Check Out These Shocking First Drafts of Disney Characters

Disney characters are some of the most recognizable characters in the world. There are some we love and some we love to hate but almost all of them are easily recognized on sight. In fact, they are so ubiquitous that they become the versions of classic fairytales. Just try to imagine Snow White or Cinderella as anything but the Disney version. Hard to do right? 

During the animation process characters go through many developmental revisions (and after seeing the first drafts, we’re very glad for that). One YouTuber, who goes by The Things Animated on the platform, has found first drafts of many of our favorite characters and the differences are…striking. Let’s take a look at some of them: 

Let’s start by talking about Bruno. The original version had him looking a bit oafish don’t you think? The final version definitely conveys his personality better.

Credit: Disney

Alice originally was meant to look like a doll rather than a girl. The basic details are the same but we like the refined details on the finished character much better. Alice is much more relatable in her final iteration. There’s something kind of adorable about the first draft though.

Credit: Disney

Can we just say YIKES about Genie’s original concept? Genie is one of the most lovable characters from Aladdin but there is nothing lovable about this first draft. When Robin Williams signed on to voice Genie, the character was designed after him!

Credit: Disney

Did you know Elsa was originally going to be a villain? When the writers heard “Let It Go” they decided to rework the story entirely.

Credit: Disney

Another character that was originally supposed to be a villain was Woody! That’s right, sweet, lovable Woody was originally going to be the bad guy! It’s hard to believe but true!

Credit: Disney

Aurora went through a drastic change, didn’t she? None of the sweet characteristics of the final version are present in the rough draft. In fact, we think she looks a bit sinister.

Credit: Disney

“For who could learn to love a beast?” The final version is definitely much more lovable than the original. Though now we see where the inspiration for Pumba may habe come from.

Credit: Disney

Ursula….oh dear Ursula. This character has never particularly been known for her beauty but man is the final draft an improvement.  The first draft feels like she should be telling us she’s watching us….alwaaaaays watching (if you know you know).

Credit: Disney

Tinkerbell was destined to be adorable, no matter which version of her you choose. Though the original draft makes her look much less sympathetic than the final version.

Credit: Disney

Here’s a rare example of a characters final version looking worse than the first draft. We have to admit though, the final version of Cruella is definitely more fitting for a woman who’s main goal was to turn adorable little puppies into coats!

These are just the highlights from the video (which can be seen below). The video shows many more characters and goes into more  detail. It even shows multiple revisions for some of your favorite characters. The process of character development is fascinating– seeing our favorite characters go from a rough sketch on paper to a finished design is truly remarkable.