Live-action adaptations of Disney stories allow for a fresh breath of air with a sprinkle of the classic charm that made these movies what they are today.
Disney princesses are brought to life through live adaptations; live-action childhood favorites including “Cinderella” (2015), “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) and “The Little Mermaid” (2023) light off a twinkle in girls’ eyes when they see strong women representing their values.
Disney producers are faced with decisions revolving around set design, costumes and actors to bring beloved characters to life. However, recent discussion of decisions to cast actresses who do not share the same racial identity as their animated Disney princess counterparts has begged the question of whether such adjustments to these iconic characters are warranted.
Halle Bailey, the actress of Ariel in the 2023 live-action version of “The Little Mermaid”, spoke to The Guardian on the value of having representation in the media as a young Black woman.
“If I would have had a Black mermaid, that would have been insane, that would have changed my whole perspective, my whole life, my confidence, my self-worth,” Bailey said. “You’re able to see a person who looks like you, when you’re young? Some people are just like, oh, it’s whatever, because they’ve had it their whole life. It’s nothing to them. But it’s so important.”
Live adaptations and remakes of classics add a modern flair to timeless stories along with new interpretations of costume, hairstyles and makeup. The attention to detail in costume design throughout the live action Cinderella (2015) made a complex process of hemming look effortlessly elegant.
Sandy Powell, the costume designer of the movie,”Cinderella”, spoke to W Magazine about the process she took on when creating actress Lily James’ dress.
“I knew it had to be big and follow a nineteenth-century silhouette, but I wanted it to appear weightless,” Powell said. “I didn’t want it too adorned or fussy, so that it would stand out from the crowd in its simplicity.”
The production of Disney princess movies including “Moana” (2016) highlights female independence without the stereotypical damsel in distress. In modern princess movies, Disney empathizes with strong women without the need for Prince Charming.
Straying away from the traditional storyline of princesses needing rescue is necessary to reinforce independence in young women. Retelling fairy tales has been a tradition done throughout time and fresh versions of timeless stories keeps the magic alive.
Disney upholds values that princesses are not one size fits all. Remastering seemingly insignificant cartoons and adapting them into cinematic masterpieces shines light on how anyone can be a princess if they have the heart of one. Bringing stories to life through film engages diverse audiences, whether that is someone working behind the scenes to make the film or little kids watching it in theaters.
Princess movies have evolved throughout history; however, the values of individuality and kindness have been morals all princesses embody.
As Snow White says in “Snow White in the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) “Remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.”
