Over its extensive history, Disney has produced and brought to life some of the most recognisable characters ever; whether it’s a princess, prince, villain or sidekick, they are ingrained in the fabric of cinematic history.
But now, it’s time to acknowledge the Disney characters that deserve more limelight than they have previously been given.
Megara – Hercules
“I’m a damsel, I’m in distress, I can handle this… have a nice day.”
The unofficial princess of Disney, Megara definitely stands out as an unsung hero. Her simultaneous struggle between independence and vulnerability is something audience members relate to. Megara’s inner conflict with her love for Hercules and working for Hades, after selling her soul to him, brings complexity that hadn’t really been seen in animated Disney films before!
Kovu – The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
“I humbly ask to join your pride.”
Sequels often have a reputation of never being as good as the original film, but The Lion King sequel definitely does not foster this negative reputation. With its storyline of a forbidden romance, Scar’s chosen heir Kovu faces a constant internal war between what is expected and what is right.
Charlotte “Lottie” La Bouff – The Princess and The Frog
“Travis, when a woman says later, she really means not ever.”
The comedic banter of spoiled daughter Charlotte La Bouff brings the right level of lightheartedness to 2009 hit The Princess and The Frog. Her endless pursuit of Prince Naveen and her elitist tendencies balance the hardworking and grounded heroine that is Tiana. At the end of the day, Disney storytellers gave Charlotte a good heart and fierce loyalty to Tiana and showed that underneath everybody is a bit goofy sometimes.
Magic Carpet – Aladdin
Sometimes, it takes no lines at all to be a showstopper! Aladdin’s Magic Carpet expresses emotion through movement and mime; a simple concept that, when accompanied by the orchestral wonderment of Alan Menken, makes it one of Disney’s most loveable animated characters.
Grandmother Fa – Mulan
“Would you like to stay for dinner?”
“Would you like to stay forever?”
The wittiness of this classic film is partly contributed to by Grandmother Fa, who is the type of grandparent everyone either wants or hopes to be one day. She is clever, spirited and armed with a sharp sense of humour, whilst also showing her care and devotion to her son Fa Zhou and grandchild Mulan. Grandmother Fa’s disregard for the ‘luck’ of the ancestors and her persistence to follow her own methods brings joy to this Disney tale.
You can catch all the above now on Disney+.
