How Disney Villains Reached ICON Status | History & Evolution
Why Audiences Love the Disney Villains
Welcome to MsMojo, and today were going to explore why villains from Disney films are so beloved. Some spoilers to come!
Villains Represent Our Dark Side
Villains not only represent the reality of bad people in the world, but also our own darkest feelings and impulses. Most classic Disney villain motivations are quite simple, sometimes even petty: vanity, ambition, jealousy, even vengeance. Significantly, they dont just feel their impulses. They act on them to the fullest extent of their powers. And, it must be said, with style and panache. Even if they become (quite literal) beasts as a result. Almost everyone has their vain side, has suffered jealousy and envy, or simply had grand ambitions. These traits are so relatable that we see many fans justifying villainous motivations as understandable and valid in their own way. Well, except maybe Cruella.
Villains Are More Fun, Complex, & Relatable
Yes, Disney villains are relatable. But also, Disney villains are so much fun to watch. Sometimes, a Disney villain is the most memorable or dynamic part of the film. Except why? What exactly makes Disney villains so fun? Well, personality-wise, they can be hilarious: quirky mannerisms, deadpan humor, and of course, delightfully snarky ripostes. Who doesnt like a sardonic put-down? Disney villains speech also tends to be more refined and elegant than the protagonists. These villains also tend to have funny or goofy sidekicks, serving as foils to their bosses sophistication. Above all, Disney villains are unrestrained in showing extreme emotions, whether they be of anger, disdain, or even joy. Coupled with the inherent charisma of animation makes these displays extremely entertaining to watch. Bonus points when theyre reinterpreted as misunderstood anti-heroes!
Villains Represent Marginalized People
A big part of Disney villains relatability and popularity comes from queer audiences, who have seen themselves in these often flamboyant characters. Queer coding characters, especially villains, has a long tradition. In the 20th century, the Hays Code severely restricted such portrayals on screen. Since writers could not write explicitly LGBTQIA+ characters, they would often give them traits commonly interpreted as queer. Ursula, for instance, was inspired in part by drag queen Divine. Many other villains fall into the camp territory: Scar, Jafar, even Gaston and LeFou. Beyond sexuality, there is even a racial component. Its no coincidence that Jafar has a more Middle Eastern design than Aladdin. There is also Maleficent and Ursulas fantastical skin colors compared to the heroes. Disney villains are rarely explicitly queer or POC, so this coding is not ideal. Still, in a media landscape lacking in these kinds of representation, its one marginalized folks can recognize and relate to.
Villains Reject & Deviate from Traditional Society
For that matter, Disney villains are often portrayed as deviants from traditional society, rejecting its rules. This is obvious in the very criminal enterprises they engage with. Male villains tend to have both aggressively anti-social and effeminate characteristics, as we have covered. Female villains, usually being single, powerful women, can be said to be a deviation from traditional values, in contrast with the virtuous heroine. Of course, many of those villains are relatively privileged: the royal brother Scar, Jafar as Royal Vizier, Cruella as a rich heiress. Ursula was even initially meant to be King Tritons sister, a discarded plot point reinstated in the stage musical adaptation. Even so, Scar is characterized as a disregarded younger brother, Ursula is an exile, and Jafar is a sorcerer who has to keep his powers hidden. Everyone loves rebels and underdogs. These villains certainly can be interpreted as such.
Villains Tap Into Cultural Fears & Anxieties
We have already covered, somewhat, the racial coding of Disneys villains. But of course, it gets worse from there. Some of these blatant racial stereotypes come straight from the United States dark history of minstrel shows. Disney even hired Black actors to voice these caricatures, such as the crows in Dumbo. Apart from the Siamese cats of Lady and the Tramp, most of these characters are comic relief fodder at worst. But this xenophobic strain still persists. Consider Disney villains like Scar and Shere Khan, who have non-American accents. In fact, most villains speak British posh, RP, or mid-Atlantic, as is the case with the older Disney films. Classic Disney heroes East Coast-flavored accents eventually gave way to standard American accents, but their villains did not follow suit. As a result, they are inevitably coded as foreigners, with their defeat being a cathartic way to ease this pernicious cultural anxiety.
Villain Designs Are Interesting & Varied
Weve talked about the villains respective similarities, but their diverse designs are important, especially in animation. Good animated design is based on charisma and distinctiveness. Disney villains are among the most distinct and instantly recognizable characters of all. Many of them have purple-red-green-black color schemas that give them that villainous connotation. Others deviate from this color scheme in creative ways. Many villains designs are based on their respective reference models, which include Broadway theater actors like Hans Conried and Mary Wickes. Weve already covered Ursula being based on drag queen Divine, but did you know Mother Gothel was inspired by Cher? Although these villains have common traits, not one of them is exactly the same in design or even villainy.
Villains Get Memorable Moments (Songs & Deaths)
Lets face it: Disney villains get the best songs and moments. Hell, their music is a whole genre by this point. There are the classic numbers, like the catchy send-up Cruella de Vil. Later Disney films let the villain sing his or her wicked heart out. Who doesnt appreciate the wit and sophistication of Scars Be Prepared, with lyrics by Sir Tim Rice? Or Ursulas Poor Unfortunate Souls, an iconic Menken and Ashman collaboration? Or what some call one of the best Disney villain songs of all time, Judge Claude Frollos Hellfire? Even their respective deaths are unforgettable, although necessarily bloodless. However you slice it, Disney villains have some of the best scenes from their films, to the point where people feel they steal the show.
Why do you think we love to hateor love to loveDisney villains? Let us know in the comments down below!
