"Elena of Avalor" is the latest product in Disney's bid to tell more diverse stories and everyone is anticipating its debut soon.
It has especially been a long time coming for Disney's Latin and Hispanic audiences, the New York Magazine reported. "It's not a secret that the Hispanic and Latino communities have been waiting and hoping and looking forward to our introduction of a princess that reflected their culture," showrunner Nancy Kanter said.
Despite not debuting until July 22, there are things we do know for sure about "Elena of Avalor" even before we have seen the first episode.
Unlike other members of the Disney Princesses group, "Elena of Avalor" will debut in the form of a television series.
Unlike other major members of the Disney Princesses like Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel, "Elena of Avalor" will start as a TV show.
There is, however, a planned TV movie called "Elena and the Secret of Avalor" will be released next year.
The show will focus on Latin and Hispanic culture.
"Elena of Avalor" will wear its influences on its sleeve. Look out for obvious influence of Latin and Hispanic culture through the architecture, costumes, traditions and folklore.
"Elena of Avalor" will be a musical.
A lot of the music involved in "Elena of Avalor" will sound a lot like South American music especially salsa, Chilean hip-hop and mariachi since Elena and other characters are big fans.
The voice cast is dominated by major Latin talent.
The voice cast of "Elena of Avalor" will be led by Dominican-American actress Aimee Carrero, who voices Elena, Variety reported. Other Latin American actresses will also be part of the cast. This includes Constance Marie, Ivonne Coll and Danny Trejo. Jenna Ortega will also play Princess Isabel, Elena's sister.
Most of the older characters will have Spanish accents.
Elena will have an American accent while the older characters will have Spanish accents.
There has been some talk and criticism about why "Elena of Avalor" is not a first generation member of the minority. "Being modern and cool seems to mean talking like an American," Rebecca C. Hains, author of the book "The Princess Problem," told the New York Times.
