Who Is Bianca? Disney's First Plus-Sized Character To Star In Short Film

Disney introduced Bianca, the first plus-size heroine in an animated film about body dysmorphia. The upcoming short film Reflect tells the story of Bianca, a ballet dancer who is battling “her own reflection”. Bianca makes history for Disney as she is the first plus-sized character as a protagonist and not an antagonist.

Reflect is part of the “Short Circuit” series of experimental films that focuses on developing a person’s self-esteem and promoting body positivity and the acceptance of physiques.

In the short clip released by Disney, Bianca is seen practising ballet in front of the mirror as her reflection breaks apart, symbolising her negative self-image. She is being admonished by her ballet teacher for her posture, who says, “Tight tummy, long neck”. The mirror shatters and displays multiple Biancas in the cracked mirror.

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Disney First Plus-Sized Heroine

While some critics accused Disney of “glorifying obesity”, others praised Disney for sending a message to young people who might be struggling with self-acceptance.

One Twitter user wrote, “16 year old me needed this Disney short before I quit ballet because I didn’t want to be the fat girl in class anymore”.

Reflect is directed by Hillary Bradfield, who has previously worked on films such as Encanto, Frozen II, and Avatar: The Way of Water. She said, “When people watch this short, I hope that they can feel more positively about themselves and how they look, and feel okay about the tough parts of the journey”.

She also added that having Bianca be a ballet dancer was a natural decision, as they have to check their posture in the mirror. Bradfield said, “it just seemed like a really good way to put her in that environment where she has to look at herself, and she doesn’t want to”.

Reflect centres on Bianca, a young ballet dancer who overcomes doubt and fear "by channeling her inner strength, grace and power".

Previously, plus-sized characters were only featured in the roles of villains or extras, never as the leads. Bianca marks the first plus-sized lead in 85 years.