sofia the first elena and the secret of avalor

But she has family, including her sister Princess Isabel (Jenna Ortega) and her grandparents Francisco ( Emiliano Díez) and Luisa (Julia Vera), all of whom have been trapped in a painting for 41 years. In the grand tradition of princesses not being able to have parents, both Elena’s mother and father are dead. Through an elaborate preamble that feels like it could be its own movie (and in fact will be with Elena and the Secret of Avalor premiering in the fall), viewers learn that Elena (Aimee Carrero) has been trapped in a magical amulet (is there any other kind?) for 41 years and has returned to Avalor to rule as Crown Princess. Those who already love Sofia and are growing up now have a slightly older princess to emulate. PT/ET on the Disney Channel, continues along this same line, introducing a 16-year-old princess. She’s more concerned with school trips, playing sports and making sure all her friends get along.Įlena of Avalor, which premieres Friday at 7 p.m. Sofia (voiced by Ariel Winter) doesn’t worry about meeting her prince. It’s a genius idea that gives its target demographic, little girls who love princesses, one close to their own age. And Sofia the First, which premiered in 2012, introduced a school-age princess.

Frozen emphasized the love between two sisters.

There’s the damsel-in-distress motif that runs through the genre the idea that true happiness only comes from finding your Prince Charming, whom you can fall in love with and marry in a matter of days a la The Bachelor and the fact that no princess seems to be able to have two living parents.ĭisney has sought to address some of these issues in recent years. But it’s an industry fraught with problems. Disney princesses are a booming business.

Sofia the first elena and the secret of avalor