Face Characters

[formernyer]

I'm ready for flaming...

Why are so many of the face characters NOT attractive? Most of the Snow Whites and Mary Poppins that I've seen look pretty close to what would be expected, but so many of the other characters just don't look like they should. Cinderella, for example, is supposed to be beautiful and many of them that I've seen posted in pics here aren't. The same can be said for many of the other face characters.

I know lots of you will flame me and say that my comments are shallow, but the fact of the matter is that there are some jobs where you need to be a bit discriminatory in selecting the best candidates.

 

[Robo]

I won't FLAME you, but I DISAGREE with you.

I think many (most, all) of the princesses are very pretty.

But, you know the old saying,

"Beauty is in the eye of the...





Casting Director."

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

LOL IMO, I always have thought Disney castling must have a pretty good eye for casting the appropriate "look" for various roles

 

[Jules76126]

Actully Disney takes a great interest in how they cast their characters. You have to be a certain height to play certain characters. Also they try to make them as real as possible and many times its harder to find face charcters than costumed. Either way i think they look fine.

 

[123SA]

I agree with formernyer. Some of the princesses do not look enough like the "real" ones. Last May the Cinderella at PSB dinner was such a bad likeness that my DD5 said that Cinderella must have helpers like Santa does -- she can't be everywhere. The real one must be at the Castle. However, that very same day the Snow White that we met in Germany was such a good likeness it was amazing. Not only did she look like the real one, but she sounded like her, and even her wave looked her.
I can certainly appreciate that it is not easy to find the face characters, but let's not spoil the magic with poor look alikes.

 

[donnajon]

I agree. I've seen some great Snow Whites (all of who have the best interactions I've seen in any of the princesses) and Mary Poppins, but there have been quite a few rough looking Belles and Cinderellas. And The Aurora bang thing is quite odd looking as well.

 

[__disneygirl]

For me, it's 50/50. A couple weeks ago, I saw a GREAT Aladdin, it's like they took him right off the animation page and turned him into a human.. and then I saw an Eric who was just ALL WRONG. Some princesses aren't attractive either, I agree. Most Ariels I see are gorgeous though!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Most I seen do a great job. Though once I did see an Aurora who could have used a touch of orthodontia (her front teeth were noticably longer than the rest of her upper teeth) but I have braces so I notice teeth everywhere!

And once at Princess Storybook, we met Belle who was easily pushing six feet tall and clearly quite muscular! I always imagined Belle as a smaller woman! But the kids didn't care - they greeted her with no hesitation!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

For me, it's 50/50. A couple weeks ago, I saw a GREAT Aladdin, it's like they took him right off the animation page and turned him into a human.. and then I saw an Eric who was just ALL WRONG. Some princesses aren't attractive either, I agree. Most Ariels I see are gorgeous though!

Where did you see Eric? Was it in a parade or out greeting?? Just wondering!

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

Its about 50/50 with us too. I have seen a few mustaches on Cruela in the past.

I have seen a variety of different races playing Pocahontas. I thought it was strange that they would cast so many drastically different looks to play one character.

 

[__disneygirl]

Where did you see Eric? Was it in a parade or out greeting?? Just wondering!

He was in the Share A Dream Come True Parade. Not a bad looking guy, just not an "Eric" to me!

 

[__disneygirl]

I have seen a variety of different races playing Pocahontas. I thought it was strange that they would cast so many drastically different looks to play one character.

I totally agree with you! I think they should hire Native American girls to play a Native American. The Pocahontas in the show at Animal Kingdom was clearly a white girl, beautiful voice & great performance - it was just weird that she wasn't the same race as the real Pocahontas.

 

[laluna]

Mmmm they really do vary dont they? We met a really funny looking (and sounding) Mulan last month but she was really sweet with my daughter.

The Snow White we met could have been the real thing, as could the Aladdin. They sounded just like them!

When we met Mary Poppins, she came over all intimidated when my daughter started explaining that we were from England too; she just kind of stopped speaking! Love them all though!

 

[plutolovr]

Does everone just assume that Disney has so-called "look-alikes" lining up for these jobs? How many Native Americans do you think apply to play Pocohantas?

BTW, the process to play these characters is quite extensive. Disney also looks for people that can easily play two to three characters. So that Cindy from today may be Snow tomorrow. But the candidates must take an extensive test on their knowledge of these characters. So it's not that easy. And I think these people do a tremendous job. That's why it's call "make believe".

The person who said they don't look like the "real" characters, better go back and watch their videos, I believe they're animated, not "real."

 

[tmt martins]

You think they are bad at Disney ( I don't most hit it right on and the ones that are close make up for it in personality).
Here you go Six Flags.I made DD get in the so I could get them together but I wouldn't let her near these under other circumstances.

 

[scoolover]

Not sure that "not attractive" is accurate in 99% of the cases. Perhaps, not look-alike would be more accurate. Luckily, I had a boy so it is not a concern yet.

 

[GoofyGirlnPrincessV]

I don't think the women are un-attractive they may not look exactly what we (adults) think the characters should look like.

My DD made one comment about a snow white in October. She whispered that Snow White has a tan

I tend to agree but she was really sweet.

This Aurora I think looks just right.

And this Snow White has been the best that I have seen. She was totally into character

I don't think the kids are as nit picky...I think they are just happy to see their favorite characters. I would much rather see someone that is totally into their character and may not totally look like him/her than someone who looks exactly like the character and not totally into their character.

JMO

 

[Cor44432]

Speaking on personal experience only, I've got a picture from 2 yrs back
that has my daughter and a smokin' hot Jasmin!!

(objectively speaking of course from a Dad's point of view )

 

[asmarykay]

I have had the totally opposite experience with Jasmine. She is my DD's favorite charater and everytime we see her she is a "Jersey Girl" Not that there's anything wrong with that, but not how you expect Jasmine to talk.

We have had great Mulans and Snow Whites.

 

[123SA]

delete