A “Whole” New World of Accents: A Societal Treatment Study of Accent Use and Stereotyping in Disney’s Originals and Remakes

Abstract

This master’s thesis analyzes the portrayal of English accents in eight Disney classics released between 1940 and 1998 and eight live-action remakes of these films released between 2019 and 2023. The purpose has been to uncover systematic correlations between character traits and the use of different English accents. It is also discussed whether societal changes are incorporated into the remakes. The analysis underscores the differences in how English accents are portrayed in the original films compared to their remakes. Whereas the original films rely on stigmatizing stereotypes associated with characters speaking African American Vernacular English or English with a foreign accent, such portrayals are notably absent in the adaptations. Moreover, while General American predominates in the originals, the remakes feature English accents that are more reflective of the setting, resulting in a higher proportion of characters speaking English with a foreign accent. However, differences remain in accent use between male and female characters, as well as between young and adult characters. Characters with regional accents are portrayed as less sophisticated and are more frequently portrayed as antagonistic characters. They also tend to have less important roles compared to characters speaking standard English accents. In essence, systematic correlations remain in the live-action remakes between character traits and the use of English accents, even though the adaptations avoid employing stereotypes that are directly related to specific cultures or minorities. In summary, Disney’s live-action remakes mirror shifts in society, although there is still a potential for perpetuating stereotypes through the accent portrayals in these films.