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Beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, Disney animated classics, AKA Disney animated feature films, are a renowned collection of animated films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company, that have captivated audiences of all ages for decades. Disney’s animated features are known for compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and enchanting musical numbers; many are based on fairy tales, folklore, or original stories created by Disney itself.
From left: Strange World, The Little Mermaid, Moana, Lightyear / Credit: Disney
One recent article took note of a trend in recent Disney films, however, and delved deep into Disney’s processes to try and find the answer.
What happened to all the Disney villains?
Journalist Tom Smyth explored the topic for Vox, exploring how the upcoming theatrical release of the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is a reminder that older Disney classics have something that many recent ones do not: a good, old-fashioned villain.
The Madrigal family: Luisa (voiced by Jessica Darrow), Isabela (voiced by Diane Guerrero), the matriarch Abuela Alma (voiced by María Cecilia Botero), Felix (voiced by Mauro Castillo), Julieta (voiced by Angie Cepeda), Pepa (voiced by Carolina Gaitán), Agustín (voiced by Wilmer Valderrama), Camilo (voiced by Rhenzy Feliz), Antonio (voiced by Ravi Cabot-Conyers), and Dolores (voiced by Adassa) and Mirabel Madrigal (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz). John Leguizamo voices Bruno (not pictured). ‘Encanto’ is directed by Charise Castro Smith. Credit: Disney
Disney Villains
Disney villains are an iconic and diverse group of antagonistic characters in Disney movies. They are essential to creating conflict and driving the narratives of Disney films. Villains are known for their distinctive personalities, memorable appearances, and diabolical schemes, making them compelling adversaries to the heroes and heroines. Some of our absolute favorites include Jafar from Aladdin, Ursula the sea witch from The Little Mermaid, Scar from The Lion King, and many more.
Disney villains are certainly formidable adversaries, but are ultimately always defeated by the heroes and heroines who typically triumph through virtues like bravery and love. The defeat of these villains serves as a moral lesson and reinforces the values of courage, perseverance, and the triumph of good over evil.
Concept art for Disney’s Moana / Credit: Disney
Related: Iconic Disney Villain to Get His Own “Villainous” Series
In some of Disney’s more successful stories, Smyth noticed that the old-fashioned Disney villain was nowhere to be found. In Moana, she sets out on an adventurous ocean quest of self-discovery; in Encanto, Mirabel’s primary conflict is her “desire for approval and purpose within her magical family as she fights to restore their fading powers.”
Contrast this with the evil cackles of Cruella DeVille from 101 Dalmations or Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove.
So who or what is behind the change?
Pixar logo / Credit: Pixar
Smyth argues it’s Pixar.
Although now owned by Disney, Smyth argues that Pixar “completely reimagined the genre—both in terms of its animation style, and the kinds of stories they were telling. Pixar’s themes, premises, and characters broke convention time after time,” and Smyth even highlights how Pixar “veered into Disney’s lane by trying its hand at a princess movie with Brave.”
“Partners” statue in front of Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort / Credit: Disney
Smyth posits that the success of Pixar’s films gave filmmakers permission to “draw outside the lines, and reimagine what a Disney animated feature could be.”
While we may never know the exact reasons for this change, Smyth’s theory is certainly a strong possibility, and it’s resulted in some of the most beloved and acclaimed Disney animation films to date!
