*Please note that this article is an opinion-editorial.
When one thinks of the wonderful world of Disney, it may conjure images of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Disneyland. But, I think the Disney Princesses are the real driving force behind the majestic world that Walt built. If you don’t believe me, I dare you to find a child (male or female) under the age of ten who doesn’t know every word to “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen. Or any age boy or girl for that matter. God knows, my shower has had to suffer my screechy rendition more than a fair amount of times.
I think Disney’s The Little Mermaid started the absolute furor of “Disney Princess Fever,” but she was hardly the first. We already had Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and others. Ariel really resonated with people. And, what’s not to love? A spunky, red-haired cutie with scene-stealing sidekicks and a fish tail quite literally identifying audiences with an all-too-relatable “fish out of water” situation.
Beauty and the Beast brought us the beautiful Belle, in addition to making us believe a teapot could sing and dance. Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan – what more could a multi-billion-dollar entertainment powerhouse ask for? Much more, as the case would be. When Disney joined forces (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) with Lucasfilm, a would-be Disney Princess to beat all Disney Princesses fell right into its mouse-eared lap!
I, of course, am referring to Princess Leia Organa from the ill-fated Alderaan. A feisty princess who isn’t afraid to get her tiara a little tarnished and fight the good fight for the might of what’s right! She already has the Princess requisites built in. The aforementioned lost home world. A trifling evil parent (Darth Vader, hello!), and a soft spot in her heart for cocky, swashbuckling, do-good bad boy, Han Solo. I rest my case.
The thought occurred to me while reading Marvel’s fantastic new Princess Leia comic book, written by Mark Waid, with drop-dead gorgeous art by Terry Dodson. So, what are you waiting for, Disney? May the princess force be with us, and make a Princess Leia-driven animated feature!
