Encanto Muscles

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

Apparently the makers of Encanto had to really fight Disney over their screen queen for having muscles! Joke's on them - little girls really love her!

 

[old lady]

Women have muscles, too.

 

[Caseheidi]

I heard a rumor that they are running out of merchandise for Luisa, and are not selling well on Isabella whom they expected the girls to really love. I have to wonder about the people who make these decisions, and how they come about it. Seems they also missed on Frozen and thought Anna would be the big seller when it was Elsa. Maybe they need a better market research head.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

I heard a rumor that they are running out of merchandise for Luisa, and are not selling well on Isabella whom they expected the girls to really love. I have to wonder about the people who make these decisions, and how they come about it. Seems they also missed on Frozen and thought Anna would be the big seller when it was Elsa. Maybe they need a better market research head.

I remember hearing that about Frozen and being shocked that they’d expected Anna to be the favorite. Had anyone from Disney ever met a six year old girl? Elsa wore a sparkly gown and had powers. She could whip up magic with a wave of her hand. She built a shimmering ice palace and strutted through it flipping her hair and singing the epic lead song that got stuck in everyone’s heads for months. In the end, she was the heroine of the film who swooped in and saved the day. Meanwhile, Anna had a boring green dress and greying hair and lied unconscious for 1/3 of the film due to her poor taste in men. And they were surprised Elsa became the breakout star of the movie?

If it’s true that Luisa is proving to be the big seller over Isabella then I have to laugh. Maybe sparkly gowns have less to do with it than I thought and what little girls really love is women who can kick ***, which is awesome and gets my full approval.

 

[AgentMama]

Cynically, I can't help but feel they misjudged this one (and the Frozen example) because it still seems to be primarily men making decisions for women/girls, and they have a proven track record of being tone deaf on that front based on male created gender roles.

 

[Colleen27]

Cynically, I can't help but feel they misjudged this one (and the Frozen example) because it still seems to be primarily men making decisions for women/girls, and they have a proven track record of being tone deaf on that front based on male created gender roles.

I agree. And honestly, their merchandising mistakes over the last few franchises really make me wonder about the department's judgment overall - partly the Isabella/Luisa and Anna/Elsa mismatch, but also not having Baby Yoda merch ready to go as soon as the character debuted, not including Rey in the action figure sets for the sequel trilogy, the absolutely dismal merchandising of anything Black Widow related... Not only does it feel like they're sticking with the idea that little girls just want to be pretty princesses, but also like they're clinging to the notion that sci-fi and comic book stories are for boys.

 

[BrianL]

I agree. And honestly, their merchandising mistakes over the last few franchises really make me wonder about the department's judgment overall - partly the Isabella/Luisa and Anna/Elsa mismatch, but also not having Baby Yoda merch ready to go as soon as the character debuted, not including Rey in the action figure sets for the sequel trilogy, the absolutely dismal merchandising of anything Black Widow related... Not only does it feel like they're sticking with the idea that little girls just want to be pretty princesses, but also like they're clinging to the notion that sci-fi and comic book stories are for boys.

The reason for the Baby Yoda merch was that they didn't want to spoil that on AT ALL. They probalby had to fight Disney on it too, but they won. If you let toy companies make stuff, there is a huge lead-time, they have to be shown the specs, they have to share the product descriptions with buyers - it will get out. Grogu was kept under wraps for that amazing reveal!

Now, in the other cases, yeah, they've missed the boat. I am not really sure they ever had more Anna than Elsa merch though - that doesn't seem like it tracks. I think one issue with Encanto is that the songs that are popular ar enot the ones that were expected to be - Luisa's song is more popular than Mirabel's (even though I think it's the worst one), and the Bruno song seems to be the most popular, as is Bruno the character. I think they misjudged that for sure.

 

[Moliphino]

I remember hearing that about Frozen and being shocked that they’d expected Anna to be the favorite. Had anyone from Disney ever met a six year old girl? Elsa wore a sparkly gown and had powers. She could whip up magic with a wave of her hand. She built a shimmering ice palace and strutted through it flipping her hair and singing the epic lead song that got stuck in everyone’s heads for months. In the end, she was the heroine of the film who swooped in and saved the day. Meanwhile, Anna had a boring green dress and greying hair and lied unconscious for 1/3 of the film due to her poor taste in men. And they were surprised Elsa became the breakout star of the movie?

Cynically, I can't help but feel they misjudged this one (and the Frozen example) because it still seems to be primarily men making decisions for women/girls, and they have a proven track record of being tone deaf on that front based on male created gender roles.

Exactly! You'd have to know nothing about little girls to think they'd love Anna over Elsa. Come on, she has MAGIC POWERS! She has the song you can belt out with all your heart in it.

Now, in the other cases, yeah, they've missed the boat. I am not really sure they ever had more Anna than Elsa merch though - that doesn't seem like it tracks. I think one issue with Encanto is that the songs that are popular ar enot the ones that were expected to be - Luisa's song is more popular than Mirabel's (even though I think it's the worst one), and the Bruno song seems to be the most popular, as is Bruno the character. I think they misjudged that for sure.

