Fans Accuse Disney of White-Washing Live-Action ‘Encanto’ Character

Excitement is in the air at Disneyland Park as Mirabel’s sisters, Isabela and Luisa from Disney’s hit film Encanto, make their way to El Zocalo Park for a limited-time appearance. Luisa made her debut a few days ago, with Isabela joining the festivities today.

However, not all are taking this news as Disney had hoped. While many fans are thrilled to see their favorite characters in person, the casting of the character Isabela has sparked controversy.

Related: Brand-New ‘Encanto’ Attraction Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort

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Isabela from Encanto is one of the vibrant and captivating characters in Disney’s animated film. She possesses a special gift, the magical power to make flowers bloom with a simple touch, adding beauty and color to the magical world of the Madrigal family.

Isabela’s ability reflects her nurturing and caring nature, symbolizing growth and life within the enchanted setting of the film. Her character embodies the essence of Colombian culture, portrayed through her connection to nature and her deep-rooted love for her family. Moreover, Isabela’s role as one of Mirabel’s older sisters adds depth to the storyline, showcasing different dynamics within the Madrigal family.

Despite her magical gift, Isabela faces internal struggles and pressures to fulfill her expected role within the family. This internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to her character, exploring themes of individuality and familial expectations.

Isabela’s arrival at Disneyland Park was enthusiastically received by Encanto fans, who were eager to interact with the beloved character. However, the excitement was somewhat tempered by concerns over the casting choice for Isabela, as the actress portraying her has seemingly lighter skin than the character in the film.

Critics have taken to social media to express their frustration, accusing Disney of “white-washing” Isabela, a character who is depicted with a darker skin tone in the animated movie. The term “white-washing” refers to the practice of casting white actors in roles meant for characters of different ethnic backgrounds, and some fans are disappointed that Disney did not reflect Isabela’s original portrayal more faithfully.

Lolol no one whitewashes their characters like disney does

Lolol no one whitewashes their characters like disney does https://t.co/zSBYQdWkAH

— Misery @ plushie preorder (@Princessxmisery) September 1, 2024

A Continuous Issue

Disney has yet to issue an official statement regarding the casting choice. However, the situation has sparked a broader conversation about representation and authenticity in theme park character portrayals. Fans have voiced their concerns about the importance of maintaining accurate and respectful depictions of diverse characters.

This is far from the first time that Disney has been accused of white-washing their characters of color. In the past, there has been several incidents where Disney has had lighter-skin performers portray darker-toned Disney characters. Critics say that this diminished the full essence of the character and takes away opportunities from actors of color.

As the limited-time appearances continue, fans of these Encanto characters will have to wait and see how the meet and greets go. Whether or not the casting controversy will overshadow the festivities remains to be seen, but the arrival of these characters has undeniably captured the attention of Disney fans everywhere.