Disney faced complaints that the skin tone of the black Disney princess Tiana had been lightened after the release of teasers for Ralph Breaks the Internet. Following the criticism, the studio darkened her skin and widened her nose so she looks more like the animated character from 2009’s The Princess and the Frog, reports The Huffington Post.
In August, fans noticed that in a scene with other Disney princesses in the Wreck-It Ralph sequel, Tina’s features appeared more Eurocentric than in previous promos. Disney was accused of whitewashing the character.
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
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
Disney animators met with Anika Noni Rose, who is the voice of Tiana, and the advocacy group Color of Change. Together, they decided on substantial changes in Tiana’s appearance. The film is set for release on Nov. 21. Color of Change hailed Disney’s agreement to re-render Tiana as a “victory” for the black community, reports The Huffington Post.
Huge win for Black girls who look up to Princess Tiana! After conversations with @Disney & @DisneyAnimation about the character’s appearance in #WreckItRalph2, they addressed our concerns and restored Tiana to her original depiction. #RepresentationMatters https://t.co/lN8j4OA95N
— ColorOfChange.org (@ColorOfChange) September 21, 2018
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