I see the most appreciation for "Surface Pressure" from adult women who really relate to it.

 

[Mysterian]

I heard a rumor that they are running out of merchandise for Luisa, and are not selling well on Isabella whom they expected the girls to really love. I have to wonder about the people who make these decisions, and how they come about it. Seems they also missed on Frozen and thought Anna would be the big seller when it was Elsa. Maybe they need a better market research head.

I can see how they had high hopes for Isabella as she's the most stereotypical "princess" of the cast. I actually thought Dolores would get more love from fans.
That's weird about Anna when Elsa was the real centerpiece of the movie, and had the biggest song on the soundtrack. She's an outcast with fantastic powers, while Anna had her own Rom-Com subplot.

 

[Mysterian]

I agree. And honestly, their merchandising mistakes over the last few franchises really make me wonder about the department's judgment overall - partly the Isabella/Luisa and Anna/Elsa mismatch, but also not having Baby Yoda merch ready to go as soon as the character debuted, not including Rey in the action figure sets for the sequel trilogy, the absolutely dismal merchandising of anything Black Widow related... Not only does it feel like they're sticking with the idea that little girls just want to be pretty princesses, but also like they're clinging to the notion that sci-fi and comic book stories are for boys.

I know the Mandalorian folks wanted to keep Baby Yoda under wraps for awhile. At least Baby Yoda served a purpose on the show- the Porgs and Babu Frik definitely felt more like shoe-horned cash grabs.

Disney would also start issuing merchandise in September for the new Star Wars movies, so they could cash in on Christmas AND Halloween. When the movie debuts in December, how much interest is there going to be in October for a costume of a new, unknown character?

Black Widow also suffered from the pandemic. There were role playing toys and an action figure line released just before the film was delayed for so long. All that was long gone by the time the movie was finally released. But then, it too so long to even make a BW movie to begin with.

 

[DuskKodesh]

I agree. And honestly, their merchandising mistakes over the last few franchises really make me wonder about the department's judgment overall - partly the Isabella/Luisa and Anna/Elsa mismatch, but also not having Baby Yoda merch ready to go as soon as the character debuted, not including Rey in the action figure sets for the sequel trilogy, the absolutely dismal merchandising of anything Black Widow related... Not only does it feel like they're sticking with the idea that little girls just want to be pretty princesses, but also like they're clinging to the notion that sci-fi and comic book stories are for boys.

Oh boy as a toy specialist I honest to god love topics like this. I mean I'm so glad they devoted at least a teeny bit of merch to Luisa but to have nothing for Bruno? Give me stuffed rats, Disney! You of all people should know rodents are adorable.

The Frozen merch thing wasn't just the Anna Elsa misswap, but back in the day at TRU they just... sent us no merch whatsoever. Getting even an Anna doll in was so hard. They did not expect it to be a success like it was at the very first. Then after months we got in a nice steady mix of about fifty fifty Anna and Elsa (And some Kristoff that shelfwarmed the place, AKA Didn't sell). The Elsa stuff sold, Anna didn't at the same pace though it was popular at least, as opposed to the other stuff I've seen we had to entirely clearance off.

A huge lot of the live action Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast stuff saw clearance, and I mean a huge amount. Elena of Avalor was nearly ALL clearance. They way overproduced. Based on the amount of Eternals stuff I'm seeing post Xmas I think they went way over on that too, and then there's the five bajillion Raya things we got in that sold lightly at first and now kind of just sit there. Is it just me or did they really think that rolling armadillo critter was going to be a huge sell because I swear I have gotten more merch of it than of Sisu?! Who's decision was that?! It's barely in the movie! Meanwhile I had people asking me if we had anything Luca in and the answer was just nope...

Someone at Disney in marketing division needs to actually have kids or needs to come work with me a while and at least talk to them. They are way out of touch

 

[Mysterian]

Oh boy as a toy specialist I honest to god love topics like this. I mean I'm so glad they devoted at least a teeny bit of merch to Luisa but to have nothing for Bruno? Give me stuffed rats, Disney! You of all people should know rodents are adorable.

That's true, the only Bruno toy was a tiny one sold as a set with the whole family. Disney goes all in on princesses, but Villains only come around here and there. They must not have expected "We Don't Talk About Bruno" to become such a hit either.
EDIT: Yes Bruno is not a villain, but the movie does set him up as such. Either way, my point stands.

A huge lot of the live action Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast stuff saw clearance, and I mean a huge amount. Elena of Avalor was nearly ALL clearance. They way overproduced. Based on the amount of Eternals stuff I'm seeing post Xmas I think they went way over on that too, and then there's the five bajillion Raya things we got in that sold lightly at first and now kind of just sit there. Is it just me or did they really think that rolling armadillo critter was going to be a huge sell because I swear I have gotten more merch of it than of Sisu?! Who's decision was that?! It's barely in the movie! Meanwhile I had people asking me if we had anything Luca in and the answer was just nope...

