Why Giselle from Enchanted isn’t technically a Disney princess, explained

The kind and beautiful Enchanted heroine Giselle would be the perfect Disney princess, but she is mysteriously absent from the company’s official lineup. Audiences first met Giselle (Amy Adams) in 2007, when Enchanted arrived in theaters. A mix of classic Disney 2D animation and live action, Enchanted sees the bubbly Giselle exiled from her kingdom of Andalasia and transported to the noisy, cynical live-action world of New York City. A total fish out of water, Giselle finally finds her happily ever after while learning that the world is much more complex than she thought.

Enchanted was a resounding success with audiences and critics, grossing more than US$340 million at the worldwide box office (via Mojo Box Office) and a Certified Fresh score of 93% on Rotten tomatoes. Experts praised Enchantedthe clever send-up of fairy tale tropes and we were particularly impressed with Adams’ performance as Gisellemainly because it was her first time leading a film. EnchantedThe success of led to a sequel in 2022, Disenchantedwhich was released directly on Disney+. The reception at Disenchanted was decidedly mixed, but once again, Adams’s Giselle was hailed as a standout.

Giselle is not a Disney princess due to pay issues with Amy Adams

The studio would have to pay lifetime rights to use the image of actress Giselle

With her cheerful demeanor, pretty dresses, and desire for true love, it seems like adding Giselle to the Disney Princess lineup would be a no-brainer. In fact, there were plans to do just that. Disney even displayed the Giselle doll at the 2007 Toy Fair, with the doll’s packaging declaring the Enchanted heroine an official Disney princess (via The Wall Street Journal). However, the plan was ultimately canceled when Disney realized it would mean paying Amy Adams for lifetime rights to use her likenesswhich the studio was unwilling to do.

This makes sense, since all of the other Disney Princesses are original animated creations, not specifically based on the likeness of any real person. And while Adams has every right to ask for fair compensation, it’s a shame Disney couldn’t come to an agreement with her to make Giselle a Disney princess. Giselle is the perfect bridge between classic Disney princesses and more recent additions. Enchanted director Kevin Lima describes her as “She is about 80% Snow White, with some features borrowed from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, although her courage comes from Ariel from The Little Mermaid.” (through USA today)

Giselle really wants to find the man of her dreams, which is a trait not seen in more contemporary Disney princesses like Moana and BraveIt’s Merida. However, like these modern heroines, Giselle has more going on than wanting to get married. At the end of Enchantedshe runs a fashion business and Disenchanted sees Giselle rescued not by a man in armor, but by her stepdaughter. Giselle is a timeless character and her absence from the Disney Princess lineup leaves a void.

Other Beloved Characters Who Should Be Disney Princesses

Anna and Elsa from Frozen should lead the group

Giselle isn’t the only Disney heroine whose absence from the Disney Princess lineup has raised some eyebrows. Surprisingly, FrozenAnna and Elsa are not official Disney princesses. Given how influential the Frozen the franchise has been in popular culture, it’s a bit intriguing, but there could be a few reasons for that.

First, none of the sisters are princesses in the end Frozen 2with Elsa becoming protector of the Enchanted Forest and abdicating the throne of Arendelle to Anna, who becomes queen. Second, Frozen generated more than US$5 billion in goods (via IndieWire), so Anna and Elsa don’t exactly need a Disney Princess belly.

Other characters that deserve to be Disney princesses are Esmeralda de The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Megara of Hercules. Although neither is royalty at the end of their respective films, they are both determined, smart, and resourceful, yet incredibly kind. They were the last leading ladies of the Disney Renaissance era and ushered in a new, more progressive type of heroine. Be Giselle in Enchanted or any of these other great characters, being a Disney princess shouldn’t be a matter of royal title; it should be about character.