Cinderella, the beloved fairy tale, has enchanted generations with its timeless message of hope and dreams coming true. But did you know that Disney doesn’t actually own the story of Cinderella? This iconic tale, with roots dating back over two thousand years, has taken various forms across different cultures and continents. In this article, we explore why Cinderella vanished from Disney+ and when we can expect her magical return.
The Origins of Cinderella:
Cinderella’s story is far older than Disney itself. The first recorded version hails from the 6th Century BCE, recounting the life of a Greek courtesan named Rhodopis, whose shoes were stolen by an eagle and delivered to an Egyptian king. Over the centuries, numerous adaptations emerged worldwide, including Charles Perrault’s 1697 rendition in France. Disney’s take on Cinderella came to life in 1950.
Cinderella Across the Ages:
Apart from Disney’s classic adaptation, Cinderella has graced our screens in various forms, such as “Ever After,” “A Cinderella Story,” “Another Cinderella Story,” and “Ella Enchanted.” In 2015, a live-action version of Cinderella captivated audiences with its nuanced portrayal of oppression and emotional abuse. Starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett, and Richard Madden, this adaptation received rave reviews, making it one of Disney’s standout live-action films.
The Disappearance of Cinderella:
Fans were in for a shock when Cinderella vanished from Disney+ in the United States on October 1, 2020. The disappearance was not due to a magical spell but rather licensing, contracts, and permissions that restricted streaming rights. In a bid to compete in the fast-growing streaming industry, Disney had inked deals with Netflix, Starz, and HBO before Disney+ had gained substantial traction. These contracts grew more limiting after Disney+ launched, forcing Disney to prioritize its bigger franchises like Marvel.
Cinderella’s International Presence:
While Cinderella bid farewell to Disney+ in the United States, she still graced screens in other countries. Disney+ International continued to feature this classic tale, ensuring that audiences worldwide could still enjoy the magic.
Other Movies in the Vault:
Cinderella wasn’t the only film to disappear from Disney+. Several other movies, including “Maleficent,” “Herbie Fully Loaded,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Anastasia,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” and “Rio,” faced similar fates due to the complex web of streaming contracts.
A Glimmer of Hope:
Fortunately for Cinderella fans, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Recent updates suggest that Cinderella might make a triumphant return to Disney+ by the end of 2023 or 2024. The strong demand from fans and the enduring popularity of the movie have compelled Disney to reconsider the buyout.
Conclusion:
Cinderella’s journey from the ancient world to Disney’s vault and, temporarily, back to the vault again is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. While she may have disappeared from Disney+ temporarily due to contractual intricacies, it’s heartening to know that her story will likely find its way back to screens soon. Until then, we can take solace in the fact that Cinderella’s magic continues to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide, reminding us all that dreams can come true, no matter where they are streamed.
