Vanellope: Why This Modern Disney Princess Was Never Made Official
Disney’s 2012 animated feature ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ was a ground-breaking production that successfully incorporated video game culture into an engaging story that both reviewers and viewers found appealing. Vanellope von Schweetz, a fierce racer from the made-up game ‘Sugar Rush’, was introduced. Vanellope, who was voiced by Sarah Silverman, was memorable because of her warmth and wit, yet despite her royal background, her Disney Princess designation has been generally disregarded.
After being shunned by her other racers as a result of King Candy’s manipulations, Vanellope makes friends with Ralph in the movie. She eventually reveals herself to be Sugar Rush’s legitimate princess, but she decides to reinterpret her position by jokingly claiming to be the game’s president. She differs from standard Disney Princess tropes with her unorthodox view of royalty.
Image Courtesy: Jon Negroni
Vanellope’s identity is further explored in the 2018 follow-up, ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’. Her encounter with the famous Disney Princesses, who accept her as one of their own, is a turning point. This sequence highlights Vanellope’s distinctive features while making fun of Disney’s well-known princess clichés. Despite these admissions, Vanellope and other conspicuous absences like Anna and Elsa are still not part of Disney’s official Princess brand.
Vanellope’s absence might be explained by her uniqueness. Her easygoing hoodie-and-candy style emphasizes personality over looks, departing from conventional princess iconography. She is one of Disney’s most unique heroines because of Silverman’s own audacious humorous approach, which gave the character a lively personality.
Image Courtesy: YouTube
Vanellope’s portrayal as a culturally Jewish figure and her approachable modernity have prompted fans and even Silverman herself to demand her inclusion in the official roster. Vanellope’s inclusion may still be possible because Disney has a history of going back and changing its Princess roster. Acknowledging Vanellope as an official Disney Princess would honour diversity and redefine what it means to wear the crown, especially considering her charisma, wit, and inspirational path.
–Farheen Ali
