How Many Black Disney Princesses Are There
Halle Berry As Ariel In The Little Mermaid (2023)

Have you ever wondered How many Black Disney princesses are there while watching your favorite Disney movies? You’re not alone.

As tales evolve and become more inclusive, it’s intriguing to see how Disney has kept pace. Dive right in, and by the end of this read, you’ll know exactly how many Black Disney princesses have graced the screen and the legacy they’ve carved.

From Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ to Moana, we’ll take a closer look at these incredible characters and the impact they’ve had on popular culture.

Get ready for some fun facts and awesome tales!

Key Takeaways

  • Storm, Kida, and Tiana are all Black Disney princesses.
  • Tiana is the first Black Disney princess, appearing in “The Princess and the Frog” in 2009.
  • Other Black Disney princesses include Storm from X-Men, and Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
  • There have been several scrapped or unreleased Black Disney princesses, including Ursula from Once Upon a Time and Sadé.

How Many Black Disney Princesses Are There? A Quick Answer

There are a total of eight black Disney princesses that have been featured in movies and other forms of media. These princesses include Storm from X-Men, Brandy Norwood As Cinderella, Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Shuri from Black Panther, Belle in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Sadé, an Upcoming Disney Movie.

Each of these princesses brings a unique story and representation to the Disney universe. To help you understand their significance, here is a table showcasing some important details about each princess:

Disney PrincessMovie/ShowYearNotable Facts
StormX-Men1975Mutant with superhuman abilities and leader of the X-Men
Brandy Norwood As CinderellaCinderella1997Brandy Norwood as Cinderella Sang her way into hearts with glass slippers and a groundbreaking multicultural cast.
KidaAtlantis: The Lost Empire2001Princess of the lost continent of Atlantis, portrayed as a warrior
TianaThe Princess and the Frog2009Disney’s first black princess, determined to achieve her dreams
ShuriBlack Panther2018Princess of Wakanda and skilled in technology
BelleBeauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration2022Belle in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration captured audiences with her love for books and turning a fearsome beast into a gentle prince.
Halle Bailey as ArielThe Little Mermaid2023Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid portrayed an adventurous mermaid princess who traded her voice for love and redefined underwater fashion with her iconic seashell top.
SadéSadéUpcomingSadé – A Brave African princess who discovers her hidden magical warrior abilities, teams up with a prince, and embarks on a quest to save her kingdom from a looming evil force.

These black Disney princesses have made a significant impact in providing representation for people of color and breaking stereotypes. Their stories inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams.

Also Read: Which Tv Characters Might You Also See At Disneyland?

List of all the Black Disney Princesses

Let’s take a look at the list of all the Black Disney princesses in detail.

Alongside Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, we’ve Brandy Norwood as Cinderella, Ororo Munroe (Storm) from X-Men, Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and Queen La from The Legend of Tarzan.

These diverse and empowering characters bring representation and inspire young audiences.

1-Ororo Munroe (Storm) from X-Men

Storm, the powerful mutant leader of the X-Men, is an embodiment of strength and resilience among the black Disney princesses. As a fan-favorite character, Storm has captivated audiences with her incredible superhuman abilities and unwavering determination.

Here are four reasons why Storm stands out among the black Disney princesses:

  1. Leadership: Storm isn’t only a member of the X-Men but also their leader. Her ability to command and guide her team showcases her strong leadership qualities.
  2. Superhuman Abilities: Storm possesses the power to manipulate the weather, making her one of the most formidable mutants in the Marvel universe. Her control over lightning, wind, and rain demonstrates her extraordinary abilities.
  3. Multicultural Background: Storm’s heritage is a blend of Kenyan and African-American ancestry, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in Disney princesses.
  4. Resilience: Throughout her journey, Storm has faced numerous challenges and adversities, but she always rises above them with resilience. Her determination and strength inspire others to overcome obstacles and fight for what they believe in.

Storm’s character serves as a symbol of empowerment and representation, making her an iconic figure among the black Disney princesses.

Halle Berry as Storm in X-Men (2000)
Halle Berry as Storm in X-Men (2000)

2-Brandy Norwood as Cinderella

You can’t forget about Brandy Norwood as Cinderella, one of the black Disney princesses, in the 1997 adaptation. In Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Norwood played the iconic role of Cinderella alongside Whitney Houston, who portrayed the Godmother.

The adaptation was a huge success, with approximately 60 million viewers, making it the most-viewed TV musical in decades. The story had some deviations from the original plot, such as the prince meeting Cinderella in the marketplace and Cinderella running away from her stepmother. However, the prince still recognizes Cinderella as his dance partner and places the slipper on her foot.

Brandy Norwood’s portrayal of Cinderella was a significant milestone in Disney’s representation of black princesses, and it continues to inspire audiences who desire freedom and diverse representation.

Brandy Norwood As Cinderella
Brandy Norwood As Cinderella

3-Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire

While Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire may not be officially recognized as a Disney Princess, she still holds a special place among the list of black Disney princesses. Portrayed as a warrior and not a damsel in distress, Kida represents strength and resilience. African-American actress Cree Summer provided the voice for this fierce and powerful character.

With her Mediterranean origins, fuller lips, wider nose, and dark skin, Kida breaks stereotypes and offers representation for black audiences. Featured in the 2001 Disney movie Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Kida showcases the diversity within the Disney Princess lineup.

