Disney Introduces Its First Latina Princess With New Television Series

The show will also introduce a host of original music, influenced by Chilean hip-hop, salsa, and mariachi. And, as the New York Times reports, Elena of Avalor merchandise will line store shelves by July 22, when the show premieres. Disney will also integrate Elena’s character into their theme parks.

“It’s not a secret that the Hispanic and Latino communities have been waiting and hoping and looking forward to our introduction of a princess that reflected their culture,” Disney executive Nancy Kanter told the Times. Kanter is overseeing the new series. “We wanted to do it right,” she added.

Kanter also seeks to avoid the ire of those who condemn Disney princesses as toxic and illusory examples of femininity. “We wanted to make sure that [Elena] didn’t have a doll-like appearance,” she explained, “and we really wanted to steer clear of romance. She has male friends, as teenage girls obviously do, but we did not want it tinged with ‘Ooh, they’re falling in love.’”

Some question why Elena appears on the small screen, rather than in theaters, when films bring more clout and exposure. Mandy Velez, co-founder of Revelist, tells the Times, “It really seems like a shun.” But in an interview, Aimee Carrero, who voices Elena, “said it means ‘absolutely everything’ for her to play the first Latina princess,” ABC News reports.