For decades Disney has created and generated fantastical films and fairy tales that have provided children with lessons about life and relationships. As children, however, not all of us learned that a majority of the magical tales that carried us to worlds that expanded our imaginations were actually based in reality or folklore. Still, as diverse and deeply rooted in history some of these timeless stories of bravery and resilience have been, tales of princesses from France, Germany, and even Baghdad haven’t always been relatable for those of us from Latin American countries. Looking back, it would’ve been nice to see charismatic, inspirational Latina Disney characters and princesses fighting for their ideological beliefs.
Although Disney has made great strides recently adding Latinx narratives to their cannon (we see you Coco!), we still can’t help but think of how much work still needs to be done. After all, every culture has legendary figures that are worthy of the Disney treatment. In light of this, we compiled a list of legendary Latinx figures throughout history that deserve their own Disney movies. Whether these figures are real or fictional, their stories are definitely worth telling.
Take a look below!
1. Isabel Moctezuma
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What better way to start off a list about Latino Disney characters than with an actual Latina princess? Historians refer to Isabel Moctezuma as the “Last Mexican Princess” and her story is fascinating. History has revealed Moctezuma to have been a woman of strength who was not only generous and kind but also decisive.
The daughter of renowned Aztec emperor Moctezuma II, Moctezuma was forced to make the transition from Aztec princess to Spanish doña and did so with ease. Doña Isabel married four times before she was 18 years old. All in all, she married three Aztec emperors and three Spanish Conquistadors. Interestingly, Spain granted Doña Isabel’s descendants the Spanish title “Duke of Moctezuma de Tultengo”. It still exists today! Currently, Juan José Marcilla de Teruel-Moctezuma Valcárcel holds the title and according to LinkedIn, resides in Madrid. Now that’s magical.
2. Eva Duarte de Perón
Wikipedia
Much like Cinderella, Eva Perón was born in abject poverty in Buenos Aires. Also like Cinderella, Eva’s life changed when she married a powerful man, Juan Perón, who later became President of Argentina. However, that is where the similarities between her and Cinderella end. Eva became a superstar in Argentine politics by advocating for women’s equality and workers’ rights. Although she died young, her memory still lives on in Argentina, proving what a timeless presence she is. It would be refreshing for Disney to create a story centered around a non-noble woman who still embodies the elegance and leadership skills of a traditional “princess”.
3. Leona Vicario
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Many Mexicans know Leona Vicario as one of the most instrumental figures in the Mexican War of Independence. Not only did she finance much of the rebellion’s efforts, but she also worked as both a messenger and an informant. In other words, she was the physical embodiment of Disney’s latest Princess addition, Princess Leia. You have to admit that a Disney movie centered around an heiress-turned-rebel would make for an entertaining watch! We know we would’ve been pumped to watch it as young Latinas.
4. Joaquin Murrieta
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According to legend, Joaquin Murrieta (aka “The Robin Hood of the West”) was initially a normal, law-abiding Mexican vaquero who moved to California during the Gold Rush. Jealous of his success, a group of Americans attacked him and his wife, killed his half-brother, and drove him off his prosperous mining claim. Afterward, Joaquin apparently hunted and exacted revenge upon his attackers. To many Latinos, Murrieta symbolizes the resistance against American white supremacy and the ability to obtain justice even when the system is stacked against you. With some kid-friendly tweaks to his story, we could definitely see Murrieta as a Latinx Disney character.
5. Gonzalo Guerrero
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Gonzalo Guerrero’s incredible story begins with him as a shipwrecked Spanish sailor washing up on the shores of current-day Mexico. Immediately taken prisoner by the local Maya, Guerrero was first enslaved, but soon earned his freedom and became both a Mayan Lord and a military captain. Notably, he married a Mayan woman and together they produced the first-ever recorded mestizo children. Although he was eventually found by the Spanish, Guerrero refused to return to his native country due to his profound love for his Mayan wife and family. If that doesn’t illustrate Disney’s family values, then we don’t know what does!
