Even though I’m a woman in my forties, if you don’t believe I’ve been searching the internet for “Encanto” items featuring Luisa, you don’t know me very well. The internet erupted the moment she debuted in the teaser, expressing people’s instant obsession with the “Buff Lady.” After “Encanto” in theatres, the fixation persisted, and it intensified after the movie was made accessible on Disney+. It’s true that “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is the biggest Disney song in 25 years, but Jessica Darrow’s performance of Luisa’s song “Surface Pressure” also enjoyed tremendous success, propelling the “Encanto” soundtrack to the top of the Billboard top 100. Despite the positive reception both songs have gotten, Disney decided to place their hopes on the Spanish-language ballad “Dos Oruguitas” rather than submitting either as candidates for the Oscar for Best Original Song. There is no disputing that it is a wonderful song, but it is also the most secure selection from the album.
Disney could never have predicted that “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” would outperform “Dos Oruguitas,” but decisions about what to nominate for the Oscars or what merchandise to produce are frequently based on market research as well as analysis of what has previously worked well. The movie “Encanto” has radically changed the rules because it completely breaks with Disney tradition and demonstrates that viewers are looking for something fresh.
Where Is The Family Merch?
You may get a very good idea of what Disney anticipated would be their money generator by visiting the DisneyeShop and shopping for “Encanto” merchandise. Since Mirabel plays the lead character, there is a lot of products featuring her. It’s a whole different scenario, though, when you look at the items featuring the family members who aren’t named Mirabel. The only officially approved Antonio item is a small tree house playset, despite the fact that little boys all around the country identify with Antonio. In contrast, Isabela has a play set for her garden room, a doll with play hair, and jewellery and makeup that are based on her clothing. You’ll need to get the considerably more expensive full family sets of figurines or the clothing that features the entire cast if you’re a fan of any of the other Madrigal family members.
Isabela is not being disparaged in any way, but what transpired in this case is rather clear. The main character and the “pretty” sister were viewed as money earners, but the quiet girl, the powerful girl, the worried girl, and the older lads weren’t. Outside of the main character, it appears that Disney bet on the notion that young girls would be drawn to the attractive and ideal sister who was endowed with the ability to conjure lovely flowers and plants, the closest thing to a “princess” in the movie. While Isabela undoubtedly has followers (the whole family is wonderful, let’s be clear), it’s unfortunate that the goods supports the idea that attractiveness is the most effective marketing strategy for young girls.
Animators Fought For Luisa’s Build
Before “Encanto” had even begun to take off, Disney was already slipping into old practises that would have probably backfired. When fans of Luisa Madrigal’s enormous muscles in the teaser started freaking out, several of the Disney animators working on the film admitted that they had to fight to make her look the way she did. I believe we all just wanted to execute it in a way that went well with the aesthetic and truly made sense for the character, and I’m really proud of the way that she turned out, wrote an animator who has since made their account private in the wake of the film. It’s unfortunate that no one had the foresight to anticipate that viewers would want to show their affection for the movie with their dollars. Luisa’s super-strength and the song “Surface Pressure” are two of the most well-liked features of the movie.
A large portion of the populace may relate strongly to the themes of generational trauma and familial obligation in the moving movie “Encanto.” As the tallest and “fix it, please” daughter of the family, Luisa spoke to me on a nearly holy level. As things stand, I’m forced to buy items from Etsy designers who haven’t yet received a cease and desist letter from Disney because it looks like people in charge of merchandise and marketing didn’t expect audiences to adore her in the same manner they have. Disney obviously believed that Luisa needed to be more or less the same and was concerned about what it would mean to break precedent, especially given that they allegedly intended to shrink her down and prevent her from being big, muscular, and robust.
Breaking Generational Curses
If it seems like I’m criticising Disney too harshly, please know that my praise and admiration are what motivate me. I always loved Disney as a child. I would be lying if I said that Disney movies weren’t some of the major inspirations in my life, but they do contribute to cycles that should be broken. It is necessary to have better representation in Disney animated films. Not everyone aspires to be a princess and not everyone looks like one. I don’t want anyone to think that my criticisms of “Encanto,” a groundbreaking endeavour from the House of Mouse, are made in ill faith.
Disney is currently the most powerful company in the entertainment sector. There is nothing wrong with wanting to hold them to a higher standard because they are the ones with the most power and money. The main plot of “Encanto” revolves about discovering how to overcome generational curses and realising that tradition for tradition’s sake doesn’t always benefit everyone. Change is good, progress is vital, and difficulties in your life do not magically disappear if you don’t talk about them. It’s time we finally have a chat with Disney about how they can break their own traditions. Everything changed for the Madrigal family when they finally discussed Bruno. Have faith that everyone will benefit from it.
