Disney Features Its First Plus-Size Heroine In A Short Movie

The beautiful princess and the handsome prince. The strong, independent, tall woman and the brave, fit partner. These are the typical characteristics that Disney had with their movies. When characters of anything but those appear, they’re usually the sidekicks, the friends, or the villains.

Hence, people are cheering for “Reflect,” a short movie with a powerful message about body dysmorphia with a plus-size ballerina.

For 85 years, Disney’s main characters had always followed a certain stereotype of body. But over the past few years, we’ve seen changes, with inclusivity being their biggest aim. And now, they’re showing that plus-size people can be main characters, too!

The story focuses on Bianca, a dancer “who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace and power.”

“Reflect” was part of the Short Circuit series, part of experimental short films and directed by Hillary Bradfield.

Since the body positivity tag became a worldwide trend, Disney has been called out to create plus-size characters by fans and parents.

And last year, they were on fire after people further pointed out that Disney was doubling down with their “unrealistic beauty standards” with the characters in “Inner Workings.”

“Inner Workings” was originally released in 2016, focusing on the dull life of a man named Paul whose only light in his life is Kate, a character who has a huge derriere paired with a slim waist and stick arms. Someone shared a screenshot of the movie on Twitter, and it went viral as people criticized Disney for its “unrealistic” portrayal.