Disney to bring back Princess Tiana’s original look following whitewashing accusations
After coming under scrutiny, Disney will bring back Princess Tiana’s original look and skin color following accusations of whitewashing.
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Upon releasing a slumber party scene in a teaser for the forthcoming film Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, fans noticed something different about Princess Tiana.
So, um…is this supposed to be Princess Tiana in Wreck it Ralph 2? pic.twitter.com/LxBkKjK6zw
— The Great Blaxby. (@HunseckerProxy) August 9, 2018
Since releasing the trailer, Disney was accused of whitewashing the princess. Fans claim that the “new” Princess Tiana had lighter skin, lighter/curlier hair and a smaller nose.
The accusations became even more eyebrow-raising when fans noticed that in the first trailer, Princess Tiana’s character followed her original 2009 animation almost exactly.
why does princess tiana look so different from the wreck it ralph trailer we got 2 months ago to today’s new still……….let me know pic.twitter.com/h63b4DXE03
— ً (@thebaudeIaires) August 9, 2018
Disney has since gone back and reanimated the character. According to The Wall Street Journal, the film’s team of animators have been working to fix the problem since the images of the princess’ slumber party were released.
Upon receiving backlash, animators talked to Princess Tiana’s voice actor, Anika Noni Rose as well as Color Of Change, an organization that is working to educate and broaden representation in Hollywood. After reviewing the animators’ changes, Colors Of Change gave Disney the big thumbs up.
Big news. Because of COC members and convos with @DisneyAnimation, Princess Tiana has been restored to her original depiction. Now when Black girls watch #WreckItRalph2, they’ll see Tiana and other princess of color that actually looks like them on screen #BlackGirlMagic pic.twitter.com/4ZPJm4aZyz
— Rashad Robinson (@rashadrobinson) September 20, 2018
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is coming to theatres Nov. 21.
This would not be the first time Wreck-It Ralph‘s sequel was met with criticism. After releasing the first trailer, it looked like Mulan would be missing from the film. However, Mulan has appeared in several teasers since.
Will you be seeing Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 this fall? Let us know in the comments below.