Disney have unveiled their first plus-sized heroine in a ground-breaking short film discussing body dysmorphia.
Over the course of Disney's history, viewers have only ever seen plus-sized characters as villains or extras with many previously hitting out at this decision.
Now, bosses have been praised on social media for their latest film, Reflect, which features a plus-sized character as the star of the short film.
The film follows Bianca, who is a ballet dancer battling her own reflection and overcoming doubts by channelling her "inner strength, grace and power".
Reflect is part of Disney's Short Circuit series of experimental films which will focus on the topic of body issues.
Following the announcement, fans instantly took to social media, with one tweeting: "Sixteen-year-old me needed this Disney short before I quit ballet because I didn't want to be the fat girl in class any more. I'm glad little ones will have this. 10/10 for Reflect!"
"I saw this Disney short called Reflect and it emotionally tore me up. It's about a little plus-size girl doing ballet and the mirrors start to swallow her up because of her body insecurity but she destroys them by dancing anyway," said a second.
Before a third commented: "Disney continues its inclusion campaign for children and young people, and has now presented its new short starring a girl with dysmorphia."
"Disney Plus launches a short with a plus-size girl as the protagonist. This type of initiative was needed to educate the little ones. #reflect," typed a fourth.
While another fan said: "THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Disney+ FINALLY made a short with a Plus Size lead! It's called Reflect and it’s part of the Short Circuit short series. Let's just say I was SOBBING."
Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition, where a person is constantly worrying about potential flaws in their appearance.
Those who suffer from body dysmorphia often have set routines which can include excessive use of mirrors, or often avoiding them.
Previously, fans of the entertainment giant had called on Disney to introduce plus-sized princesses with social media post showing several Disney stars given plus-sized makeovers going viral in 2015.
However, they were accused of showing "unrealistic beauty standards" in 2021 after a character in the short film Inner Workings had what some described as exaggerated proportions.
In the film, the main character Paul instantly falls in love with Kate who has thin arms and a tiny waist – with an extremely large bottom.
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