Disney Latina Princess Sofia - Princess Sofia from "Sofia the First," has been dubbed as the first ever Latina Princess created by Walt Disney. But after a lot of reproach over whether the character is really of Hispanic origin, Disney said Sofia was never meant to be a Latina.
As what has been reported by the Huffington Post, Disney Junior Worldwide Senior Vice President for Original Programming and General Manager Nancy Kanter released an official statement addressing the debate surrounding Disney's Latina Princess, Sofia.
"What's important to know is that Sofia is a fairytale girl who lives in a fairytale world," Kanter stated. "All our characters come from fantasy lands that may reflect elements of various cultures and ethnicities but none are meant to specifically represent those real world cultures."
On Thursday, Disney Junior revealed it first Latina princess, and she's not Sofia but will make its debut on the show. According to People, Princess Elena of Avalor will be featured on a special episode of the network's hit show for preschoolers, "Sofia the First," in 2016.
After Disney's first ever Latina princess makes her debut in "Sofia the First," 16-year-old Elena will be cast in her own spinoff series, "Elena of Avalor." Elena is described as "a confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted fairy tale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore." As announced, The New York Daily News learned she will make her first television appearance in 2016.
Elena, Disney's first Latina princess, will be unveiled after Princess Sofia discovers that the amulet her stepdad gave her has a complicated backstory. Mashable revealed Elena's tale is about a teenage girl who is trying to protect her little sister and was trapped in the amulet by an evil sorceress.
"[Sofia] discovers the truth... and sets out to restore Elena to her human form and help her return to the kingdom of Avalor," Disney said.
Though Disney has yet to introduce its first Latina princess in "Sofia the First," there has already been a lot confusion that was sparked by the network's claims. However, Kanter promptly clarified the characters' heritage.
"Our creative team has delivered a universal story with themes that authentically reflect the hopes and dreams of our diverse audience," she explained "What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale."
