Disney’s Encanto: 10 Reddit Fan Theories That Might Be True

Disney’s newest film Encanto released on Disney Plus on Christmas Day has been circulating the internet with reactions and theories. Many fans enjoyed the animated film’s emphasis on family and community alongside bravery and authenticity. More importantly, fans appreciated that this storyline centered on a Latinx family.

But many fans have gone on Reddit to uncover theories about the film such as underlining generational trauma to questioning what magic means. These interpretations have been important as this film has led fans to determine Disney’s main intentions for this movie. Encanto emphasizes today’s need for Latinx representation. But fair warning, some of these theories may be spoilers.

Each Gift Was Given In Case There Is A War

The movie centers around a family with gifts that provide and protect not only them but also their community. The Reddit User Not_OrdinareeGae claims, “I believe that each gift has something to do with war because, after all, the miracle came to be during the war.” Meaning, each gift was to stop another war to occur, protecting the family.

This fan theory could be true because the gifts themselves were given due to warfare. Also, the main reason Abuela wanted to ensure the gifts lasted was to make sure her family and community would not have to sacrifice their lives like Abuelo Pedro. Some of these gifts are useful for war such as super-strength or controlling the weather.

Mirabel’s Glasses Foreshadow Her Connection to Bruno

This theory examines this small detail fans have overlooked that provides more meaning about Mirabel and Bruno and their gifts. Reddit User TheRhubarbarian 1 sees another connection between the two stating, “Mirabel wears bright green, circular glasses, which I believe link her to her uncle, Bruno. When we see Bruno have a vision of the future, his irises turn a bright lime green color.”

This theory may be true because Mirabel wears her glasses to see the world around her and Bruno’s eyes turn green to see the future. And these visions allow Mirabel to see clearly her next steps and see her new purpose.

Encanto Is Part Of The Pixar Theory

As many fans know, the Pixar Theory is an idea that Pixar movies coexist in the same timeline. Despite Encanto being a Disney film, this Reddit User 9fingeredbandit96 states, “Encanto is a Disney movie that came out this year. Except it’s not Pixar but it really should be. Multiverses definitely exist in the Pixar theory so why not?”

This theory might seem far-fetched but that’s what’s fun about it. For instance, the doors for each relative with magic is aligning with Monsters Inc. that uses the doors in the human world. If possible, a magic door could lead to another Pixar or Disney world.

Mirabel Did Not Get A Gift Because She Is The Successor Of The Village

At the beginning of the film, fans were devastated to see Mirabel try to fit in with her family, which was difficult as she was the only person without a gift. Redditor thegreendorito123 believes,  she will be the successor to the village.. and Mirabel is basically the reason why the Casita gets rebuilt.” Specifically, Mirabel did not need a specific gift that would allow her to have her own door because she will take over Abuela Alma’s role as the matriarch of the house and live in Abuela’s room.

This theory is very plausible for fans who compared the distinct qualities and personalities of Mirabel and Abuela Alma. For instance, Mirabel and Abuela Alma are the only ones who could communicate with Casita. In addition, Mirabel encourages Isabela to create different types of plants instead of her flowers, indicating Mirabel influencing magic like Abuela, who introduces each gift to each family member.

Casita is Abuelo Pedro

The house of Madrigal is full of magic that is the home to their gifts and individualities. According to CodyChaotix, this house is actually the spirit of Abuelo Pedro explaining, “The house (Casita) seems very protective of the entire family and The House (Casita) knows all the characters’ names.”

This theory may be true because Casita’s magic is connected to the magic of the candle. The miracle for this family only existed when Abuela received the candle after the death of Abuelo Pedro.

The Powers Are Related To Each Character’s Mental Health and Emotions

Reddit User WarpzoneKid claims, “the crux of the theory is that all of the Madrigal’s powers are related to their mental health and emotion.” Meaning, their gifts may be an indication of the family’s need to have a stronger family foundation to have healthier mental health and emotion, symbolized by losing their magic or best explained with the songs from characters like Luisa in  “Surface Pressure”

This theory can be true by referring to the gifts of some of the Madrigals and what each represents to the family. For instance, Pepa and her weather depend on her mental health such as anxiety or stress causing a storm, and Luisa’s level of strength is impacted by her own insecurities.

Encanto Is About War Trauma

The Reddit User 50b1 believes this film shows how war trauma carries forth generationally, commonly known as intergenerational family trauma. Also, the user claims how this aligns with today’s society of how trauma from the pandemic will be embodied in the next generation.

This theory seems true because of the war shown in the film impacting Abuela Alma’s behavior toward her children. She used the miracle as a resource to survive and protect her family. This expectation carries forth in pressuring her family members to do what is best for their family despite how it may cause distress in their mental health and immense family pressure.

Bruno’s Prophecies Are Not Guaranteed

Reddit User TwilightTownee claims, “But I propose that this is always how his visions are, and Bruno inadvertently provides his family and townspeople with self-fulfilling prophecies.” Meaning, these visions are always a possibility controlled by the people in visions.

This theory may be correct when comparing Bruno’s previous prophecy not only with Mirabel but also with Isabela and Dolores. They were told, “the man of my dreams would be just out of reach, betrothed to another.” This partner for Dolores is hinted at as Mariano who is arranged by Abuela Alma to marry Isabel. However, Isabela never marries Mariano, showing a flaw in Bruno’s prophecy.

Mirabel As Reincarnated Abuelo Pedro

Abuelo Pedro plays a pivotal role in defining the magic, guiding Mirabel to find her own. Reddit User Double_Okra_9995 also sees Mirabel as a reincarnated  Abuelo Pedro stating, “There was a scene when she is near the only picture of him, they resemble each other. And also why Maribel (Mirabel) went to the place where Pedro met the soldiers.”

Many fans agreed on Reddit with this theory being true because there was no major explanation why Mirabel coincidentally was at the river and the film consisted of a lot of details from symbolism to metaphors with songs and characters. In addition, Mirabel finds the butterfly that Abuela Alma saw after the death of Abuelo Pedro, possibly underlining Mirabel and Abuelo Pedro as one.

Gifts Are Chosen To Protect Madrigal’s Community

Reddit User Don’t-fear-the-eel believes the gifts were actually given not based on personality for survival. Specifically, the Reddit User states, “The basics: health (Julieta), growth (Pepa), future planning (Bruno). Abuela had no power to give them their gifts, otherwise, Bruno’s wouldn’t have been so misunderstood.” Thus, each member of Madrigal has gifts that aim to rebuild and protect their community.

Breaking down each gift, fans can see how each gift has a purpose that protects their community, which explains the community’s concern when Madrigal’s were going to lose their magic. This essence of survival as the basis of these gifts is understandable because of the community’s trauma of warfare.

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