In a win for all moviegoers, Disney has updated the appearance of Princess Tiana in Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet in response to criticism that she had been whitewashed. Disney as collaborated with Color of Change to re-animate the character’s appearance in the film, with darker hair and skin, a wider nose, and fuller lips.
Following the first trailer for the upcoming animated film, fans took to social media to complain that Princess Tiana—the first African-American Disney Princess introduced in 2009’s The Princess and the Frog—had been “whitewashed.” The character’s appearance was altered significantly compared to her debut in Princess and the Frog, with her skin obviously lightened and nose narrowed.
Thankfully, Disney paid attention to criticism and arranged a meeting with advocacy group Color of Change and Aniki Noni Rose, the voice actor for Tiana in The Princess and the Frog and Wreck-It Ralph 2. Apparently it was super productive, as Color of Change announced that Disney was restoring the character’s original appearance!
The creation of Princess Tiana, @Disney‘s first Black princess marked a defining moment for how Black women and girls are presented in media, specifically in animated movies. We’re glad @DisneyAnimation has committed to restoring Tiana to her original form to ensure authenticity. pic.twitter.com/O4LpuiQZSs
— ColorOfChange.org (@ColorOfChange) September 20, 2018
We’re happy that Disney took this artistic mistake seriously and committed to real, positive representation. Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet is in theaters November 21.