Former Disney ChannelandWendy Wu: Homecoming Warriorstar Brenda Song discusses how the network was surprisingly ahead of its time when recruiting diverse casts in its feature movies. While the actor ismost known for her role of heiress and socialite London Tipton inThe Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Song also starred in the Disney Channel moviesThe Ultimate Christmas Present,Stuck in the Suburbs, andWendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior. Beyond her Disney Channel career, Song has also appeared inThe Social Network,New Girl,and more recentlyThe Last Showgirl.
Song opened up toVanity Fairabout her early career at the Disney Channel, and how the network’s production strategies stood out to her. For Song, interacting with Disney Channel viewers in the years since has opened her eyes to the true impact each feature had on its audiences, with the actress stating thatthe channel’s color-blind casting helped many artists start their careersand tell their stories in ways other places hadn’t at the time. Check out Song’s full explanation below:
“It’s really interesting now to see those shows come back around. More than ever, I’ve had people come up and talk to me aboutWendy Wu: Homecoming Warrio.Disney was honestly very ahead of the curve when it came to colorblind casting, being able to give opportunities to kids of all ages, sizes, colors, ethnic backgrounds, nationalities to tell their own stories.”
Disney’s Wide Reach And Outlets Helped Many Celebrities Launch Their Careers
With the introduction of Disney+ and its vast streaming library, those who grew up with the Disney Channel have been able to revisit and share their favorite made-for-TV movies that the network released throughout its peak with ease. As such, many titles have entered popular discussion once more, be they more mainstream hits likeHigh School Musical,Rock, or more niche titles likeJump In!andMinutemen. With such strong fondness that exists from its former audiences, it is clear thatthese movies have left an impact that remains to this day.
Celebrating 40 Years - Disney Channel’s 20 Best Original Movies, Ranked
With the 40th anniversary of The Disney Channel, here are the 20 best original movies to ever air on the network.
With their wide range of genres,Disney Channel moviesappeal to a large demographic of viewers, be they interested in a certain star or wanting to see a feature-length installment of a popular show. With this large share of television audiences and other potential ventures through the corporation’s other business fronts, including music labels, young actors who were offered to lead a production had an incredible opportunity to prove themselves as rising stars. As such,the channel has had a noticeable impact on many well-known starstoday in helping kick-start their careers, including Song, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and many more.
Our Thoughts On The Disney Channel’s Impact
The Channel’s Heyday May Be Over, But Its Impact Is Immeasurable
While the topic of child stars can be somewhat complicated due to certain controversies and business practices,many Disney Channel starswere offered the perfect launching point for their careers. This allowed Song and others the opportunity to break out andgave many viewers a chance to see themselves in stories put on screen. Though the streaming landscape may have made the heights of theDisney Channela thing of the past, it is something that will forever remain special to those who grew up with it, and those who were able to become stars thanks to it.