Although she may not have the official title, Kida’s presence is a reminder that princesses come in all forms and can inspire young girls to embrace their own inner strength and uniqueness.

Princess Kida Kidagakash in Atlantis The Lost Empire (2001)
Princess Kida Kidagakash in Atlantis The Lost Empire (2001)

4-Tiana from The Princess and the Frog

Tiana, the main character in The Princess and the Frog, is a black Disney princess. Tiana is Disney’s first black princess, breaking barriers and representing diversity in the Disney princess lineup. Her story is set in New Orleans during the 1920s and follows her journey to fulfill her dream of opening her own restaurant.

Tiana is known for her determination, hard work, and strong-willed nature, inspiring many with her perseverance and ambition. Anika Noni Rose provided the voice for Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, bringing the character to life with her talent and passion.

Tiana’s presence as a black Disney princess is significant, as it promotes inclusivity and representation for all audiences. Her story and character continue to inspire and empower individuals who desire freedom and equal opportunities.

Princess Tiana in The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Princess Tiana in The Princess And The Frog (2009)

5-Shuri from Black Panther

As you explore the list of all the Black Disney princesses, you’ll come across Shuri from Black Panther, who’s a beloved character in the Marvel universe. Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, is the younger sister of T’Challa, the Black Panther. She’s a brilliant scientist and inventor, known for her wit, intelligence, and technological expertise.

Shuri isn’t officially recognized as a Disney princess, but she holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Her representation as a strong, capable, and independent young woman of African descent has resonated with many. Shuri’s character embodies empowerment and serves as a role model for young girls who desire to break barriers and embrace their own unique abilities.

Marvel Studios' Shuri In Black Panther (2018)
Marvel Studios’ Shuri In Black Panther (2018)

6-Belle from Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast, you’ll be delighted to know that Belle is included in the list of all the Black Disney Princesses.

Here are some interesting facts about Belle and her portrayal in the Disney universe:

  1. Belle is a beloved character from the animated film Beauty and the Beast, released in 1991.
  2. She’s known for her intelligence, love for books, and her courage to see beyond appearances.
  3. Belle’s story teaches important lessons about the power of love and looking beyond superficial qualities.
  4. Throughout the years, Belle has become an iconic Disney princess, inspiring many young girls to be strong, independent, and true to themselves.

Belle’s inclusion in the list of Black Disney princesses showcases the diversity and representation that Disney aims for in their princess lineup. It’s a celebration of different cultures and backgrounds, reminding us that princesses come in all shades and colors.

Belle in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration
Belle in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration – Creator: Christopher Willard | Credit: (ABC)

7-Halle Bailey as Ariel

In the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, you’ll see Halle Bailey portraying Ariel, a black Disney princess. This casting choice has sparked both excitement and controversy among fans.

Many are thrilled to see a talented actress like Halle Bailey take on the iconic role and bring a fresh perspective to the character. They see it as a step towards greater representation and diversity in Disney films. However, there are also those who’ve voiced their opposition to a black actress playing Ariel, arguing that it goes against the original depiction of the character.

Despite the backlash, Disney has stood by their decision, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and giving underrepresented communities the chance to see themselves represented onscreen. Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel is expected to bring a new and unique interpretation to the beloved character, breathing new life into the story of The Little Mermaid.

Halle Bailey As Ariel In The Little Mermaid (2023)
Halle Bailey As Ariel In The Little Mermaid (2023)

8-Sadé

You’ll be excited to learn about Sadé, the newest addition to the list of Black Disney princesses.

Sadé is an upcoming animated musical film that will feature the first pure African princess in Disney history.

The film is set in Africa and follows the story of Sadé, a young African princess who possesses magical powers.

As she embarks on a journey to save her kingdom, Sadé discovers the true power within herself and learns valuable lessons about bravery, resilience, and the importance of family.

This groundbreaking film aims to celebrate African culture and traditions while providing representation for black audiences.

Sadé promises to be a beautifully empowering and culturally significant addition to the world of Disney princesses.

Also Read: Which TV Characters Are at Disney World?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Examples of Other Ethnicities Represented in Disney Princesses?

Disney princesses represent a range of ethnicities. Jasmine is Arabian, Pocahontas is Native American, Mulan is Chinese, Tiana is African-American, and Moana is Polynesian. These princesses celebrate diversity and showcase different cultures to inspire and entertain.

Who Are Some Underrated Disney Princesses That Often Get Overlooked?

Underrated Disney princesses often overlooked include Princess Eilonwy, Esmeralda, Megara, Merida, and Kida. These characters from films like The Black Cauldron, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Brave, and Atlantis: The Lost Empire deserve more recognition.

How Was the Decision to Create the First Black Disney Princess Received by the Public?

The decision to create the first black Disney princess was met with mixed reception. Some embraced the representation, while others expressed skepticism. However, the character Tiana has since become an iconic figure and will be honored with a new attraction at Disney parks.

Are There Any Disney Princesses With Brown Eyes?

Yes, there are Disney princesses with brown eyes. Jasmine, Raya, Mulan, Tiana, and Moana all have brown eyes. They are beautiful and diverse princesses representing different ethnicities in the Disney universe.

How Many Black Disney Princesses Have Been Officially Recognized by Disney?

There have been several black Disney princesses officially recognized by Disney, including Storm, Queen La, Aida, Kida, and Tiana. Each princess brings unique stories and representation to the Disney universe.

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