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The director had the unenviable task of making sure Melissa McCarthy was an unsympathetic character in the new movie; Disney's challenge to promote princesses in a changing culture.
The director had the unenviable task of making sure Melissa McCarthy was an unsympathetic character in the new movie; Disney's challenge to promote princesses in a changing culture.
On today's show:
The challenge of turning a likable actress into a grump
(Starts at 8:30)
Marielle Heller talks about directing Melissa McCarthy in "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" — a film about the bitter writer and literary forger Lee Israel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJIaNsf_bY
Promoting princesses in a changing culture
(Starts at 1:15)
For nearly 20 years, Disney employees have debated how far the company should go in updating its heroines for the modern age. The crux: How do you keep princesses relevant without alienating fans who hold fast to the versions they grew up with? Billions of dollars of revenue — dolls, sequels, stage shows and dresses—hang on getting that balance right. Erich Schwartzel of the Wall Street Journal talks about Disney's strategy.