Why Shuri from Black Panther Isn't Considered an Official Disney Princess

Throughout the history of Disney films, certain characters have taken the throne and become celebrated as 'official Disney Princesses.' However, Shuri, the brilliant and skilled daughter of T’Chaka in the Marvel series Black Panther, does not hold the same status within the Disney family. This raises interesting questions about what it means to be an 'official Disney Princess' and whether her position as the heir to Wakanda makes her a true Disney royalty.

The Criteria for an Official Disney Princess

The term 'official Disney Princess' is used to describe characters that are portrayed as princesses in Disney or Pixar animated films. Although a character like Shuri could be considered a princess in her own right, the official Disney Princess criterion is more stringent. The princesses in Disney films are often portrayed as daughters of living kings, destined to inherit the throne when the current king passes on. Shuri, on the other hand, is the daughter of a previous king and the sister of the current king, making her a step further from this traditional role.

In addition to the genetic lineage criteria, there are other factors that come into play. Disney princesses often undergo a trial by combat to demonstrate their worthiness for the crown. Shuri would need to prove herself in a similar combat or challenge, which is a distinctive aspect of the traditional princess narrative.

Shuri's Professional Standing and Her Status as a Princess

Despite Shuri's prestigious standing as the Princess of Wakanda, a nation renowned for its technological and military prowess, the label 'Disney Princess' seems somewhat incongruous. Shuri is not only a princess but a scientist and technologist, celebrated for her intelligence and contribution to her country's defense. This aligns more closely with the figure of a modern technological pioneer rather than a traditional princess.

Shuri's actual role and achievements are often overshadowed by her princess status, which may be seen as trivial in comparison to her contributions to the nation's defense. The idea of having her dressed in fancy dresses and having 'bluebirds' assist her seems asinine to many fans and critics alike. She is far more than a downgraded version of a Disney princess; she represents a new kind of princess, one who is tech-savvy and a global icon.

Marvel, Disney, and the Divergent Universes

It's important to note that Shuri, even though she is a princess in the Black Panther universe, is not considered an 'official Disney Princess' due to the divergence of the Marvel and Disney universes. While Marvel is a rich narrative framework, it operates under a separate identity from Disney. This means that while Shuri is celebrated within her own universe, she cannot fit into the traditional Disney Princess mold due to the different cultural and narrative boundaries.

The Case for Other African Princesses

The concept of making an official Disney Princess based on an African or Afro-descendant character has been a long-standing desire for many. While Disney Princesses have predominantly been white, there have been efforts in recent years to diversify the princess line-up. The suggestion to base a story on historical African queens, such as Queen Amina or Queen Sheba, presents an opportunity to create more diverse and inclusive narratives. These figures could serve as powerful role models for children and adults alike, highlighting the historical and cultural contributions of African women to global history.

The idea of Black Panther itself being a part of Disney’s official line-up is worth considering. While it currently exists in a different narrative universe, the success and critical acclaim of Black Panther indicate that there may be a future where the lines between Marvel and Disney become more blurred. This could lead to a scenario where characters like Shuri, who epitomize strength, intelligence, and technological advancement, might be recognized as 'official' princesses within the Disney realm.

To conclude, while Shuri is widely recognized as a princess in her own narrative, her status as an 'official Disney Princess' remains unresolved due to the multiverse differences between Disney and Marvel. However, the diversification of Disney characters to include more significant representations from marginalized cultures is a positive step forward in storytelling and representation.