To accompany the new Brave featurette profiling Princess Merida, Disney/Pixar has released official character descriptions along with some concept art giving us a closer look at the main character and her horse Angus. Merida is being told to follow tradition, but the fiery teenager that she is, she does not exactly want to be told what to do. After the jump, read the official descriptions and check out the great pre-production artwork!
MERIDA (Voice of Kelly Macdonald)
Passionate and fiery, Merida is a headstrong teenager of royal upbringing who is struggling to take control of her own destiny. She feels most at home in the outdoors honing her impressive athletic skills as an archer and swordfighter, and racing across the magnificent Highland countryside with her faithful horse, Angus. With a spirit as vibrant as her untamed hair, Merida also has a softness of heart, especially when it comes to her wee triplet brothers. As the daughter of the King and Queen, her life is weighted with responsibilities and expectations, causing her to yearn to preserve her freedom and independence. When Merida blatantly defies an ancient tradition, the consequences of her actions prove disastrous for the kingdom. She must race against time to make right the result of her reckless behavior, her journey compelling her to look inside to discover the meaning of bravery and reveal her true fate.
Concept art by Shading Art Director Tia Kratter and Character Art Director Matt Nolte
A drawing of Merida in her informal dress created to define what the character’s dress will generally look like. Merida wears this dress everyday and was designed for her to move easily and comfortably. Shading Art Director Tia Kratter wanted the dress to be heavy and textured linen.
ANGUS
Black as night with ivory muzzle and fetlocks, Angus is Merida’s powerful Clydesdale and her most trusted confidant. Angus is Merida’s escape from castle life into the deep forest and the highlands beyond. Merida target shoots from her perch on his broad back and is able to coax him into one adventure after another. Angus can be balky, stubborn and faint-hearted at times, but is ultimately a devoted and faithful friend to Merida.
Concept art by Character Art Director Matt Nolte
Only a few examples of what will likely be found in The Art of Brave
, which is scheduled to drop at the end of next month. My mouth continues to water for the book!
