Disney unveiled its first Latina princess Thursday, the company's first Hispanic-inspired princess character, who will make her on-screen debut next year.
Princess Elena, described by Disney as "a confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore," will be introduced in 2016 in a special episode of the Disney Junior series "Sofia the First."
After her introduction, the 16-year-old Elena will star in her own Disney Junior series, "Elena of Avalor," later in 2016.
Here's a bit of the new princess' backstory, as released Thursday on Disney's Insider blog:
Princess Elena's journey began long ago when her parents and kingdom were taken from her by the evil sorceress, Shuriki. Elena bravely faced the sorceress to protect her little sister, Princess Isabel, and grandparents but in the process, her magical amulet pulled her inside its enchanted jewel, saving her life but imprisoning her at the same time.
Decades later, Princess Sofia of Enchancia discovers the truth about the amulet she has worn since joining her royal family and sets out to restore Elena to her human form and help her return to the kingdom of Avalor.
You read that right, "Sofia" fans: Princess Elena has been trapped inside Sofia's magical Amulet of Avalor this entire time.
Disney caused some controversy with the debut of "Sofia the First" after a producer of the series billed the light-skinned, blue-eyed title character as Disney's "first Latina princess." Disney later stated it chose not to offically identify Sofia as Latina, adding Sofia's mother, Queen Miranda, was born in a kingdom inspired by Spain.
This time, Disney has specifically taken inspiration from Latin culture in creating "Elena of Avalor."
"What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale," said Nancy Kanter, Disney Junior's executive vice president and general manager.
Elena's backstory continues:
While Elena is the rightful heir to the throne, she is only age 16 so she will rule Avalor with the help of a Grand Council comprised of her Grandfather Tito, Grandmother Cici and Royal Advisor, Duke Esteban.
With some magical friends by her side — Mateo, a wizard-in-training, and Skylar, a magical flying creature — Princess Elena’s further adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders..
The voice of Elena will be provided by actress Aimee Carrero, who currently stars in the ABC Family series "Young & Hungry." Carrero, 26, was born in the Dominican Republic.
"Elena of Avalor" will be targeted at children, especially girls, ages 2–5, Disney said. The series will "be guided by an established curriculum that nurtures multiple areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive; thinking and creative skills, as well as moral and ethical development."