Disney’sWreck-It Ralph, which is now a franchise, introduced the world to themost unique Disney Princess ever: Princess Vanellope von Schweetz, voiced by Sarah Silverman. She’s special because she comes from the virtual world of video games and has the useful power of glitching through places.Wreck-It Ralphhas a very imaginative premise – it brings arcade games and video games to life, exploring the journey undertaken by the titular protagonist, who, though traditionally a villain in his game, aspires to become a hero.
Wreck-It Ralphfeatures a stellar cast of voice actorswhose performances make the stakes personable and the characters endearing as they navigate the consequences of a game losing its villain. As an ode to heroism,Ralph’s (John C. Reilly) journey is sweet despite being based on an identity crisis, but the film gets darkat times.Wreck-It Ralph’s gameHero’s Dutyis a high-octane sci-fi adventure, and the scenes set in its world can feel like they’re right out of a creature feature horror movie. The creatures from that world are the main threat, and a theory about them makes the movie even darker.
The Cy-Bugs Become What They Eat
The best part ofWreck-It Ralphis its in-depth exploration of the characters, with details about their loved ones and intriguing backstories that don’t entirely make it into the games they come from. One of the most interesting characters in the film, who easily becomes a fan-favorite, is theHero’s Dutylead, Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch). Possibly inspired by theAlienfranchise’s Ellen Ripley, amovie character who helped reshape genre expectations,Calhoun is a strong, capable, and smart general who takes charge of the situation after Cy-Bugs escape her game.
Not only did Cy-Bugs attack midway through her wedding, but they also ate her husband.
The Cy-Bugs are the primary antagonists ofHero’s Duty,as they are terrifying creatures that the player must kill before being consumed. TheCy-Bugs can also take the form of whoever or whatever they eat. In a flashback scene that delves into Calhoun’s backstory, it is revealed that her agenda against the Cy-Bugs is personal because they attacked her wedding. It was her duty to ensure the ceremony happened smoothly, but not only did Cy-Bugs attack midway through her wedding, but they also ate her husband.
Be it out of reflex, or simply driven by the need to ensure everyone else’s safety, Calhoun didn’t stop to think before killing the Cy-Bug that ate her husband. While it’s a normal reaction to a Cy-Bug attack, there is a theory that argues she practically killed her husband because the Cy-Bug that ate him must have become him. So, when she killed the Cy-Bug, she killed her husband without realizing it. Calhoun doesn’t confirm this through dialogue, but there’s no real evidence against the theory either.
This Wreck-It Ralph Theory Would Make Calhoun One Of The Most Tragic Disney Characters Ever
Being Directly Responsible For A Loved One’s Death Is Dark For Disney
Since most of Disney’s animated movies are targeted at children, there is an assumption that they’re sweet and soft films that don’t deal with the harshness of life. However, from Bambi losing his mother inBambito Quasimodo being persecuted inThe Hunchback of Notre Dame,Disney movie moments have made me cryquite often.Many Disney characters have tragic arcs and backstories,but if theWreck-It Ralphtheory is to be believed, Calhoun might be one of the most tragic characters in Disney history.
Having to lose someone you love dearly is almost a given if you’re a protagonist in a Disney animated movie, but being directly responsible for the loss is a different thing altogether. Simba blaming himself for Mufasa’s death inThe Lion Kingis different from Calhoun’s situation because she did pull the trigger. ThisWreck-It Ralphtheory also explains why she has trauma about relationships, and why it took her so long to open up to Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer).