6. Dandara
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If ever there was a person who embodied the literal traits of Superwoman, Dandara would be that woman. Adept at combat, hunting, agriculture, and woodworking, Dandara was an Afro-Brazilian warrior who fought against the further enslavement of her people by the Dutch. The ultimate warrior woman, Dandara lived in Palmares, Brazil–a community of escaped black slaves. She was courageous and self-sufficient, and after the Dutch captured her, she killed herself rather than experience slavery again. Even today, Brazilians recognize Dandara as a universal symbol of the struggle against colonialism and oppression. In other words, she gives Mulan a run for her money.
7. Bartolomé de las Casas
Wikipedia
Admittedly, Bartolomé de las Casas’ story would be difficult to make kid-friendly, but if Disney did it with The Hunchback of Notre Dame, then they could manage it here! Although Bartolomé’s early career is controversial, he spent the majority of his life advocating for universal human rights. Specifically, he campaigned against the inhumane treatment of Indigenous peoples and African slaves by conquistadors in the Americas. Although he didn’t succeed in completely eradicating the inhumane actions of Spanish conquistadors, he no doubt influenced colonial policy with his passionate rhetoric and his activism. He is the kind of hero whose greatest weapon was a pen, not a sword.
8. Juan Bobo
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Puerto Ricans know Juan Bobo as the archetypal, lovable klutz who can’t do anything right. In Puerto Rico, teachers and parents often use Juan Bobo as a way to teach children valuable lessons. Much like other American folk heroes like Davy Crockett or Johnny Appleseed, Juan Bobo doesn’t just represent an oral tradition, but also the very soul of Puerto Rico. He is a symbol of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. There are a million different ways Disney could adapt his character to the delight of children everywhere.
9. Francisco El Hombre
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Colombian folklore says that Francisco el Hombre was a juglar, or minstrel, who specialized in playing the accordion. Legend has it that during a piqueria (song battle), Francisco came across the Devil himself as an opponent. Francisco fell to his knees and prayed to God for help. When he arose, he played the most beautiful melody that had ever been played on the accordion. Naturally, his pure talent vanquished the Devil back to Hell. Not only would this story make a spooky and exciting Disney movie, but imagine the song possibilities! We didn’t know we wanted a movie centered around a juglar until this moment and now, we can’t get it out of our heads!
10. Maria Lionza
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Maria Lionza is a legendary figure in Venezuela, and it’s hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction in her story. In fact, many historians debate whether she actually existed. According to legend, she was born to Chief Yaracuy of the indigenous Venezuelan Nivar tribe. The story goes that she was so beautiful that The Giant Anaconda who ruled the nearby lagoon swallowed her whole when she resisted his advances. She then broke free from his belly, killing him, and taking his place as “Master of the Waters”. Now that’s a Disney movie we’d pay to see!
11. Don Pedro Jaramillo
Wikipedia
Despite his intimidating appearance, Don Pedro Jaramillo was a force for good in Starr County, Texas, where he practiced as a curandero (healer). Born in Mexico to Native American parents, legend has it that Jaramillo knew from a young age that he the power to heal the sick. Indeed, at the peak of his fame, patients would travel from as far as New York City to be treated by him. How interesting would it be for Disney to produce a movie starring an Indigenous Latinx hero with magical healing powers? After all, nothing says “Disney” like magic does!
12. Calafia
By Wysinger at English Wikipedia
We couldn’t complete this list without including Calafia, the mythical black Warrior Queen created Spanish writer Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo in the 1500s. According to Montalvo, Calafia independently ruled over a kingdom of black women in the current-day Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. However, a Spanish King defeated her in hand-to-hand combat, forcing her into domesticity. Naturally, the tale concludes with her converting to Christianity and being married off to a Spanish husband, but the first half of her story is prime for a Disney adaptation. After the success of Wonder Woman, we know the public loves stories about all-female civilizations.
