Disney just announced when we can finally start watching “Elena of Avalor,” aka their first Latina princess
On Friday, July 22nd, from 7-8pm EST, Disney Channel will be introducing us all to someone very special: their first Latina princess. Her name is Elena of Avalor and based on what we’ve learned thus far, it sounds like she’s set to become a role model for girls everywhere.
“Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen,” writes Disney in their press release. “Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.”
Latin and Hispanic cultures will also play a key role in Princess Elena’s journey – especially when it comes to the music, food, customs, and mythology she encounters. For instance, during the show’s first episode “First Day of Rule,” Elena must rescue her sister Isabel from elf-like shapeshifters known as Noblins. This part of the story is based on a Chilean peuchen myth. This same episode will also introduce us to Elena’s animal spirit guide Zuzo, which is a pollen based on a Mayan tribe’s beliefs.
Not only will Elena be featured in her own TV show, she’ll also be getting her own TV movie. According to Disney, the film Elena and the Secret of Avalor will reveal that, for decades, Elena was stuck in a magical amulet until Princess Sofia of Enchancia set her free.
As for the cast, we can look forward to hearing Young and Hungry actress Aimee Carrero as the voice of Princess Elena. Other recurring characters will be played by: Jenna Ortega (as Elena’s sister Princess Isabel); Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Carlos Alazraqui (as the jaquins Migs, Luna, and Skylar respectively); Emiliano Díez (as Francisco); Julia Vera (as Luisa); Christian Lanz (as Chancellor Esteban); Jillian Rose Reed (as Naomi); Joseph Haro (as Mateo); Jorge Diaz (as Gabe); Keith Ferguson (as Zuzo); and Joe Nunez (as Armando).
We can also get ready to hear these guest voices on the show: Constance Marie (as Doña Paloma, Magister of the Traders Guild); Lou Diamond Phillips (as Victor Delgado, a debonair villain who uses his charisma to deceive the people around him); Justina Machado and Jaime Camil (as siblings Carmen and Julio, who run a restaurant in Avalor); Rich Sommer (as Captain Daniel Turner, Naomi’s father and harbormaster); Tyler Posey (as Prince Alonso, a charming prince from the Argentine-inspired Kingdom of Cordoba); Lucas Grabeel (as Jiku, the leader of the Noblins); and Echo Kellum (as King Joaquín, a monarch from the Caribbean-inspired Kingdom of Cariza, who is a trusted and close friend of Elena).
Plus, it gets better. Season 1 will feature voices from talents such as Tituss Burgess, Ana Ortiz, Ivonne Coll, Hector Elizondo, Odette Annable, Danny Trejo, Anthony Mendez, Eden Espinosa, Marsai Martin, Aasif Mandvi, and George Takei.
Ultimately, we cannot wait to meet Princess Elena, whose show will be introduced by Latin Grammy Award winner Gaby Moreno’s theme song.
