Disney Receives Backlash For Changes In Princess Tiana's Appearance In 'Ralph Breaks The Internet'

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When the new teaser/sneak peek for “Ralph Breaks the Internet” was released earlier this week, many were immediately taken by the inclusion of Gal Gadot to the cast. Others were happy to see more footage from the highly-anticipated animated Disney sequel. But now, as the days pass, and a new picture was released from the upcoming film, ‘Ralph 2’ is finding itself in a potential controversy.

No, no one is mad about the title of the film (though they probably should be, since it’s odd that “Wreck-It” isn’t anywhere to be seen). The controversy stems from the new teaser, and a new EW picture, that shows Princess Tiana, of “The Princess and the Frog” fame, in a new style. You see, there are many People of Color on social media sharing pictures of the Disney Princess, comparing her to how she looked in the original film.

As the pictures show, it appears that animators on “Ralph Breaks the Internet” seem to have taken some artistic liberties with Tiana, apparently lightening her skin, changing her hair, and altering facial features. Those critical of the changes say Disney is trying to alter Tiana to have “light skin and Eurocentric features.”

Twitter user The Cali Nerd tweeted, “In today’s edition of ‘you tried it,’ Disney decided to reinforce colorism by lightening Princess Tiana’s skin in #RalphBreaksTheInternet. Tiana was a dark skin Black woman in Princess and the Frog, now she has light skin and Eurocentric features. What happened to her wide nose?”

A simple look at Twitter shows that this sentiment is echoed quite a bit from numerous users. Disney has yet to respond to the criticism, but it’ll be interesting to see what the studio says. Recently, Disney has come under fire for the quick dismissal of James Gunn, viewed as a kneejerk reaction to avoid controversy. Perhaps, the Mouse House will be quick to do the same here?

Here are the picture in question and trailer, as well as just a sampling of tweets from users giving Disney their two-cents:

Ralph Breaks the Internet fall preview