Someone at Disney in marketing division needs to actually have kids or needs to come work with me a while and at least talk to them. They are way out of touch

Yeah I saw Eternals and Raya lingering after the holidays. Sisu did get a LEGO set devoted to her at least. Eternals was sort of doomed from the get-go, these look like toys of people who work at a high-end spa, not action heroes.

 

[DuskKodesh]

Yeah I saw Eternals and Raya lingering after the holidays. Sisu did get a LEGO set devoted to her at least. Eternals was sort of doomed from the get-go, these look like toys of people who work at a high-end spa, not action heroes.

That's honestly the best description of the Eternal's character cast I think I've ever heard. I always described them as Dollar General superhero costumes.

 

[kerry1379]

It is so weird that Disney didn't see this coming with Luisa vs. Isabela. Luisa is nice the entire movie-just wanting to help. Isabella was, well a jerk, for the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the movie. I get it-she was dealing with her own frustrations and insecurities. But still, she was a jerk to Mirabel initially.

 

[Mysterian]

Isabela was definitely stuck-up, she was even gloating as the only one given a positive prophecy from Bruno.

Many kids probably have a sibling like Isabela, and this movie was unique for not showcasing the "perfect" one as the one to root for (exceptions being Quasimodo and the Beast of course). There's no Cinderella/step sisters scenario here.

 

[kerry1379]

I can see how they had high hopes for Isabella as she's the most stereotypical "princess" of the cast. I actually thought Dolores would get more love from fans.
That's weird about Anna when Elsa was the real centerpiece of the movie, and had the biggest song on the soundtrack. She's an outcast with fantastic powers, while Anna had her own Rom-Com subplot.

Dolores is one of my favorites!

 

[Mysterian]

Dolores is one of my favorites!

Same!

 

[Colleen27]

I know the Mandalorian folks wanted to keep Baby Yoda under wraps for awhile. At least Baby Yoda served a purpose on the show- the Porgs and Babu Frik definitely felt more like shoe-horned cash grabs.

Disney would also start issuing merchandise in September for the new Star Wars movies, so they could cash in on Christmas AND Halloween. When the movie debuts in December, how much interest is there going to be in October for a costume of a new, unknown character?

Black Widow also suffered from the pandemic. There were role playing toys and an action figure line released just before the film was delayed for so long. All that was long gone by the time the movie was finally released. But then, it too so long to even make a BW movie to begin with.

That makes sense about Grogu, I didn't think of the leak potential of the manufacturing chain. And I kind of love the porgs, as much for their backstory as anything (https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/tv-movies/star-wars-porgs-skellig-michael-ireland)

BW was notably absent way before she got her own movie. She wasn't in ANY of the Avengers merch for a long time. Not on the t-shirts, not in the play sets, not on the school supplies. Nowhere. I know. I looked, because DD20 has loved the character since she first showed up in the MCU (when DD was maybe 8 or 9 and in the prime merch age group). I ended up getting t-shirts from Etsy and Teespring because Disney just plain wasn't putting ANYTHING Black Widow out for years and years. One WDW trip, we all got our favorite MCU characters - Iron Man and Captain America, who I expected to be easy to find, but also Loki and Rocket - to add to our pin collections . All of us except DD, who settled for Loki as a second choice because they didn't have Black Widow.

 

[Mysterian]

That makes sense about Grogu, I didn't think of the leak potential of the manufacturing chain. And I kind of love the porgs, as much for their backstory as anything (https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/tv-movies/star-wars-porgs-skellig-michael-ireland)

BW was notably absent way before she got her own movie. She wasn't in ANY of the Avengers merch for a long time. Not on the t-shirts, not in the play sets, not on the school supplies. Nowhere. I know. I looked, because DD20 has loved the character since she first showed up in the MCU (when DD was maybe 8 or 9 and in the prime merch age group). I ended up getting t-shirts from Etsy and Teespring because Disney just plain wasn't putting ANYTHING Black Widow out for years and years. One WDW trip, we all got our favorite MCU characters - Iron Man and Captain America, who I expected to be easy to find, but also Loki and Rocket - to add to our pin collections . All of us except DD, who settled for Loki as a second choice because they didn't have Black Widow.

That's true, Black Widow wasn't as prominently featured. I will say she did far better than Hawkeye, who's also been an Avenger since the beginning. She had an action figures for Winter Soldier, Age of Ultron, Infinity War, Endgame, and then different variations of her for her own movie. The school supplies and shirts I haven't paid as much attention to.

Here's a shocker: So I'm probably the only one on the board that liked the Frog Lady episode of the Mandalorian. Disney miraculously produced a Frog Lady t-shirt! (No I don't own one!) It's as though Disney spies are reading our posts. Or not- but if they were, hopefully they'll pay attention to this thread!