Disney enthusiasts criticized for overlooking marginal characters during movie debates
In the animated Disney movie Mulan, released almost three decades ago, the energetic and charming Little Brother, Mulan's pet dog, provides comic relief and assists her with chores, even causing mischief such as disturbing her father during prayer [1][3][4]. However, the significance of this character has been a topic of debate on social media recently.
The controversy began when a Disney World Princess Week poster featured Mulan cuddling an unfamiliar-looking white dog, instead of her traditional sidekick, Mushu the dragon [2]. Fans were quick to express their dissatisfaction, questioning why Disney replaced Mushu with Little Brother in the promotional material.
Mushu, voiced by Eddie Murphy, is a character in Mulan and serves as Mulan's trusty sidekick. He is known for his sassy and humorous dialogue, and some fans argue that he and Cri-Kee the cricket were more prominent in the movie than Little Brother [6].
The inclusion of Little Brother in the poster, and his omission from the live-action 2020 remake of Mulan, has sparked debate among fans. Some have defended their love for Mulan, despite not remembering Little Brother, against claims of being 'fake fans'. Meanwhile, others have expressed a desire to see more of Little Brother, suggesting he could become an icon like Stitch [9].
The white dog in the Mulan poster has been questioned by fans, with some claiming it never existed in the movie. However, it is known as Little Brother in the film [7]. Little Brother appears briefly in both the first and second Mulan movies [8].
Some fans have also criticized others online for not remembering a key family member in Mulan. Meanwhile, a few fans have been accused of being 'fake fans' for not remembering Little Brother. However, the debate continues, with many suggesting adding Mushu the dragon, Cri-Kee the cricket, or Mulan's horse, Khan, to the poster instead of Little Brother [10].
Despite the controversy, Little Brother remains a beloved character to many fans, who appreciate his charm and contribution to the movie. Chris Sanders, Little Brother's voice actor, also voiced the character Stitch in the Lilo & Stitch movies, further cementing his place in Disney's animated world.
In conclusion, the debate about Little Brother's significance in Disney's Mulan continues on social media, with fans expressing their love for the character and questioning his inclusion in promotional materials. The controversy has sparked discussions about the role of sidekicks in Disney movies and the importance of preserving the original characters in promotional materials.
- Some fans have suggested that Little Brother's charm and humor could make him an entertainment icon like Stitch, from the Lilo & Stitch movies.
- Amidst the debate on social media, fans have been sharing their thoughts on the importance of characters like Mushu, Cri-Kee, and Mulan's horse, Khan, rather than Little Brother, in the promotions of Disney's Mulan.
