Newswise — Little girls everywhere squealed in anticipation of seeing Disney’s latest princess appear on the big screen this past weekend. As theatre lights dimmed, their eyes brightened when the story’s heroine, Tiana, debuted before their eyes. With so much to take in, young viewers were oblivious of the rare opportunity for moviegoers to observe an African American lead character in a feature animated film.
“Disney took a calculated risk with ‘The Princess and the Frog’ that could help restore their leadership in the genre,” says Brent Smith, Ph.D., a professor of entertainment marketing at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. “With competition from DreamWorks and other animation houses, this move may have helped Disney regain some luster as a forward-thinking industry innovator.”
Another first for Disney, is its partnership with Barbie to create a black princess doll. Early sales indicate that young girls have been eagerly waiting for a doll like Princess Tiana.
“This co-branded effort should help both brands score support from diverse demographics who've been waiting some time for better representation in theatres and toy stores,” says Smith.
“The Princess and the Frog” debuted at the top of the box office taking in over $24 million during its opening weekend. “For the animation film to earn the top spot at the box office speaks volumes for Disney's vision and America's reception of a new picture-perfect princess,” concludes Smith.
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