Disney Characters Reimagined - Realistic Bodies Edition

Wyethe Smallish started with a simple idea, take beloved Disney princesses and give them bodies that look more like real life. Not the “perfectly proportioned” version we grew up with, but the kind of variety most people actually carry in their own mirrors.

She said she struggles with body image, and art became her way to work through it. When she posted the realistic reimaginings online, people did not just scroll past. The comments and shares turned her personal project into a bigger conversation about representation, especially since the official princess roster in her eyes all seemed to share the same body proportions as they aged.

And once Ariel, Mulan, Aurora, Jasmine, Cinderella, Tiana, and Rapunzel started looking different, the whole point of “relatable” got a lot louder.

1. Ariel

Disney introduced us to a vibrant cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and traits. While they shared adventures and life lessons, artist Wyethe Smallish pondered what these characters might look like if their physical appearances were different.

"I struggle with my own body image, and art is my way of exploring and coping with that," Wyethe shared. "So, as a form of therapy, I decided to reimagine some of my favorite childhood characters."

What began as a personal project soon resonated with countless others when Wyethe shared her creations on social media. The images quickly gained traction, captivating audiences and sparking conversations about body image and representation in media. It's a refreshing and thought-provoking twist on familiar characters that has touched the hearts of many.

2. Mulan

Wyethe’s Ariel post was the first one that really caught people, because it took a familiar face and swapped in a body that looked like it belonged to a real person.

The realm of Disney Princesses encompasses thirteen noble ladies and a host of other valiant heroines. While their actual titles may vary, within the franchise, each official Disney princess is respectfully addressed with the prefix "Princess" followed by her name.

This esteemed roster includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, and Raya.

"As a young girl, I always looked to Disney's princesses as role models and admired their stories," Wyethe reflected.

"I couldn't help but notice that they all shared the same body proportions, which made it challenging for me to fully connect with them as I grew older."

3. Princess Aurora

4. Jasmine

5. Rapunzel

Then she pointed out how the princess lineup, from Snow White to Raya, keeps leaning on the same proportions, and that is where the discomfort started to show up in the conversation.

While Wyethe holds a deep appreciation for Disney character design, she also recognizes the importance of body representation. "It's a gorgeous style!" she acknowledges. However, she emphasizes that in today's society, portraying diverse body types not only enhances relatability but also fosters body acceptance and appreciation.

6. Jasmine

7. Cinderella

8. Jasmine

9. Princess Tiana

When Aurora and Jasmine got their realistic redesigns, the reaction shifted from “cool art” to “why didn’t we see this before?”

This also echoes the AITA where someone refused an unequal bill split and friends demanded an even divide.

"Overall, the response to these illustrations has been overwhelmingly positive," Wyethe remarked. "I receive messages daily from people expressing how these images have resonated with them and brought healing to their inner child. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my art can have such a meaningful impact."

However, it's important to note that Wyethe's artistic endeavors go beyond this particular series. "While I'm grateful for the appreciation these drawings have received, as an artist, I'm focused on exploring various themes and concepts. While I may revisit similar projects in the future, my primary goal is to continue using art as a form of personal expression and therapy."

10. Mulan

11. Jasmine

12. Princess Aurora

13. Princess Tiana

By the time Cinderella and Tiana appeared in the same realistic style, the backlash and praise both collided, proving this wasn’t just a glow-up, it was representation hitting the timeline.

Critics have long scrutinized classic Disney films for the problematic messages they convey to young girls. These messages include the notion that a woman's happiness hinges on finding a romantic partner, the idea of waiting passively for a prince to sweep her off her feet, and the unrealistic expectation of living happily ever after once she marries into royalty.

However, much of the criticism also centers on the portrayal of feminine physical perfection in Disney movies.

14. Princess Tiana

15. Rapunzel

The princesses looked more like people, and suddenly everyone had something to say.

Want more restaurant tension? See why I refused to split my friend’s expensive order in this AITA about a fancy bill and a “fair split” fight.