is a 2D interpretation of that.

I will say, that recently, Disney has altered the look of the Princesses in their style guide somewhats. Basically their hairstyles are a bit more modern looking, and they do look a bit sexier. But their cleavage isn't hanging out or anything. It does look like a concentrated effort to keep the characters relevant, but in an age of Monster High and Bratz, you can kind of understand the thinking behind refreshing them a tad bit, especially older characters like Snow White and Cinderella. It was a little jarring when I first saw it, and I'm not sure I entirely agree with it, but I'm not going to start a protest group over it.

Chris

[Bruce Banner]

They look pretty much the same except one is wearing eyeliner and the other one isn't.

[toys2cool]

the real difference is that she is no longer carrying a weapon. i would be interested to know if they still have the archery set up in Magic Kingdom where the kids can meet Merida and shoot arrows at targets

I'm sure they will, except this time it'll be with a hot *** redhead! I think I'll be getting in line next time I go

[Nostalgiabuff]

the real difference is that she is no longer carrying a weapon. i would be interested to know if they still have the archery set up in Magic Kingdom where the kids can meet Merida and shoot arrows at targets

[Rallygirl]

There's really not that much difference between the two images...it's not like one's a nun and the other is a hooker...Geez

I agree.

[megomania]

Is Disney saying that princesses are only skinny, sexy, pretty people?

Throughout the history of time, that's what sells. Magazines, posters, Barbie dolls. Disney is a marketing machine and they know what consumers will eat up. Anyone outraged by this should be banned from all Disney parks forever!

-Chris

[The Toyroom]

There's really not that much difference between the two images...it's not like one's a nun and the other is a hooker...Geez

[jwyblejr]

Maybe the look translates differently depending on the art format?

[Zemo]

They already make more income than should legally be allowed w/ all the movies, merchandising and the Disney channel.

Do you really feel that way?

[HardyGirl]

As a woman, I'm inclined to agree w/ this. Why did they have to change the character? She wasn't a helpless female waiting to be saved, she did the saving. Is Disney saying that princesses are only skinny, sexy, pretty people? By definition, princesses are the daughters of royalty, and Merida was that already. So why change it? They already make more income than should legally be allowed w/ all the movies, merchandising and the Disney channel. Did they really need to make this character sexier to sell more products?