Disney is revising its content warnings for certain classic films, including Peter Pan and Dumbo, as part of a broader shift in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. The company’s updated disclaimers reflect a more subtle approach to addressing past racial and cultural sensitivities in its older titles.
As first reported by Axios and confirmed by Variety, Disney has altered the language of the warning that appears before these films. The previous version stated that the films “include negative depictions and/or mistreatment of peoples or cultures,” but the new message reads: “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.”
The change reverses the content warning added in 2020, which read: “This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.” The 2020 message was part of Disney’s broader efforts to engage with its audience on issues of racism and cultural representation in its films, a response to increasing scrutiny of outdated and harmful content in children’s entertainment.
The initial decision to add content warnings began in 2019, when Disney first addressed concerns over racist portrayals in films like Dumbo (1941), which features problematic stereotypes. The original warning described the content as potentially containing “outdated cultural depictions,” but the updated language that appeared in 2020 aimed to take a more active stance in acknowledging and condemning the harmful content.
The shift back to a more neutral phrasing comes amid a larger reassessment of the company’s DEI initiatives under the leadership of Disney’s new human resources chief, Sonia Coleman. In a memo to the company’s leadership on February 11, Coleman outlined a range of changes being implemented within Disney’s organizational structure to promote a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture.
“Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business,” Coleman wrote in the memo, which was obtained by Variety. She emphasized the importance of maintaining an environment that fosters inclusivity and respect, while also making changes to align the company’s talent strategy with these values. This includes a new “Talent Strategy” factor in the executive compensation program, which will evaluate how leaders uphold the company’s values, incorporate diverse perspectives, and contribute to an inclusive work environment.
Disney’s focus on DEI has evolved over the years, and the company’s leadership has been working on a strategic framework aimed at better reflecting the values of inclusion and diversity. The new framework, which was introduced in December 2024, includes four key pillars: People, Culture, Market Reach, and Community. These pillars aim to enhance Disney’s workplace culture, attract the best talent from diverse backgrounds, and ensure that the company’s products resonate with global audiences.
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The company also emphasized its commitment to fostering an environment where employees feel they belong, stating that it is working to strengthen its employee groups, known as Belonging Employee Resource Groups (BERGs), which focus on improving the workplace experience. The updated structure of these groups reflects the company’s focus on “Belonging” rather than “Business,” underscoring the central role of inclusivity in Disney’s overall strategy.
This revision in the content warnings for films like Peter Pan and Dumbo reflects Disney’s ongoing attempts to balance its commitment to acknowledging past missteps with its desire to present these films as historically accurate. The content warnings now highlight that the films are being shown as originally created, while acknowledging that they may contain stereotypes or negative depictions that reflect the cultural context of their time.
Disney’s DEI efforts have been under the spotlight, particularly after the company’s leadership was scrutinized following former President Donald Trump’s return to office. The company’s strategic response has been focused on fostering inclusivity both within its workforce and in its storytelling. Disney’s actions, including the update to its content warnings and the ongoing development of its DEI initiatives, show a company grappling with how to handle its legacy while staying true to its values of inclusion and respect.
The revision of content warnings and DEI policies is part of a broader industry trend, as many entertainment companies are revisiting older works to address concerns about problematic content, especially as cultural awareness has shifted in recent years. As Disney continues to evolve, its efforts to balance historical accuracy with modern sensibilities are likely to remain a topic of conversation among its audiences and stakeholders.
In the meantime, Disney remains committed to both entertaining global audiences and creating a work environment where diversity is celebrated and every employee feels valued. These updates to the company’s content warnings and DEI strategies are steps in that direction, reflecting Disney’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing societal norms while continuing to produce beloved content for future generations.
