Disney can be pretty finicky when choosing who gets the official Princess title. You’d think it’s just about being the main character in a princess cartoon but no, there actually is a list of requirements one has to fulfill to be granted the Disney Princess status. The first requirement is to be the lead character in a Disney or Pixar film. The second requirement is — you have to be human or at least human-like in the case of Ariel. Third — you’re not allowed a sequel. Fourth is that you have to be born a royal or achieve that status by marrying a royal or doing an act of heroism. And lastly the character should have massive appeal with the audience, have cultural impact and the movie should be a box office success that is neither underwhelming or overwhelming. That last one is almost impossible to achieve these days, but here are 10 characters from Disney’s past that should be promoted to Official Disney Princesses.
Esmeralda, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Esmeralda is the hero of Paris. She is a protector of outcasts and a strong, independent woman who always stands up for what she thinks is right. Like many official Disney princesses, she’s smart, confident, and has a kind heart. The only thing that sets her apart and seems to be getting in the way of becoming an “official princess” is that she was not born a royal, nor did she marry a royal.
Giselle, Enchanted
Giselle is, essentially, Snow White or Cinderella. She has the same sweetness, kindness, and she even found a prince! But, what gets in the way of Giselle becoming a princess is money and the cold, cruel rules of business in Hollywood. The movie transforms into live action, and that means that for Giselle to become an official princes (with all the merchandise that comes with the title), Disney would need life-long rights for the likeness of Amy Adams. That’s just not going to happen.
Elena of Avalor
The fact that Elena of Avalor isn’t an official Disney princess is just a technicality. Honestly, with Disney controlling what seems like 99% of all media produced in America, it seems like they could bend their own rules and actually make her a princess. You know what’s stopping them? The fact that it’s a series on Disney Channel and not a movie. That’s ridiculous.
Nala, The Lion King
Look, if you’re having The Queen B play somebody in a live-action adaptation of your classic and widely beloved Golden Era Disney cartoon — you know the character of Nala is capital R Royalty! Nala, obviously, doesn’t qualify to be a Disney princess because she’s not human, but I don’t see why they have to stick to that rule. I know that there are definitely people who would rather part with their hard earned money to buy lion plushies rather than dolls, so the merchandise would definitely sell just as well!
Vanellope Von Schweetz, Wreck-It Ralph
This one would be particularly fun as a Disney princess! She wears a hoodie, likes to race, and is actually a princess in the Sugar Rush game! She fits all the characteristics of a princess! The main argument people have against her being a princess is the fact that she’s so young. That’s not even a good argument though! The movie has been around for a while now, plus, she’s only 2 years younger than Snow White!
Maid Marian, Robin Hood
I think that Maid Marian would be a great princess! She has no connection to royalty, but she has a heart of gold and she certainly speaks and behaves like a real princess! I think it’s what’s inside that counts most, and I think Maid Marian has what it takes to be a real Disney Princess.
Princess Eilonwy, The Black Cauldron
Like with Giselle, the only thing standing between Eilonwy being a princes and Eilonwy now is the business side of Disney. The cartoon, The Black Cauldron, came out smack down in-between the Golden Age of Disney and the 90s revival era. So, naturally, this cartoon didn’t do very well in the box office. But that’s just such a ridiculous reason! She has all the qualities to be a great princess and a great role model. Too bad it wasn’t meant to be.
Megara, Hercules
First of all, Megara is already a princess in Greek mythology. She ends up marrying Hercules, the son of Zeus, who, himself, is essentially the King of the Gods. So, technically, she is very much a princess. Plus, she did act like a real hero by sacrificing her life for Hercules (who then goes back and saves her). In my mind, this is enough to make her an official princess!
Princess Leia, Star Wars
It’s in the name! Princess Leia! Disney officially owns George Lucas Films, so all the Star Wars movies are now also Disney movies, so it only makes sense to make one of the most famous princesses of the big screen into an official Disney Princess. Besides, we already know that all Star Wars merchandise sells like hot cakes, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone! MAKE LEIA A PRINCESS!
Kida, Atlantis: The Lost Empire
I think Disney is at its best when they’re trying something new and something different. Each new “age” of Disney is spawned by an experiment, and that experiment is usually one of my personal favorites. This is the case for Atlantis: The Lost Empire. One of the characters there, Kida, is definitely Disney Princess material. She is the daughter of the King of Atlantis, she is a strong warrior, and she becomes the queen by the end of the movie. But the film didn’t do well in the box office, so I guess it’s not going to happen… Unless Disney desires to make a live-action remake of Atlantis!
