Disney’s “Encanto” features a musclebound character in Luisa, a young woman granted the gift of super strength. Since even before the movie’s release, Luisa has been a popular character.
Ironic, seeing as how character modeler, Dylan Ekren had to fight to keep Luisa as big and bulky as she is. Disney must have been nervous about it, obviously. Who could blame them? I remember Moana catching some flack for not being the typical rakish Disney princess. Luisa being a beefcake was a risk.
And apparently it’s a risk that’s paid off. Her merchandise is outselling the likes of her sister, Isabella, a character meant to look like the typical Disney princess.
It may have to do with how Luisa is written. Despite being really strong, she’s really insecure about her usefulness to her family. She feels pressure to be the rock for everyone. If she can’t, what good is she? While her arc does trail off, it’s still an issue audiences can identify with.
I think that’s what companies fail to realize. Audiences are willing to accept all kinds of characters so long as they’re well-written. Sister company, Pixar has made a killing producing movies about bugs, toys, and even monsters. Let me tell ya - beefy women ain’t that much of a stretch.
Could Luisa’s popularity be a sign that the general public is ready for more Hulk-sized women? Maybe. But, more importantly, it’s a sign that studios shouldn’t worry so much about a character’s looks. Great writing is great writing, and people underestimate how powerful that is.
So, my creative friends, keep writing those stories. Keep drawing those amazonian beauties. Keep fighting for your weirdest fantasies. Because, sooner or later, there will be a revolution. And, hopefully, it will be televised.
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