We can't believe it's taken this long, but reportedly Disney is planning a movie about an African princess. According to Deadline, a live action movie called 'Sadé' is in the works about a princess acquiring magical powers to save her kingdom.
Disney has announced that they’ll make a live action fairytale based on a Nigerian princess called Sade.
— The Pop Hub 👄 (@ThePopHub) July 29, 2018
Her quest is to defeat evil forces lurking in her kingdom with her newly discovered superpowers and help from a trustee sidekick or two. A due date is set to be announced. pic.twitter.com/wL1rfKaSjZ
Sure 'Black Panther' was epic and gave us all a touch of Shuri-fever, with Letitia Wright's amazing portrayal of the tech-savvy royal. But she wasn't the main character and Marvel - though owned by Disney - isn't quite the same. I'm sure we all loved Princess Tiana in 'The Princess and The Frog', the New Orleans focused and jazzy animated musical. But a Disney movie leading with an African princess character is a big deal, and here's why.
Many of us grew up on Disney films. The music, colors, magic and wonder are perfectly tuned for a young audience. What we see from a young age affects us. When little black girls grow up watching princesses, whether in Disney or otherwise, as only white, it can affect how they see themselves.
Even though in today's world becoming royalty is not a standard ambition, Disney princesses in many films have shown strength, courage, and have overcome adversity, all universal lessons that are good for children to learn. Princess Tiana may have been a black princess, but by placing her story in New Orleans, Disney did not expand to show African cultures. With 'Sade' a Yoruba name, Disney's new movie will be able to explore the rich tapestry of cultures which have not been well-represented in western media.
With a black African princess at the helm of a new Disney movie, perhaps a generation of African and black girls will be inspired to see these universal virtues in themselves, and know there's no llimit to what they can achieve. As with 'Black Panther', it could help inspire people to be proud of their cultural heritage, and encourage others to rediscover their stories.
The movie is still in the very early stages, but we'll be keeping an eye out for updates. We can't wait for it!
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