13. Tecun Uman
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Many of the historical Indigenous figures we’ve mentioned so far exhibit lauded qualities such as bravery, honor, and dignity. Guatemalan “National Hero” Tecun Uman exhibits all of these qualities. Celebrated in Guatemala as one of the last rulers of the K’iche’ Maya people, Uman refused to pledge loyalty to the Spanish crown and died in the battle of El Pinar. Guatemalans celebrate the day of his death, September 20th, as a day of remembrance. If Disney made Uman’s story into a movie, it would undoubtedly inspire children everywhere.
14. Inès de Bobadilla
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When Cuban Governor Hernando de Soto left Cuba to conquer Florida, he granted his wife, Inès de Bobadilla, power of attorney. Inès de Bobadilla governed Cuba from 1539 to 1543, making her the first female governor of Cuba, an unusual position for a woman of her time. Historians agree that she excelled at the role, handling conflicts between Spaniards and the Indigenous population with diplomacy and improving military defenses. To this day, the statue “La Giraldilla” on top of Castillo de la Real Fuerza is said to embody Inès, surveying the horizon, waiting for her husband’s return.
15. Roberto Cofresí
Jerjes Medina Albino
Born in Puerto Rico to a family of ruined Spanish nobility, Roberto Cofresi began his career as a sailor but quickly turned to piracy for the money. Although he was wanted by almost every seafaring nation in the world, he managed to evade capture until he and his crew were finally captured and killed. Nevertheless, his Robin Hood-like reputation was so larger-than-life that, in death, he became a local hero. In Puerto Rico, his story has inspired songs, poems, and folktales. We would love to see Disney’s take on his swashbuckling tale.
16. Anacaona
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Anacaona, whose name roughly translates to “Golden Flower”, may be the most famous Taíno in history. Born in 1474 in modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic, she was the queen of the Taíno at the time of the Spanish invasion. Given the choice between being killed or becoming a Spaniard’s concubine, Anacaona chose death. In doing so, she cemented her status as a heroine and a martyr. If Disney were ever to make a movie about her, they would probably leave out the tragic death. Her courage and confidence, however, would make for a great Disney princess!
17. Pedro Urdemales
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Although the Chilean legend of Pedro Urdemales goes back to medieval Spain, this trickster has become a distinctly Latinx hero. Like the American trickster Huck Finn, Urdemales is known for using his wits to get out of sticky situations. Considering the success of other animated tricksters like Bugs Bunny or Woody the Woodpecker, we have no doubt that Latinx children would delight in seeing a trickster character of Latin descent brought to life by Disney.
18. María Jesús Alvarado Rivera
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Although controversial in her lifetime, María Jesús Alvarado Rivera is now regarded as the “first modern champion of women’s rights” in Peru. During her lifetime, Rivera was a feminist activist and writer and was a vocal about her support of women’s suffrage. Intimidated by her unorthodox views, the Peruvian government imprisoned her for three months and then exiled her to Argentina for twelve years. Upon her return, she became an influential champion of art and culture. Seeing her story told to children would be a refreshing departure from Disney’s princess-centric stories.
19. Simón Bolívar
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Affectionately known as El Liberator, Simón Bolívar was a politician who is widely recognized as the mastermind behind the Venezuelan campaign for independence from Spain. Born to a noble Spanish family in Venezuela, Bolívar received his formal education in Europe. Inspired by the popular Enlightenment ideology of the time, he returned to his native Venezuela determined to liberate his country from Spanish rule. His efforts aided in liberating Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama from their colonial oppressors. We would love to see his story play out on the big screen.
20. Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil
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Unlike the majority of the figures on this list, Princess Isabel of Brazil wasn’t known for being beautiful or athletic. What she is known for is signing “The Golden Law” in 1888, which abolished slavery in Brazil. Partially due to The Golden Law, the opposition overthrew her throne in a military coup. Despite the outcome, Isabel held fast to her beliefs. In 1888, she wrote: “If abolition is the cause for this, I don’t regret it; I consider it worth losing the throne for.” Now there’s a statement truly worthy of a Disney princess.
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