Credit: DisneyDisney has been taking some severe heat lately. Once the golden standard for storytelling and imagination, the company is now being criticized for poorly received originals, underwhelming sequels, and live-action remakes that fans argue miss the magic of the classics.
From box office disappointments to social media backlash, it seems like every move sparks more debate about whether Disney has lost its touch. But when people began to wonder if the brand could win back its audience, Disney unveiled six characters it believed could carry the torch into the future.
As part of a recent activation in Shanghai, these characters were put front and center as the “faces” of 2025. Disney didn’t just play it safe with familiar icons—they blended timeless favorites with bold choices meant to re-energize their studios. Let’s dive into the lineup and what each character means for the company’s future.
Disney’s Bold Showcase
At the Disney Consumer Product Showcase in Shanghai, fans first looked at the heroes, villains, and icons chosen to lead the company’s next chapter. The event brought together Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and the core Disney brand under one roof in a way that felt more like a cultural statement than a marketing push.
A dazzling holographic display even teased Doctor Doom’s arrival in Avengers: Doomsday, showing Disney is banking on spectacle and big reveals to recapture fan loyalty.
But beyond the lightshows and splashy presentations, the real story was the character lineup. Six figures were tapped as the “faces” of Disney’s vast empire for 2025. Each choice tells a story about where Disney is headed—and what they’re counting on to steady the ship.
Buzz Lightyear: Pixar’s Reliable Hero
Pixar has struggled recently, with films like Lightyear (2022) failing to make the cultural splash of earlier hits. Still, Disney has chosen Buzz to represent the studio in 2025. Why? Because Buzz Lightyear remains one of Pixar’s most recognizable and beloved characters.
Even though his solo film didn’t meet expectations, Buzz still embodies the adventurous, family-friendly spirit Pixar is known for. He’s a nostalgic nod to Toy Story (1995) and the brand’s glory days. By spotlighting Buzz, Disney is signaling confidence that Pixar can return to form and once again deliver stories that capture hearts worldwide.
Judy Hopps: A Fresh Face for the Disney Brand
Disney could have chosen old staples like Elsa or Simba to represent its central animation division, but instead, it selected Judy Hopps, the determined rabbit cop from Zootopia (2016). This bold decision points toward the future rather than clinging to the past.
Judy symbolizes perseverance and optimism, traits Disney clearly wants to project as it tries to rebuild trust with audiences. With the Zootopia+ series on Disney+ and the long-awaited sequel on the horizon, Judy is positioned to be the mascot of a new wave of Disney Animation success stories.
Doctor Doom: Marvel’s Next Big Mascot
This is the headline-maker. Iron Man, Captain America, and the Avengers carried the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years. However, with Avengers: Endgame (2019) marking the end of an era, Disney needs a new focal point for the MCU.
One of Marvel’s most iconic villains, Doctor Doom, is stepping into that spotlight. His teased debut in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) suggests Marvel is ready to go darker and raise the stakes after fans complained that Phase 4 and 5 lacked direction. Making Doom the face of Marvel in 2025 is a gamble—it’s not often a villain is positioned as the mascot of a brand—but it could be the shake-up Marvel desperately needs.
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Star Wars’ Dynamic Duo
Star Wars has been through its own struggles, with fan division over the sequel trilogy and mixed reactions to some Disney+ series. Still, The Mandalorian and Grogu (or “Baby Yoda,” as fans first called him) remain bright spots for the franchise.
Their inclusion as faces of 2025 underscores Disney’s commitment to keeping Star Wars alive and relevant through television and merchandise. The Mandalorian represents grit and loyalty, while Grogu captures the cuteness factor that moves mountains of toys and collectibles. Together, they’re a reminder that Star Wars is still capable of uniting fans when handled with care.
Spider-Man: The Heart of Marvel’s Brand
While Doctor Doom might be the MCU’s new storyline centerpiece, Spider-Man remains the hero representing Marvel. Tom Holland’s Peter Parker has become the friendly face fans relate to most, bridging the gap between younger audiences and longtime comic lovers.
Spider-Man’s enduring popularity makes him a natural choice to stand alongside Doctor Doom in this lineup. With Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) still fresh in fans’ minds and rumors of future crossovers swirling, Spidey gives Marvel stability and a sense of continuity when everything else feels uncertain.
Mickey Mouse: The Face of Disney Forever
No matter what happens with Disney’s films or theme parks, one character will always represent the company: Mickey Mouse. His inclusion in the lineup isn’t surprising—it’s essential. Mickey remains the most recognizable Disney icon worldwide, symbolizing joy, creativity, and tradition.
For Disney, Mickey is more than a mascot. He’s a safety net. Whenever the company faces criticism or controversy, Mickey’s image brings things back to basics, reminding fans why they fell in love with Disney in the first place.
Can These 6 Characters Save Disney?
Disney is at a crossroads. Critics say the company has leaned too heavily on sequels and remakes while losing touch with originality. Theme parks remain popular, but on the big screen, Disney has stumbled in ways fans never expected.
By spotlighting these six characters, Disney is boldly saying that it still has the cultural icons and storytelling power to bounce back. Buzz and Judy offer hope for animation. Doctor Doom and Spider-Man bring new life to Marvel. The Mandalorian and Grogu keep Star Wars thriving. And Mickey Mouse continues to anchor the brand’s identity.
Will it work? That depends on whether Disney can give audiences stories worthy of these characters’ legacies. These six faces could guide the company into its next golden age if they succeed. If not, they risk being remembered as one last attempt to recapture a magic that audiences had already left behind.