The Future of Disney Princesses: Who Will Be the Next Icon?

With each film release, speculation grows about which characters might join the iconic Disney Princess cast. As of my last update in August 2023, two primary contenders stand out: Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto and Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon. These two heroines bring fresh perspectives and unique stories to the table, making them strong candidates for the next Disney Princess.

Current Contenders: Mirabel Madrigal and Raya

Encanto premiered in 2021 and introduced us to the Madrigal family, each member imbued with extraordinary magical abilities. Mirabel Madrigal, the youngest sister, is a character driven by a desire for identity and acceptance. While not officially announced as a Disney Princess at the time, there was significant fan and industry speculation that she might join the roster. Her journey of self-discovery and bravery has resonated with audiences and fans are hopeful for a future announcement.

Raya and the Last Dragon, set in a fantastic Southeast Asian-inspired world, introduced Raya, a young warrior on a mission to reunite her land with its magical powers. Raya's story showcases a diverse and culturally rich world, as well as themes of female empowerment and friendship. With its success, there is no doubt that Raya's potential as a Disney Princess is highly anticipated.

African Princess Sadé: A New Original Tale

In addition to these contenders, there is a new original animated film in the works centered around Sadé. This live-action film is poised to be Disney’s next high-profile release and features Sadé as an African princess in a story of heroism and power. Sadé, in her role as a warrior princess, will defend her kingdom using her magical abilities against the evil forces seeking to harm her home. This project is a milestone for diversity and representation, marking a new era in Disney princess storytelling.

Future Contenders: Black Princesses and LGBTQ Representation

While Mirabel and Raya are strong contenders, many fans hope to see more diverse princesses in the future. Representing an African princess in Sadé contributes to the growing representation of black princesses, such as Tiana and Moana. To many, it would be a dream to see a visibly black princess and a LGBTQ representation in the Disney Princess line-up. Each new princess brings a fresh narrative to the franchise, enriching it with new stories and perspectives.

Dreams and Speculation

Other characters who have fans clamoring for them to join the Disney Princess lineup include the girl from Brave, who some fans believe could be a strong contender. Similarly, virtual world princess Vanellope von Schweetz from Ralph Breaks the Internet has also created quite a buzz online. While no official announcements have been made and Vanellope’s world is fully digital, her character’s importance within the movies makes her a fascinating candidate for future Disney Princess consideration.

The road to becoming a Disney Princess is a dream for many, and each new contender adds to the excitement and anticipation. As Disney continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the future of Disney Princesses promises to be a vivid and highly anticipated journey.