‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’: This Obscure Disney Heroine Was the Studio’s First Superhero Princess
Despite being a box office disappointment at first, the Disney movie ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ (2001) has become a cult favourite over time. It stands out from other animated movies because of its distinctive deviation from Disney’s standard format, which includes a steampunk-inspired atmosphere and no song sequences. Despite its lack of financial success, Atlantis gave viewers to Kida, a princess with superhuman powers and one of Disney’s most distinctive heroines.
Inspired by Plato’s ancient writings, Kida’s story starts with the tragic death of her mother during the collapse of Atlantis. She sees her mother being devoured by an unearthly power as a youngster, and Kida eventually suffers the same fate. Kida appears young at first, but by 1914 A.D., she is thousands of years old due to her immortality, which is linked to the enigmatic crystal she wears. Kida is crucial to discovering the mysteries of Atlantis and its abilities throughout the movie, especially because of her relationship with the ancient crystal which is essential to the city’s vitality and existence.
Image Courtesy: Collider
The actual layout of Atlantis was based on actual sites and combined Southeast Asian and Mayan architecture with cave dwellings. The metropolis in Atlantis, which draws inspiration from natural and architectural structures seen in locations like the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, feels far more solid than the traditional underwater kingdoms featured in other Disney movies, such as ‘The Little Mermaid’ Atlantica.
Kida’s exceptional abilities set her apart from other Disney Princesses. In addition to healing Milo, the crystal she wears has far more profound powers, such as the ability to change Kida into a crystalline form. Her link to the crystal ultimately puts her life in jeopardy, therefore her abilities come at a high cost. Kida is in a position of enormous responsibility because she serves as both a conduit for the crystal’s power and its protector.
Image Courtesy: Amazon
Unfortunately, Kida’s legacy was short-lived due to Atlantis’ poor box office performance, despite her potential. Though several brief episodes of a suggested series were later posted, plans for sequels or a TV show were shelved. Nevertheless, despite her special skills and intricate plot, Kida is still a little-known Disney Princess. She might have the chance to regain her fame and receive the credit she merits with a live-action Atlantis revival.
–Farheen Ali
