How Disney Characters Were Originally Designed To Look Completely Different

Discover the surprising evolution of Disney's beloved characters.

Damjan

• Published in Disney
• September 13, 2024

Since its founding in 1928, Disney has grown into a dominant force in animation, creating countless beloved characters that have captured the hearts of audiences across generations. However, bringing these characters to life is far from magical or instantaneous.

Behind every animated figure on screen lies a rigorous creative journey involving detailed sketching, coloring, and countless hours of animation work. Before we see the final versions of Disney characters, they undergo an extensive development process that involves much more than simply drawing them on paper.

This process often includes multiple versions of each character, refining their look, personality, and movements.

Many viewers might not realize how much effort goes into making characters look effortless. Disney's iconic figures didn't spring into existence fully formed.

Instead, they were crafted through a meticulous process where artists experimented with different designs, expressions, and behaviors to ensure the characters fit their roles and the stories they were a part of. Each character had to convey the right emotions and attitudes, which took time.

The initial designs for some of these beloved characters might seem unsettling or even unrecognizable to modern audiences. If Disney had stuck with some of these early concepts, our favorite animations might look quite different today.

Cinderella (1950)

One clear example of this transformation can be seen in the early designs for Cinderella. Released in 1950, Cinderella became one of Disney’s most cherished fairy tales, but the initial concept art for the character was quite different from the elegant, poised figure we know today.

Early designs showed a more exaggerated appearance, with rougher, less refined features. The transformation from concept to the final product was necessary to achieve the timeless, graceful character who has since become a Disney icon.

Princess Jasmine In Aladdin (1992)

Similarly, Princess Jasmine from Aladdin (1992) underwent a significant design overhaul. Early versions of Jasmine featured sharper, more angular features and a more reserved appearance.

This design contrasted with the character’s eventual portrayal as a warm, adventurous, and determined princess. These adjustments were vital in shaping her into the relatable and inspiring figure that audiences loved.

Rapunzel In Tangled (2010)

Another striking example is Rapunzel from Tangled (2010). The character's early concept art revealed a much more melancholy and mature look, contrasting with her final bright and youthful appearance. The playful energy that became central to Rapunzel’s character was largely absent in the initial designs.

Through countless iterations, the creative team found the perfect balance between her vulnerability and curiosity, making her one of Disney’s most dynamic modern princesses.

Carl Fredricksen In Up (2009)

Even in more recent films, like Up (2009), characters have undergone significant changes during the design process. Carl Fredricksen, the elderly protagonist of the movie, looked quite different in early sketches.

The initial concept art showed him as a more severe and stern figure. His final design, with his exaggerated square shape and softer facial expressions, helped convey a more relatable and humorous side to the character, which was essential for the film's emotional depth.

The evolution of Disney characters from their initial concepts to the final versions highlights the detailed work that goes into their creation. It's a lengthy process of refining and adjusting to ensure the characters resonate with audiences.

Through this process, Disney has crafted characters that are cherished worldwide. When watching a Disney movie, it’s worth considering the effort behind those designs and how different they could have been if early drafts were left unchanged.

Damjan