Disney goes big with its first-ever plus-sized heroine

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In the past, people have criticized Disney for creating female characters with unnaturally tiny figures.

Because of the growing body-positive movement, thanks to artists like Lizzo, Disney will include its first-ever plus-sized heroine in a short film.

According to Daily Mail, the heroine is a full-figured ballet dancer who suffers from body dysmorphia.

The film is called “Reflect” and follows Bianca, a ballet dancer “who battles her own reflection, overcoming doubt and fear by channeling her inner strength, grace, and power.”

An all-new Short Circuit Experimental Film has arrived! Stream “Reflect” and all the Short Circuit Experimental Films by Walt Disney Animation Studios artists now on @DisneyPlus. 🩰 🎆 pic.twitter.com/c0gw5U4ecc

— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) September 14, 2022

Glamour writes that the short film will be one of several other “experimental films focusing on the issue of body image and the importance of channeling your own identity while developing and protecting your own self-esteem.”

Daily Mail notes that villains are typically the only plus-sized characters featured in Disney films and television shows. So, naturally, news of Disney’s inclusive approach to representing different body types went viral on social media, inspiring mixed responses.

While some celebrated the announcement:

And when she looks down at the scale it says “turn it into a full length feature please Disney”.https://t.co/CaIRAswBXH

— Elizabeth Bowen (@MissLizBowen) October 27, 2022

Can't wait for all the pieces saying this 'promotes obesity'. All I see is an image I could have benefited from seeing as a child, which may have helped me love myself and my body without all of the expensive therapy, failed diets and years of self hatred.https://t.co/4e8eGa1Plj

— Rose Stokes (@RoseStokes) October 27, 2022

Others think that normalizing obesity is dangerous:

Disney isn’t doing favors to “plus size” young viewers by encouraging this. There are young children who are obese and who have 1000+ calories of fatty, sugary snacks daily.

These children, if they don’t improve, will live a life worse in many categories & will likely die early.

— Bruce Fenton 🇺🇸 (@brucefenton) October 27, 2022

Why do they keep promoting unhealthy lifestyles? They want you fat, useless and dependent on the state. pic.twitter.com/yZuA700NlO

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) October 27, 2022

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “for children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-2021, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.”

Obesity can cause a slew of serious and chronic medical problems “such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, orthopedic problems, and liver disease.”

While there is nothing wrong with representation in film to a degree, a production company as influential as Disney should not be promoting unhealthy body types to a young and impressionable audience.

The film is directed by Hillary Bradfield and is available to watch on Disney+.