Illustrator Reimagines Beloved Disney Characters In Haunting Real-Life Situations
The name of his blog, disneyunhappilyeverafter, should have been a clue.
Writing fan fiction to alter a scene or an ending for a book, movie, or show is nothing new. Fans do so for a variety of reasons.
They may be unhappy with how the situation panned out, or it could be an exercise in creativity. In most cases, these fan fictions result in interesting reads and provide a different perspective.
Some have even become famous for their literary exercises. Have you heard of E.L. James? According to Business Insider, the author's famous Fifty Shades trilogy started as a fan fiction of Twilight.
Rumor has it that some copies of her unedited work still name her characters Bella and Edward instead of Anastasia and Christian. She reimagined the handsome and powerful vampire as a handsome and powerful CEO, while Anastasia remained more or less the same as the clumsy yet beautiful Bella.
Reimagining favorite characters and placing them in different situations or worlds isn't limited to prose.
An illustrator found that visual art is an even more impactful way to see these characters outside of their original realm. Jeff Hong, an animation storyboard artist from New York, shared his intriguing takes on some of the most beloved Disney characters.
In his Tumblr blog, "disneyunhappilyeverafter," Hong drew these Disney characters and placed them in real-life situations. The results were provocative and harrowing.
1. Encanto - or someone could visit their unspoiled area to search for oil.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter2. Finding Nemo - we are the reason why Nemo and his kind will soon be missing.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter3. The Lion King - the most dangerous predator is the human.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Dr. Dan Siegel, a well-known child psychiatrist, highlights the importance of storytelling in children's emotional development. He explains that narratives help children process their experiences, teaching them empathy and resilience.
When fans reimagine Disney characters in darker scenarios, they engage in a form of emotional exploration, which can be beneficial. However, Siegel warns that creators should be mindful of the emotional impact these narratives may have on younger audiences, who might struggle to differentiate between fantasy and reality.
4. The Rescuers - they do have a nice colony in the subway.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
5. Pinocchio - he will be a part of the Pacific garbage patch.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
6. Aladdin - Jasmine would never inherit her father's kingdom.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Fan fiction can be a powerful medium for exploring complex themes, as noted by Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist. He emphasizes that creative expression through stories allows individuals to confront personal and societal issues in a safe space.
In the case of Disney characters facing haunting circumstances, this reimagining can serve as an outlet for discussing difficult topics such as trauma and loss. Haidt suggests that engaging with these narratives can foster deeper understanding and discussions among fans.
7. The Little Mermaid - someone at a buffet is waiting for Sebastian.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
8. Peter Pan - truly Lost Boys.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
9. The Jungle Book - this isn't better than the forest.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Therapists often recommend using creative outlets like fan fiction to process emotions and trauma. A relationship expert notes that writing can be therapeutic, enabling individuals to confront their feelings in a constructive way.
For those interested in exploring their emotions through storytelling, experts suggest setting aside dedicated time for writing. This practice not only enhances creativity but also promotes mental well-being by providing a safe space for self-expression.
10. Pinocchio - Jiminy Cricket would be disappointed.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
11. The Incredibles - oh, Violet.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
12. Cars - he would be full of scratches, too.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
A recent study by Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a leading researcher on flow, reveals that engaging in creative activities can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment. This principle applies to fan fiction as well, where individuals can immerse themselves in their favorite characters' lives.
By reimagining these characters in new scenarios, fans not only express their creativity, but they also find a sense of community with others who share their interests. Csikszentmihalyi emphasizes the importance of finding flow, which can enhance both personal satisfaction and social connections.
13. Frozen - even Elsa's powers couldn't reverse climate change.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
14. Tarzan - "The concrete jungle wasn’t quite what Tarzan was expecting," Hong wrote.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
15. Sleeping Beauty - "The prince needed more than just his charms to win this beauty," read the caption.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, notes that fiction often reflects deeper societal issues, serving as both a mirror and a window. This duality can be seen in fan fiction that explores darker themes surrounding beloved characters.
Such narratives can provoke thought and discussion around mental health and societal pressures, making them relevant to contemporary audiences. Brogan recommends that creators balance darker themes with hope and resilience to promote positive discussions and insights.
16. Lilo and Stitch - he would be experimented on.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
17. Robin Hood - political prisoner, you say?
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
18. 101 Dalmatians - the cost of raising 101 Dalmatians is too high!
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, emphasizes the role of storytelling in family dynamics. He suggests that reimagining familiar tales can help families discuss complex topics in a more approachable manner.
By using beloved Disney characters in haunting situations, families might find it easier to open dialogues about fear, loss, or change. Doherty encourages parents to frame these discussions in a supportive, nurturing context to help children navigate their emotions effectively.
19. Ratatouille - sacrificed to the altar of science.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
20. Beauty and The Beast - the beast was society's beauty standards.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
21. The New Adventures of Winnie The Pooh - there are no adventures here.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Dr. Penelope Leach, a child psychologist, argues that while fantasy can be a powerful tool for exploring fears, it’s essential for parents to guide their children through these narratives. She believes that discussing the content helps children differentiate between fiction and reality.
Leach advises parents to be proactive in engaging with their children about what they read or watch, ensuring they feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters emotional intelligence and understanding.
22. The Lion King - bred in captivity, it would say.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
23. Bambi - hasn't Bambi suffered enough?
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
24. Chicken Little - he wouldn't like all the other chicken places.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Dr. Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist, explains that narratives shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. When fans reimagine Disney characters in darker contexts, they often explore profound questions about morality, fear, and the human condition.
This creative exercise can lead to personal insights and broader societal reflections. Pinker suggests that engaging with these narratives can enhance critical thinking skills and empathy, making them valuable experiences in our digital age.
25. Alice In Wonderland - it was a different kind of wonderland.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
26. Cinderella - what were you wearing? They would ask her.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
27. Dumbo - his floppy ears are too sad to help him fly.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Creative writing expert, Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, emphasizes that storytelling can serve as a form of self-therapy. She notes that engaging with beloved characters in unconventional situations allows writers to explore personal fears and desires.
Jacobs encourages aspiring writers to embrace this form of expression, suggesting they keep a journal to document their thoughts and experiment with storytelling techniques. This practice can lead to greater emotional clarity and potentially transformative insights.
28. The Little Mermaid - the ocean is getting too hot even for mermaids.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
29. The Princess and The Frog - she wouldn't be allowed to buy property either.
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
30. Mulan - after all she's been through?
Jeff Hong | Tumblr: disneyunhappilyeverafter
Experts in narrative therapy suggest that reimagining characters can be a cathartic experience. A narrative therapist explains that by placing familiar figures in new contexts, individuals can explore their own life challenges through metaphor.
This technique can help fans process personal trauma or fears, allowing for greater healing. They recommend starting by selecting a character and writing a scene that reflects personal experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of one’s emotions.
Disney is popular for its happily ever after endings. Jeff Hong's works flip the script and show a more realistic life for these characters if they lived in our messy world.
A lot of people escape using their favorite light movies to distract themselves from the sometimes bleak reality. Jeff Hong's renderings ask, "What if there's no escape?"
Practical Steps for Healing
In summary, the act of reimagining beloved Disney characters in darker contexts serves multiple purposes, from emotional exploration to fostering creativity. Experts like Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Jonathan Haidt highlight the importance of storytelling as a tool for understanding complex emotions.
As fans engage with these narratives, they not only find community but also create opportunities for meaningful discussions around important life themes. Encouraging healthy dialogue about such interpretations, with guidance from parents or therapists, can lead to deeper emotional insights and resilience.
