Ethan Clade’s Strange world (with the vocal talents of Jaboukie Young-White), Available November 25 on Disney+, will be Disney’s first openly gay character. Which makes the studio’s next release a milestone in its long history in the animation universe. The extraordinary adventure is loosely based on a Jules Verne story and is the demonstration of the Disney’s commitment to generate much more inclusive and sensitive content.
This is a measured risk, after the scandal that surrounded lightyear, the Disney and Pixar production that featured a same-sex couple. The film sparked a complicated, and at some points aggressive, debate about the inclusion of LGTBIQ+ themes in family plots. It also caused the production to be banned in several countries. All despite the fact that the context related to the family of Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) was not of fundamental importance in the plot.
But, in the case of Strange world, it is a central character who will have a relevant role within the plot. For the actor charged with lending his voice to the experience, this is an important and significant moment in the history of contemporary cinema. “I thought he was very good” commented Young-White to Yahoo Entertainment. “It was a beautiful thing to be a part of and something I wish I had seen when I was that age.”
Strange world It is a magical journey through new territories
Ethan is the youngest member of the Clade, an illustrious family of explorers that will be the center of the plot of Strange world. In the universe of the animated movie, the celebrated clan has traveled the world and accomplished considerable achievements. From respected grandfather Jaeger (Dennis Quaid) or his mother Meridian (Gabrielle Union), a renowned pilot, to his father Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal), a respected inventor. The very young explorer will have to find his place in the family glories and, moreover, his spiritual goal.
But, as if that were not enough, also love. Strange world includes a story line devoted to Ethan’s emotional life. The character is in love with a schoolmate and hopes to be reciprocated. It is the first time that Disney addresses the issue of homosexuality, much more in adolescent characters. Y does it without disguising or using double readings to narrate the emotions and the transit of self-discovery of its protagonist. What for Young-White is a challenge that opens new paths in traditional Disney themes.
For the actor, it is also of considerable importance how the situation is analyzed in Strange world. “That’s who he is and he’s not underlined or made to be a big deal. He is an aspect of Ethan and one of the many things that make him who he is. I thought it was amazing.”
A journey into dangerous waters
Of course, Strange world it is about to go through controversy and become, perhaps, a difficult topic of debate. But, in the words of director Don Hall, it’s about a necessary risk to expand the possibilities of showing characters queer In Disney. “(Sexual orientation) was always a part of the film’s DNA and a part of who Ethan was,” the filmmaker explained.
“As well as the fact that he’s bold and a bit impulsive at times. Also unwavering empathy when it comes to every little thing. That is the reason why he becomes the environmental conscience of the film. The message of the film flows through Ethan.”
To Jake Gyllenhaal and Gabrielle Union, Strange world it will break schemes in more than one point. The Clade family is also interracial, which will allow you to explore new perspectives on unique topics. “It’s beautiful to see such a diverse cast and these ideas being normalized in the world,” Gyllenhaal said. “What’s so beautiful about the movie is that the only way this family can save the world is through love. They will only be able to do so if they begin to understand and listen to each other.”
Of course, none of the actors and talents involved in the project are oblivious to the possible controversy that Ethan’s character will cause. Nor to the possibility of the film being banned in several countries, to which Gabrielle Union confesses that she “will make her sad.” However, for the actress it is clear that the message will arrive one way or another.
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“What I learned about the Internet is that once it’s there, it’s there,” he insisted. “People who want to see (the film) will find a way. The more certain countries work to deny their citizens the opportunity to see things, the more obvious the need to do so will become. An optimistic look at, perhaps, one of the most considerable risks that Disney has gone through in her recent filmography.