When movies are developed, there is a lot that goes on in the process. Character ideas change, casting might change, and some content makes it to the final cut while other material does not.

Of course, that is no different for Disney characters, including the princesses. You might be surprised to discover some of these facts.

But I hope you enjoy my reactions to them. Below is the list.

1: Jasmine was going to have red hair

I was surprised to see that in the concept art. She is Arabian, and most people of that descent, as well as of any minority race, have dark hair.

However, somebody on Facebook said that some people of Arab race can have red hair. I don’t know why Jasmine was going to have red hair. I do know her face was modeled off of her designer, Mark Henn’s, younger sister’s high school portrait.

If you want to see a picture, you can go to this Google images link since I avoid putting copyrighted images on my blog. The first image has three panels. Jasmine with red hair is on the far right.

2: Belle was going to have a younger sister

In earlier drafts of 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, Belle was going to have a younger sister named Clarice. I found that interesting since not many Disney princesses had siblings other than Ariel prior to that.

However, the reason Clarice was cut was so that Belle would be lonely enough to connect with the beast. That was essential for her growth and development. I do think they would have had a sweet relationship, though.

3: Ariel was going to have a dolphin companion 

I found the above fact quite interesting, especially because I used to love dolphins as a child (I still admire them now, as well). Another fact that intrigued me was that the dolphin sidekick, called Breaker, was going to be voiced by Robin Williams, who you likely know voiced the genie in 1992’s Aladdin and the third installment Aladdin: King of Thieves.

Why was he cut from the final version? The reason is because the story needed to be simplified. That was when Flounder the fish was added.

Ariel was also going to be more shy, like in the original tale by Hans Christian Andersen. But obviously, she is curious in the final cut.

4: Elsa was born with her ice powers

Unlike the previous facts above, this one was stated in the movie, Frozen. After Elsa accidentally knocked Anna out unconscious with her ice powers and her parents took her and Anna to the mountain trolls, this revelation occurred. However, it is never stated how Elsa got her ice powers.

I find it interesting that Elsa was born with them and not given them. I don’t know all the magic laws in the Frozen universe. But I would assume that maybe Anna and Elsa had an enchantress as their ancestor, and the powers were passed on to Elsa. Of course, I could be wrong.

5: Moana was the first Disney princess to be voiced by a minor

Auli’I Cravalho, the actress who did the voice of Moana, was only 14 at the time the film was being made. Moana is actually a little older. Sources say that she’s 16.

It is rare that child actors play characters older than them, especially cartoon characters. But I guess the casting people considered Auli’I Cravalho to have a mature enough voice.

Until then, all the other Disney princesses were voiced by overage women.

Conclusion

These facts continue to stand out to me, even after I did my research to answer some of the questions you might have. But like I said before, a lot happens during the creative process, whether it’s filmmaking, book writing, or anything else.

Which fact surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments if you wish.