Merida, the heroine of BRAVE, is a bold redheaded archer who defies expectations. Her fearless independence and sharp wit have made her a standout figure in animated cinema. She becomes the 11th official Disney Princess, a milestone celebrated by fans across Canada and the United States.
She joins a long line of Disney Princesses that includes Snow White, Mulan, Aurora, Belle, Tiana, Rapunzel, Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, and Pocahontas. Merida is the first Pixar character to join the Disney Princess lineup.
Her coronation as the 11th Disney Princess took place on May 11, 2013 at Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World, Orlando, marking her official status in the lineup.
BRAVE, released in 2012, became one of the year’s top-grossing animated features, earning hundreds of millions at the worldwide box office. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, making Pixar’s sixth Oscar in its twelve-year history.
In the broader arc of Disney’s princess storytelling, Merida’s inclusion signaled a shift toward more varied voice and character arcs, appealing to families in Canada and the United States who seek adventurous heroines. A natural question emerges for fans: who should be the 12th Disney Princess? The conversation continues as audiences imagine future additions that reflect diverse cultures and modern princess narratives.
What character do you think should be the 12th Disney Princess? Share your thoughts as the lineup evolves and audiences imagine new heroes who resonate with today’s viewers.