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Fans of the Pixar film Brave are criticizing Disney's decision to alter the appearance
of red-haired heroine, Merida.
The makeover is for her induction as Disney's 11th official princess. She is now less quirky,
thinner, and more mature-looking than the original Pixar version. The new look was met
with almost immediate criticism by many fans and parents.
Brenda Chapman, one of the directors of Brave before she was fired, has spoken out against
her former employer's decision to redesign Merida.
She told the Marin Independent Journal: "There is an irresponsibility to this decision that
is appalling for women and young girls. Disney marketing and the powers that be that allow
them to do such things should be ashamed of themselves.
"They have been handed an opportunity on a silver platter to give their consumers something
of more substance and quality — THAT WILL STILL SELL — and they have a total disregard
for it in the name of their narrow minded view of what will make money.
"I forget that Disney's goal is to make money without concern for integrity. Silly me."
The studio's official statement on the matter to Yahoo! Shine reads: "Merida exemplifies
what it means to be a Disney Princess through being brave, passionate, and confident and
she remains the same strong and determined Merida from the movie whose inner qualities
have inspired moms and daughters around the world."
Although fired from the project, Chapman -- the first woman to direct a Pixar film -- shared
Brave's Oscar for Best Animated film with her replacement Mark Andrews.
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