I’m happy that Pixar is finally producing a film, to be released next year, with a female protagonist. I am, really. I’m also in shock that it has taken this long…but anyway. Here’s the plot synopsis:
Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman (Julie Walters) and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida’s quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom’s three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin (Kevin McKidd), the surly Lord Macintosh (Craig Ferguson), and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane)
Dingwall? Seriously? Anyway, originally Merida was to be played by Reese Witherspoon, but she had to bow out due to a scheduling conflict. So instead they got Kelly Macdonald, which is actually Scottish. That’s good as well, considering the fact that in How To Train Your Dragon the fact that all adult characters were Scottish whereas (I think) none of the children were drove me up the wall. But also, I could not possibly agree more with this remark:
while I’m thrilled that they’re finally making a movie with a female protagonist (and director, for that matter), I really, really wish they hadn’t made her a princess. I mean, yes, knowing them it’s going to be an awesome movie, she’ll kick all sorts of ass and subvert all sorts of princess expectations. So did Mulan, and she ended up just another sparkly dress-up doll in the Disney Princess line (to which Disney has already confirmed Merida will be added). I mean, Pixar practically specializes in unexpected heroes. An old ragdoll. The monster in your closet. A trash-compacting robot. A rat who likes to cook. Ed Asner. Surely they could’ve come up with something for their very first female protagonist other than princess. I’ll still see it, and I’m sure I’ll love it, but still.
Indeed. Also since he describes himself as a “Pixar fanboy,” I assume that means he’s male.
I'm relieved they didn't cast Mel Gibson to do any of the voice acting.
Of course, it is a somewhat *unexpected* princess…at least, not your typical Cinderella waiting to slip her foot in a shoe, or Sleeping Beauty/Snow White waiting to be awakened with a kiss. An unruly, accomplished archer sounds like a pretty interesting princess to me.
-AJF