Skip to main content

Some Disney princesses are kind and smart, while others are spirited and adventurous. One red-headed princess is particularly brave. In fact, one starring Pixar princess is even included within the Disney Princess official lineup. Here’s what we know about this character, (and what made her make the cut.)

There’s only one Pixar ‘Princess,’ named Merida

If you had the chance to change your fate, would you? For one Pixar princess named Merida, that is exactly what she sets out to do. Fans first met Merida in 2012, with the release of Pixar’s award-winning film, Brave. 

In this animated movie, Merida is the only princess of her kingdom. When her mother sends out invitations to princes of the surrounding kingdoms, Merida is willing to do anything to change her fate. Things get a little more complicated when she gets a spell that would “change” her mom and accidentally transforms her mother into a bear.

“After you come out of the film, you’re going to be taken on this adventure and you’re going to care for this character, you know? And you will have seen something that you may think you have seen before or think you understand at the beginning, and it will have gone a different way. And find more of that heart by the end of it. I think that’s what all Pixar movies endeavor to do.”

The Disney Princesses include Merida from ‘Brave’

In terms of Disney characters, not every strong and independent character is included in the official princess lineup. That includes Elsa and Anna from Frozen and Frozen 2, who both eventually become the Arandelle. Although Vanellope von Schweetz earns the “princess” title in Ralph Breaks the Internet, she doesn’t make the cut, either.

According to Disney’s website, there are 12 characters in Disney’s official princess lineup. Those princesses include Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Moana. Even Merida made it to this list of powerful characters. 

Disney acquired Pixar a few years prior to the release of Brave. As a result, Merida is included along with other Disney princesses. She holds a unique place in this lineup, as she’s one of the few princesses who wields a bow and arrow and even fights for her independence from marriage.

Cast of 'Ralph Breaks the Internet,' featuring the voices of Disney Princesses
The cast of ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet,’ featuring the voices of Disney Princesses | Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
Related

‘The Little Mermaid 2:’ Why Disney Fans Think Ariel Is the Only Disney Princess With a Daughter

‘Brave’ is available on Disney’s streaming platform

Because it is technically owned by Disney, Pixar movies are available on the company’s streaming platform. That includes Toy Story, Inside Out, and The Incredibles. Of course, Brave is also listed, along with a handful of Disney Princess favorites like Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

If you want to binge-watch the latest and most popular Disney princess movies, head to Disney’s streaming platform, titled Disney+. To learn more about Disney+ and to subscribe, visit their website. 

Best in Entertainment