Given that my last Disney-themed story for Quartz was a resounding success, I was all to happy to return to that company for today’s story, on how even Disney is finally embracing the anti-hero:
While the wholesome company built on Mickey Mouse cannot create a series around the likes of drug kingpins or serial killers, its Disney Villains (as the company has been branding them in theme parks and merchandising) offer them an ideal entrée into at least semi-dark territory. An early attempt at this was Wreck-It Ralph, last year’s animated film hit about a misunderstood video game villain who becomes the hero, which grossed a healthy $471 million worldwide.
Now Disney is ready to go all-in on the notion that in pop culture, it’s good, and lucrative, to be bad.
Sometimes, even villains can save the day!
