Disney's gone and done it! Walt Disney has announced their first black princess in the animated film "The Frog Princess" which will be set in New Orleans. The film is described as, "an American fairy tale," according to chief creative officer for Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, John Lasseter.
The film is to be released in 2009.
Implications - Much like the classical fairy tale, the story centers on a young girl named Tiana who kisses a frog prince with many adventures that follow after that fateful night. The movie will be scored by Randy Newman, the man behind the music of other well-known titles that include Toy Story and Monsters Inc. Expect a lot of jazzy tunes since the plot takes place in the jazz era of New Orleans.
Disney Introduces First Black Princess
Disney Introduces First Black Princess
Trend Themes
1. Representation in Animation - The introduction of Disney's first black princess highlights the growing trend of diverse representation in animated films.
2. Cultural Storytelling - Disney's decision to set the film in New Orleans showcases a trend of incorporating cultural storytelling and local traditions into animated films.
3. Inclusive Fairy Tales - The release of 'The Frog Princess' signals a trend of creating inclusive fairy tales that resonate with a wider audience.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - The entertainment industry has an opportunity to embrace diverse representation and tell stories that reflect the world we live in.
2. Animation - The animation industry is positioned to disrupt traditional fairy tale narratives by introducing more diverse characters and storylines.
3. Music - The music industry can explore partnerships with animated films to create soundtracks that blend different genres and cultural influences.