Disney
Was Chel the most unsuitable female character design by DreamWorks?
As we observe International Women’s Day, shining a spotlight on women’s rights and gender equality, it’s inevitable that discussions arise regarding the persistent sexualization of female characters in various media forms. Despite some progress in the portrayal of women in films over the years, troubling choices persist, even within the realm of children’s animated movies.
Chel, voiced by Rosie Perez, emerged as a standout character in DreamWorks’ 2000 film “The Road to El Dorado.” As a native Mesoamerican woman with exaggerated proportions, she served as Tulio’s love interest, donning attire reminiscent of traditional 16th-century pre-colonial dress—albeit consisting mainly of a scanty “boob tube” and a strip of cloth. Surprisingly, early concept art for Chel, uncovered on X by Lost Media Mines, revealed an even more revealing depiction, with her clad in nothing but a poncho, suggesting a significant amount of screen time spent nearly nude.
The revelation of this concept art has sparked a debate over which version of Chel’s design is more revealing. While the original artwork vaguely hints at historical dress, some argue it would have been more provocative. Reports also indicate plans for nude scenes with foreground objects obscuring Chel’s body.
These discussions underscore both the progress and stagnation in the representation of female characters in media. While Chel exhibits agency and charisma, suggesting the potential for a strong character, her portrayal still leans heavily on sexualization. This highlights a lingering challenge for studios like DreamWorks to conceive female characters beyond mere objects of desire, particularly in light of the film’s problematic narrative context—where Chel’s role intersects with themes of cultural exploitation and historical tragedy.
For deeper insights into character design in cinema, consider exploring analyses of iconic figures like Godzilla or perusing captivating artwork inspired by “Dune.” These avenues offer valuable perspectives on the creative processes and cultural contexts shaping portrayals of gender and power in visual storytelling.
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