JOURNAL ARTICLE

Re-imaging empowered princesshood against the rise of the fourth-wave feminism: A thematic study of Disney's princess live-action remakes.

  • Published In: International Journal of Disney Studies, 2025, v. 1, n. 1. P. 33 1 of 3

  • Database: Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Wang, Caroline Yiqian 3 of 3

Abstract

This article critically examines The Walt Disney Company’s live-action princess remakes released between 2014 and 2023, analyzing how these films incorporate fourth-wave feminist ideals—characterized by confidence, independence, and empowerment—into their portrayals of iconic female characters. Through thematic analysis of seven remakes, the study identifies recurring visual styles emphasizing “natural” beauty and narrative devices that depict princesses rebelling against patriarchal constraints and revising traditional romantic storylines. Despite these feminist framings, the remakes ultimately reinforce conventional gender stereotypes by maintaining heteronormative beauty standards, relying on male assistance, and emphasizing individual success over structural change. The findings highlight Disney’s strategic use of contemporary feminist rhetoric to appeal to modern audiences while avoiding deeper challenges to patriarchal and heteronormative norms.

Additional Information

  • Source:International Journal of Disney Studies. 2025/01, Vol. 1, Issue 1, p33
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Political Science
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2976-7911
  • DOI:10.1386/ijds_00003_1
  • Accession Number:187346521
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of International Journal of Disney Studies is the property of Intellect Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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