Disney’s Addition of a Glasses-Wearing Heroine in “Encanto” Makes Wishes Come True!
It’s safe to say that Disney’s latest flick Encanto is a complete sensation.
Ever since its December debut, the movie has nabbed stellar awards, smashed Billboard records, and generally been the a hot topic of talk across the world.
However, it’s not just the catchy soundtrack and breath-taking animation which has won viewers’ hearts in this movie.
Since it’s release, fans of Encanto have been making headlines about how the diverse and beautiful characters have been so relatable to many, not just in personality, but also appearance.
Photo: Disney
This was the case for a 12-year-old girl in Nottinghamshire, UK, who found her wishes had been granted when she first laid eyes on the movie’s main protagonist, Mirabel.
Photo: Disney
As reported by the BBC, Lowri had been wanting to see a glasses-wearing Disney heroine on the big screen for quite some time.
So much so, that she actually penned a letter to the studios three years ago, making some valid points on why a heroine with glasses would be so well-received.
Image Credit: BBC
In such a lovely turnaround of events, the writer and director of Encanto, Jared Bush, shared this story on twitter this week. He said that Disney had received Lowri’s letter, but already knew at that point that her wish was going to be coming true through Mirabel!
Of course, the studios were unable to let Lowri know that this was going to happen at such an early stage in the movie’s development. Fast-forward three years, and what a brilliant surprise!
3 years ago, Lowri wrote Disney asking for a heroine w/ glasses. I couldn’t say that her wish was already coming true! BUT watch the clip for the answer to a big question: Why doesn’t Julieta “fix” Mirabel or Agustín’s eyesight. It’s who they are & she wouldn’t want to change it. https://t.co/WloQDjGFds
— Jared Bush (@thejaredbush) February 2, 2022
Lowri said that she made the decision to write her letter because, as a glasses-wearer, she “felt a bit alone and I didn’t feel like [she] was beautiful enough” (BBC).
In her letter, Lowri made the point that, in movies, characters wearing glasses are usually perceived as being “geeky.” As a beautiful, brave, confident, and funny heroine, Mirabel is breaking down those stereotypes, and representing glasses-wearers in the best way!
However, the story doesn’t end there. In Encanto, the character of Julieta has the magical power to heal all ailments. Some may ask why Julieta hasn’t “cured” Mirabel’s eyesight – or that of her dad Agustin’s too.
Yet, as explained beautifully by Jared Bush and Lowri, being a glasses-wearer is part of the character’s personality. Why would they want to change that? It’s something to be proud of, and to embrace.
Image Credit: Disney
And it isn’t just Lowri who felt represented after watching Encanto. Around the world, there have been many stories of people excited to see characters who look like them portrayed in such a huge movie.
The reaction of a two-year-old sparked joy around the world when he first saw himself reflected in the character of Antonio.
This TikToker made a wonderful appreciation post of Luisa, and behind-the-scenes featurettes on the movie show how important representation was when creating Encanto.
Photo: Disney
On a personal note, I myself have been a glasses-wearer for almost twenty years, since I was young. Like Lowri, I am at the stage where I consider my glasses to be a part of my personality, and this whole story has warmed my heart so much!
We can’t wait to watch Encanto continue to spread its magic all around the world. If you have been particularly moved by the movie, let us know in the comments below!
