Giselle (Enchanted)
A cheerful maiden from Andalasia who finds love in New York.
Giselle is a character from Disney's *Enchanted* (2007) and its sequel *Disenchanted* (2022), played and voiced by Amy Adams. She begins as a bright, optimistic young woman from the animated land of Andalasia, engaged to Prince Edward. When the evil Queen Narissa pushes her down a wishing well, Giselle lands in modern-day New York City. There, she meets Robert, a jaded divorce lawyer, and her feelings for Edward become complicated. The character was created by writer Bill Kelly and director Kevin Lima as both a tribute to and a gentle spoof of classic Disney princesses, drawing from Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel. Adams was chosen from about 300 actresses; director Lima wanted an unknown, but Disney executives were hesitant because she wasn't famous at the time. Animator James Baxter supervised Giselle's animated scenes, using live footage of Adams to blend her performance with the classic Disney princess style. Critics praised Adams' comedic timing, singing, and dedication to the role, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. The part is widely seen as launching Adams as a Hollywood leading lady and helping revive Disney's princess films after a slump.
- field
- Film
- known_for
- Portraying a Disney princess parody in Enchanted and Disenchanted
- portrayed_by
- Amy Adams
- first_appearance
- Enchanted (2007)
- creator
- Bill Kelly and Kevin Lima
Lore & Background
Giselle is a young woman from the animated kingdom of Andalasia who quickly becomes engaged to Prince Edward. Their marriage plans are jeopardized by Edward's stepmother, Queen Narissa, who pushes Giselle down a wishing well, transporting her to contemporary Manhattan. Disoriented and homeless, Giselle meets Robert, a disillusioned divorce lawyer and single father, who reluctantly allows her to stay in his apartment. As Giselle explores New York, Edward pursues her, while Narissa's henchman plots to poison her. Despite her devotion to Edward, Giselle begins to develop feelings for Robert, and the real world transforms her into a complex human being. At a costume ball, Narissa offers Giselle a magic apple that poisons her, putting her into a deep sleep. True love's kiss from Robert revives her, and Giselle chooses to stay in New York with Robert and his daughter, launching her own princess-themed clothing line called 'Andalasia Fashions'.
Reader's Guide
Giselle's significance lies in her role as both a parody and homage to classic Disney princesses, borrowing inspiration from Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel. The character was created to balance comedic antics with relatability, avoiding simply making her a 'fool'. Director Kevin Lima described Giselle as '80% Snow White' with traits of Cinderella and Aurora, combined with Ariel's spunk. The role established Amy Adams as a leading lady in Hollywood, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. Some publications credit Giselle with reviving Disney's princess films after a period of decline. However, due to disagreements over compensating Adams for using her likeness, Disney canceled its initial plans to induct Giselle into the Disney Princess franchise. The character's journey from a reactive fairy-tale maiden to an active participant in her own story reflects a transition towards more empowered heroines.
Did You Know?
- Amy Adams was selected out of approximately 300 actresses who auditioned for the role of Giselle.
- Disney executives were initially hesitant to hire Adams due to her relative obscurity at the time.
- Giselle's animated sequences were supervised by veteran Disney animator James Baxter, who referenced live-action footage of Adams.
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