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In this episode of the Temple of Geek Podcast, we are discussing why audiences love Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto”. Our host Monica Duarte is joined by content creator and influencer Amanda Castrillo and Temple of Geek contributor Kristen Chavez.
The film was released in theaters on Nov. 24, 2021, and one month later was released on Disney+ on Christmas Day. During this podcast episode, our panelists break down their thoughts on how the film did in theaters and why it was so quickly released to stream on television. They’ll also discuss their thoughts on why Encanto has gone viral across TikTok and other social media platforms and why audiences love Encanto.
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Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto”
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” tells the tale of a magical family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house in a place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique super ability, except for one child, Maribel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz). When Maribel when discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, she sets out on an adventure to understand what is happening to the magic and protect her home.
The film is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard and features original songs by Emmy, GRAMMY, and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda with Germaine Franco composing the original score. Encanto is set in Colombia and embraces the diversity, culture, people, and music of the country. According to the filmmakers they were deeply inspired following their research trip, and “Encanto” was made in collaboration with the Colombian Cultural Trust, a group of experts in Colombian cultures, anthropology, botany, music, language, and architecture. Familia, a group of Latinx Disney Animation employees also shared their personal perspectives and experiences to help shape the film.
Audiences love Encanto
The Madrigal Family has gone viral on social media. Encanto has people discussing their thoughts and opinions on the show, to doing cosplays, dances, and skits. Two of the big reasons for that seem to be the on-screen representation both on-screen and behind the scenes. The representation includes LatinX/Latin people finally being able to see themselves on screen but also includes family representation in general. People can relate to the different family members that are represented on screen and see their own families in this story. And it helps that so many of the songs from the film are extremely catchy.
As of January 24th, 2022, the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has #2 on Billboard Hot 100. It is the second-highest rank song from a Disney animated film, just behind Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle’s Aladdin classic “A Whole New World,” and has passed the success of Frozen‘s “Let it go” by Idina Menzel. Currently, the Encanto soundtrack is on its second week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
@amandajustvibin Reply to @archerbean #morningamandarants #encanto ♬ original sound – Amanda Castrillo
@ecreip1 Can we talk abt this movie tho!? What’s next? 👀 #fyp #viral #foryoupage #disney #disneyplus #encanto #surfacepressure #gift #part87 ♬ original sound – Pierce Westbrook
@maribelspiritualjourney #cosplay #goddessenergy #luisa #encanto #lafamiliamadrigal #surfacepressure #wedonttalkaboutbruno ♬ just eldest daughter and family therapist things – persephone ⚢
This episode’s guests
@amandajustvibin #wedonttalkaboutbruno #encanto #doloresmadrigal #dolores #disney #lafamiliamadrigal ♬ original sound – 💛Kitte💛
Kristen Chavez (she/her) has been a contributor at Temple of Geek since 2021. Previously the co-founder and co-host of the Your Biggest Fangirl Podcast, she remains passionate and committed to highlighting positive interactions with fandom. Check out her work here and find her on Twitter and Instagram as @kriavez.
Real talk: Did Camilo recruit the rats with help from Antonio?
Or is he taking after his uncle, training these rats for years in anticipation of one day doing a dramatic dance number?
(I refuse to believe the rats are just part of the fantasy.) pic.twitter.com/RLRnKe3rAN
— Kristen (@kriavez) January 25, 2022
Always happy to discuss Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Encanto, Monica Duarte (she/her) is the Editor-In-Chief at Temple of Geek. She has been at Temple of Geek since 2016 sharing her fandoms and passions with our readers. A veteran of the Southern California convention scene, she enjoys going to as many comic book conventions and pop culture events as she can. Check out her work here and on Twitter and Instagram as @thisdorkynerd.
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