When Will Disney Create a New Princess?

One of the most beloved franchises in animation history, the Disney Princess line, is always a topic of fascination for fans and consumers alike. Many are eager to know when Disney will introduce a new princess to the roster. This question is significant due to the criteria and factors that determine a character's addition to the franchise.

Criteria for a New Disney Princess

The creation of a new Disney Princess is not an easy or immediate process. A key factor is the commercial success of the film. A movie must perform exceptionally well in the box office to be considered for the prestigious title. High commercial success can often lead the character to become its own franchise, as seen with Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Conversely, if a movie does not meet the necessary success, it may not be considered for a royal title.

Upcoming Opportunities for a New Disney Princess

The next potential candidate for the Disney Princess title is Raya and the Last Dragon. This film, set to be released in 2021, could bring a new addition to the franchise. However, speculation about a Disney Princess from this film may be premature, as no official announcement has been made. If Raya and the Last Dragon proves to be a commercial success, it would be only a matter of time before the character is considered for the title.

Historical Addition of Disney Princesses

Historically, a Disney Princess is added to the lineup roughly every few years. The first official Disney Princesses—Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora—were introduced over an 18-year period. After a 30-year gap, the lineup expanded to include Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana. These additions spanned 27 years until the most recent, Moana, was added just 4 years ago. Given this pattern, a new princess addition has not occurred until 2023 as of the latest updates.

Potential Future Additions

Technically, Disney could introduce characters from their extensive filmography, such as Leia, Shuri, and Anastasia, into the princess lineup through retroactive additions. However, this approach is unlikely given Disney's strict criteria for inclusion. Additionally, characters like Eilonwy, Anna, Elsa, Kida, Megara, and Vanellope, as well as characters like Sofia and Elena from Disney Junior, do not count as official Disney Princesses, despite their prominence in the media.

Current Challenges and Future Predictions

There are several factors that influence the creation of a new Disney Princess. One of the primary challenges is the creative direction of the company. Currently, Disney is experiencing a period of creative dryness, which critics sometimes term the "New Dark Age." This may slow down the introduction of new Princesses. However, commercial success in the future could lead to a new addition to the lineup.

In conclusion, the creation of a new Disney Princess is a notable event for fans. While there is no definite timeline for this, the success of a film like Raya and the Last Dragon could be a significant step in the process. The criteria for addition include commercial success and overall suitability, ensuring that any new Princess aligns with Disney's high standards.