Disney have been accused of not understanding the character
Jessica Rabbit, one of the most recognisable characters in animation history, has been given a bit of a makeover for a ride at Disneyland.
Instead of her iconic red dress, Rabbit now wears a long trench coat, covering her figure and causing anger among fans of the character and the famous film she appeared in, 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The change has been made for the Disneyland ride Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, which according to the theme park is a “race through Toontown in search of Jessica Rabbit” as Roger Rabbit “attempts to rescue his beloved wife from the evil henchman known as the Weasels.”
Fans noticed the change to the character after a tweet showing a poster set to be displayed at the ride, which reads: “Citing the recent return of the Toon Patrol Weasels as the main driver behind the recent sharp rise in crime statistics throughout Mickey’s Toontown, Jessica Rabbit has determined it is past time for her to throw her fedora into the ring by starting her own private investigations service.
“While taking inspiration from long-time friend and legendary Toon Detective Eddie Valiant, Jessica shows that she certainly means business.”
Here's some more information about the new Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin backstory at Disneyland. This poster will be displayed in the queue.
Some background: https://t.co/ddPkhxX9ZB pic.twitter.com/bzNrM3Cb5c
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 15, 2021
This caused anger amongst some, who questioned why the character needed any sort of makeover.
One person argued that Disney “do not understand the concept of Jessica Rabbit” as her overtly provocative appearance was the exact point of the character and was a comment on classic cinema tropes of the past.
Another wondered why the character needed to “have a masculine job and wear masculine clothes in order to be empowered.”
Disney does not understand the concept of Jessica Rabbit… pic.twitter.com/shD7aO6zge
— TrueUnderDawg (@TrueUnderDawg1) September 17, 2021
https://twitter.com/DavidMDaut/status/1438236505793695744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1438236505793695744%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unilad.co.uk%2Ffilm-and-tv%2Fjessica-rabbits-politically-correct-make-over-leaves-fans-fuming%2F
A third asked whether the toning down of Rabbit’s appearance meant that “damsel-type female characters” aren’t allowed to exist anymore.
I recently heard about Disney re-designing Jessica Rabbit for "modern audiences" and while I am not fan of that idea at all – it got me thinking.
Are damsel-type female characters still allowed to exist?
— Yogensha (@YOG3NSHA) September 15, 2021
Another thought that the character revamp was an example of slut shaming.
Is it just me or is #Disney basically slut shaming Jessica Rabbit?#JessicaRabbit #Disneyland #ShesJustDrawnThatWay
— Antifa's mother hen 🧙♀️ (she/her) (@WytchyCraft) September 21, 2021
The character has of course not changed though. This is simply one ride, and fans can still see her sans jacket in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, filmmaker Robert Zemeckis’ 1988 classic that introduced her to the world.
Related links:
- Rugrats mum will be openly gay in new reboot
- GMB guest says Disney’s Snow White ‘promotes kissing without consent’
- Pepe Le Pew is officially cancelled, won’t return in any new Looney Tunes projects
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