Lexi Underwood is Changing the Way We Look At Disney Princesses
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You may recognize Lexi Underwood, 17, from her breakout role in Little Fires Everywhere this past spring, but what you probably didn't see is all the work Lexi has been doing behind the screen for years. When she was 15, Lexi came up with the idea for We the Voices of Gen Z, a documented roundtable of young people discussing important issues. "When we can sit in purposeful conversation with each other and lean-in to finding sustainable solutions that are not at the cost of someone else's civil liberties and freedom, then good things can happen," Lexi told Seventeen. That is why Lexi believes in using her platform to amplify the issues that she's passionate about. That means attending marches, but also pushing for representation in media. Next year, Lexi will return to the screen as Kira King in Sneakerella, providing a much needed adaption to the classic Disney princess story. Lexi is hoping a generation of kids will be able to look at Kira and finally see themselves.
What work have you done surrounding the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Watching George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery's deaths and hearing the details of Breonna Taylor and Sean Reed's murders in tandem with being in the midst of a global pandemic was the catalyst for the largest civil rights movement in history. I initially started by reading, posting, and reposting information about Black Lives Matter but I felt like I should be doing more. I understand that we all have our individual roles to play in the movement, without judgment, but for me, I felt deeply that I needed to do more. I just couldn't reconcile how I could post about marching and encourage my followers to march but remain behind a computer screen in the safety of my home. It felt performative to me.
Gen Z is the most diverse generation in history. Our collective influence, whether it's through social media or our spending power, has the potential to drastically shift the way we currently operate as a society. I am so proud to be a part of this diverse, brilliant, aware, vocal, and inspiring generation. When I was 15, I came up with a concept titled We the Voices of Gen Z. We the Voices of Gen Z is a documented round table of Gen Z voices from diverse backgrounds, discussing social and political issues. When we can sit in purposeful conversation with each other and lean-in to finding sustainable solutions that are not at the cost of someone else's civil liberties and freedom, then good things can happen. My plan is to continue having these conversations. That's one of the goals of WTVOGZ: offer information that will empower young people at their local levels to impact change in their communities.
What is a major goal of yours when it comes to your activism?
My biggest goal when it comes to being a change-maker is continuing to use whatever influence I may have to educate, to amplify, to encourage, and to help facilitate tangible change for underrepresented, marginalized, and disenfranchised people. I will continue supporting Black Lives Matter, voter engagement initiatives, gun control legislation, and immigrant rights. Most of all, I'm very passionate about making sure Black women & Black Trans women are seen, feel validated, safe, protected, and respected. Malcom X said it best, "The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman."
What does it mean to you to be a Disney princess?
I'm feeling very grateful that I get to be a part of a project that is culturally relevant and necessary. Being cast as a Disney princess is a dream come true. When I was a little girl, I had all the Disney princesses' dresses with matching tiaras. I would play dress-up with my friends and pretend to wait for my "Prince Charming" or whoever to come and rescue me. I even remember during my first meeting with my managers, when I was 12 years old, they asked me what I wanted to do. Excitedly I responded, "I want to work for Disney!" The older I became, the more that particular dream seemed unattainable. Then, Sneakerella came along and my dreams became a reality. Telling stories that are inclusive and reflective of the diverse world that we live in is paramount in helping to create positive images for kids to look to as a reflection of themselves. Kira King is a strong, smart, business savvy, regal princess of a sneaker dynasty. In essence, I'm "Princess Charming."
What do you think "Sneakerella" will mean to young girls and boys?
I hope that young girls and boys will be inspired and feel empowered by the story we're telling. This entire project has reimagined our traditional definition of the Disney prince and princess. As storytellers and creatives, we get to stretch the restrictive boundaries we've placed on what our heroes look like. Representation is important. Kira is a Black princess who rocks her natural hair, wears [Air] Jordans, and likes baggy clothes. Kira is relatable, she's grounded, and she stands on her principles. Also, Kira isn't the girl waiting to be recused by a boy. She holds the proverbial glass slipper or in this case, glass tennis shoe. Hopefully a generation of girls and boys will look at Kira and see themselves. They will feel like royalty in their own skin. If just one little girl is able to look at herself in the mirror with her natural hair and tennis shoes and know that she is a princess, then I did my job.
Answers have been edited and shortened for clarity.
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