Wish star Harvey Guillén ‘optimistic’ Disney could introduce a queer princess
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Disney has long been known for its iconic animated films and beloved characters. From princesses to talking animals, the studio has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. However, one aspect that has been lacking in Disney films is LGBTQ+ representation. While there have been subtle hints at queer characters in the past, there has yet to be a clear, overtly LGBTQ+ protagonist in a Disney movie.
Harvey Guillén, best known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the TV show “What We Do in the Shadows,” recently spoke about the possibility of Disney introducing a queer protagonist in the near future. Guillén, who voices Gabo in the 2023 Disney movie “Wish,” expressed optimism about the studio’s progress towards more diverse representation.
In an interview with Comic Book, Guillén acknowledged Disney’s past efforts at LGBTQ+ representation, such as the drag-inspired Ursula in “The Little Mermaid,” Scar in “The Lion King,” and Elsa in “Frozen.” However, he also pointed out that these characters were more subtly queer-coded, rather than explicitly LGBTQ+.
While Disney’s first attempt at queer inclusion in the 2016 film “Zootopia” went largely unnoticed by audiences, Guillén remains hopeful that the studio will continue to push for more overtly LGBTQ+ characters. He believes that Disney is moving in the right direction and that it may only be a matter of time before a queer princess or protagonist is introduced.
“Representation has taken so long just in film in general with every studio and every company. It’s taken us this long to come this far, but look how far we’ve gotten,” Guillén said. “Sometimes those things take time and I’m optimistic. And if a queer princess comes along, that’d be fantastic. I think we are in the lifespan of that potentially happening.”
Guillén’s optimism comes on the heels of Disney Pixar’s first non-binary character in “Elemental.” The introduction of more diverse characters in Disney films is a step in the right direction towards greater representation for the LGBTQ+ community. PinkNews even compiled a list of the top 10 confirmed LGBTQ+ characters in Walt Disney Studios films, showcasing the progress that has been made in recent years.
As audiences become more vocal about the need for diversity and inclusivity in media, Disney and other studios are starting to listen. The push for more LGBTQ+ representation in films is not just about checking boxes or meeting quotas – it’s about telling authentic stories that reflect the world we live in.
While Disney has made strides towards LGBTQ+ representation in recent years, there is still work to be done. Guillén’s hope for a queer protagonist in a Disney film is a sign of progress and a testament to the changing landscape of media and entertainment.
As audiences continue to demand more diverse and inclusive representation on screen, it is important for studios like Disney to listen and respond. The introduction of a queer protagonist in a Disney film would not only be a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation but also a step towards a more inclusive and representative future for all audiences.
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