Woody from Toy Story
Toy Story came out in 1995 and is about sentient toys all belonging to a boy called Andy. Woody is a cowboy and is Andy’s all time favourite toy. We know him as a friendly leader, if a little jealous. This original concept art of Woody is so off-putting when placed next to the final result!
Elsa from Frozen
Frozen is one Disney’s biggest hit movies which is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale of the Snow Queen. However, in the final version of the movie, Elsa is no evil snow queen, but a troubled yet loving sister to Anna. This is why her final design is so different from the original concept art we see of her here. All the sharp edges were removed from her design, and Elsa’s skin definitely isn’t blue in the movie.
The Genie from Aladdin
The Genie is possibly the most iconic character in Disney’s Aladdin. He is voiced by the beloved late actor and comedian Robin Williams. The character is smooth and charismatic which is why this original concept art of Genie just looks so wrong! The blue skin, more flowing lines and the goatee suit Genie so much better than the lumpy green.
Ursula from The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is an old Hans Christian Andersen tale which was reimagined for a Disney rendition in 1989. Ursula is the evil sea witch who takes mermaid Ariel’s voice in exchange for legs in a malevolent contract. Ursula’s final design is loosely based on drag queen Divine and it is certainly more flattering than the droopier punk look in the original drawing. Those pointy teeth are also beyond creepy!
Jane from Tarzan
Tarzan is a story about a boy who is raised by gorillas in the jungle. Jane is Tarzan’s love interest. Her design in Disney’s rendition of the story changed quite a lot over the design process. Instead of emphasising Jane’s Englishness, the time period, and her upper class position in society, a more personal design was explored. The yellowish beige coloured dress is reminiscent of colonial fashion of the era and Jane’s hair is tied back, helping her focus on her intense interests.
Tinkerbell from Peter Pan
The story of Peter Pan is about a boy from a fantasy land where he never grows up. Fairy Tinkerbell is like his right hand woman. She is also incredibly mischievous. Her original design was much closer to 50s pinup girls, including in colour scheme. The switch to Tinkerbell’s iconic green dress and blonde hair helped to emphasise the natural aspect of Neverland. Her more typically fairy-shaped wings also bring a fantastical element to her design.
