In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 60th feature film “Encanto,” Mirabel Madrigal lives with her extended family in the mountains of
Colombia in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.
“I think one of the things that Disney Animation does so, so well is they allow you
into the inner life of their heroes and in this film, the inner life of the hero, Mirabel, is
one of turmoil and one of uncertainty,” Beatriz says. “She’s really unsure of who she
is. She’s not sure whether or not she belongs. But because of her love for her
family and the possibility that their magic might disappear, she takes it upon herself
to sort of be the hero that she didn’t know she could be.”
Realizing that the fate of her family is more important than her inner fears,
Mirabel embarks on a dangerous and thrilling adventure to save her family.
“I think one of the greatest things about this story is that she dares herself to go
on that journey,” Beatriz shares. “I think that is so special because it’s telling an
audience, many of them very impressionable, young people, that by daring yourself
to believe in yourself you could possibly become the hero of your own story.”
Beatriz says it is a gift to have served as part of the Encanto phenomenon, which
includes many hit songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
“I just can’t get it out of my head,” she exclaims. “That’s what Lin
(Manuel-Miranda) can do so, so, so very well. He can write these hooks that just get
in there and don’t leave. I love them.”
Beatriz’s standout performance has earned rave reviews and numerous awards,
including the 2018 Imagen Award for best supporting actress in a TV series, and a
2015 Screen Actors Guild Award® nomination for outstanding performance by an
ensemble in a comedy series.
“Stephanie is perfect,” says co-director Charise Castro Smith. “We couldn’t have
cast anybody better. She came to us with Mirabel’s humor, her vulnerability and
openheartedness. She brings so much charm to the character.”
According to Beatriz, portraying the character came naturally. “Mirabel
reminds me of myself at her age—headstrong yet unsure, full of wonder and
imagination but sometimes held back by self-doubt,” says Beatriz. “She’s funny,
awkward and brave. She’s also very much a classic Disney heroine, and yet she’s a
new iteration of that classic. Plus—the glasses!”
For Beatriz, it’s that in-depth approach that most appealed to her. “Disney has
truly perfected the art of storytelling,” she says. “There’s a lot of care and beauty with
which they tell these incredible stories—from the research to the story development
Mirabel Madrigal struggles to fit in a family where everyone has
been blessed with magical powers - everyone but her.
to the brilliant animation and collective beautiful energy that goes into making a
Disney animated film. It’s a collective of artists working diligently with every ounce of
their talent to put something special and beautiful into the world. I’m honored to have
been a part of the legacy of Disney Animation. It’s a dream come true.”
Beatriz is next set to host “Twin Flames,” a podcast for Shrink Next Door studio
Wondery, about dating and cultish obsession. During her Hollywood tenor, Beatriz
has worked to increase the visibility of the Latina queer community. Beatriz has also
voiced Gertie in “Ice Age: Collision Course,” and General Sweet Mayhem in “The
LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part.” For Disney, she played Salma Espinosa in the
“Jessie” episode "Toy Con." She also voiced Ixlan in “Elena of Avalor,” and Gosalyn
Mallard in the “DuckTales” reboot.
LS
The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital with special features is now
available to enjoy.
(Stephanie Beatriz photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Copyright 2021 Getty Images.
ENCANTO, 2021. © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
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