Disney is adding some diversity to its princess line-up with Elena of Avalor, their first Latina princess.
Elena will be making her debut next year on Disney Junior’s hit show Sofia the First before getting her own show on the network titled Elena of Avalor. Aimee Carrero (Young & Hungry) will be the voice of Elena. Disney released very few details about the premise of the show or Elena’s character, but according to Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Disney Junior Worldwide, she will be a teenager living in “an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore.”
“Our creative team has delivered a universal story with themes that authentically reflect the hopes and dreams of our diverse audience,” she said. “What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale.”
Most of the official Disney princesses are white, including Cinderella, Aurora, and Rapunzel. Prior to Elena, the only non-white Disney princesses were Mulan (who is actually a warrior, not a princess), Pocahontas, Jasmine from Aladdin, and Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. With the popularity of Sofia the First, Elena will be getting some great visibility right from the start, and the fact that the writers will be integrating Latin cultures and folklore into the show is promising.
Here is a look at Aimee Carrero on the after show for ABC Family’s Young & Hungry. Bonus, there are some pretty tasty brunch recipes!
Source: ABC News