Encanto’s box office success has positioned the picture to launch Disney’s next franchise, and Encanto 2 might outperform Frozen and the series that followed it. Encanto follows the Madrigals, a family with various magical abilities, as they find a flaw in their magic. Mirabel, the lone non-magical Madrigal, is the star of the picture. She embarks on a quest to locate her estranged prophesying uncle Bruno and attempt to put things right, finding layers of family tragedy in the process.
Encanto has become one of the pandemic’s most popular animated films, and its popularity has only risen after it was made available on Disney+. The song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” surpassed Frozen’s “Let It Go” in terms of virality on social media. Audiences want more from Encanto, whether it’s a sequel or a Disney+ series, and the potential franchisee might match Disney’s most successful, Frozen.
Encanto would be the better franchise in the end for a few reasons. The picture has a cast of colorful, original, and relatable characters, as well as a culture that has yet to be seen in Disney films and is more inclusive. Because of these factors, an Encanto franchise may continue in a variety of directions, with plenty of compelling stories to tell in Encanto 2 and beyond. The story of Frozen, on the other hand, should come to an end. The first film in the Frozen franchise was released nearly ten years ago, and the franchise should come to an end when it becomes clear that it is solely a money-maker. The more a corporation tries to rely on its success, the less valuable it becomes.
Frozen’s basic message, that its main heroine is self-sufficient and that the “act of genuine love” comes from a sister rather than a man, broke the norm of Disney narrative at the time. It was significant and pioneering, but there isn’t much more to say about it now. Due to its enormous popularity, Disney decided to develop Frozen 2, which, while financially successful, is widely regarded as a fiasco due to poor storyline and bizarre decisions, such as the exclusion of Kristoff. Furthermore, allusions to it, such as the Frozen Easter eggs in Encanto, are forced and unnecessary. Encanto, on the other hand, still has a lot to explore. The large Madrigal family hasn’t had enough chance to shine, and a franchise may provide a closer look at the familial dynamic. There’s so much left unexplained – it’d be interesting to watch Abuela’s reaction to her children receiving their presents, or how frequently little Pepa made it rain in Casita.
Furthermore, Mirabel, as a potential Disney princess, is unusual in that she appears to be a typical adolescent girl. Elsa and Anna are archetypal Disney princesses, being slim, white, and dressed in lavish gowns. In Encanto, though, Mirabel defies Disney conventions. She’s a woman of color, about the size of an average girl, with spectacles and hand-sewn, tailored clothing. She, like the rest of the Madrigals, symbolizes something that isn’t commonly seen in Disney, as they all differ in shape, size, and color, which is more essential than recycling the same prototypes. Encanto’s popularity stems from the fact that it is so distinct from Disney’s standard formula, with a lot of content that allows for more storylines to emerge.
The triumph of Frozen was a watershed event for Disney and cinema in general. However, it may be time for a new brand to take the spotlight for a moment, and Encanto is the most deserving replacement. It flawlessly mixes a wonderful plot with catchy Disney music, essential representation, engaging characters, and plenty of space for storyline expansion, laying the stage for Encanto 2.
