Disney+ Celebrates Women’s Month with Inspiring Her Stories
As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, Disney+ is proud to highlight a lineup of shows featuring powerful female leads who inspire, challenge, and redefine boundaries. This month, the streaming platform shines a spotlight on Her Stories, showcasing a diverse range of powerful women on screen.
From groundbreaking blockbusters like Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Marvels to captivating dramas based on books such as Hidden Figures, Queenie, and Black Cake, Disney+ offers a wealth of content that celebrates the strength and resilience of women.
Disney+ also offers a diverse range of women-empowered programming, including Shonda Rhimes’ critically acclaimed series Grey’s Anatomy, The Fixer, and Station 19. For lighter fare, viewers can enjoy comedies like Grown-ish starring Yara Shahidi and Life & Beth featuring Amy Schumer.
Here’s a look at some recommended standout film and series on Disney+ that are championing female empowerment.
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes – now streaming
In 20th Century’s Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes, female characters take centre stage in a dystopian world where survival demands courage and ingenuity. These women are not just survivors; they are leaders and warriors, navigating the complexities of a post-apocalyptic society. Their strength lies not only in their physical prowess but also in their ability to form alliances and lead their communities. This portrayal challenges traditional gender roles and offers a new perspective on female heroism in science fiction.
Freya Allan, known for her role in The Witcher, brings a raw and powerful performance to her character, Nova/Mae. As one of the last humans living in a world dominated by apes, Allan’s character is a stark and haunting representation of humanity’s decline. Allan’s ability has been widely praised for her ability to embody the feral and mysterious qualities of Nova/Mae, noting her “super smart” and “super sharp” portrayal. Allan embraced the physicality of the role, immersing herself in the character’s world to create an authentic and compelling performance.
Only Murders In The Building – new season exclusive to Disney+ from 27 August
Selena Gomez’s character in Only Murders In The Building brings a refreshing mix of wit, intelligence, and determination to the detective genre. As a young woman solving intricate mysteries, she breaks the mould of traditional sleuths, showcasing that youth and femininity are assets rather than hindrances. The show highlights her character’s growth and the dynamics of her relationships with her co-investigators, illustrating the power of collaboration and intuition.
The upcoming fourth season promises even more excitement as the trio swaps New York City for the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. With a new setting and a fresh mystery to unravel, viewers can expect the same sharp wit, unexpected twists, and inspiring character development that made the previous seasons so beloved. Joining Gomez in season 4 are other acclaimed special guest stars including Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eva Longoria, Molly Shannon and Melissa McCarthy.
Hidden Figures – now streaming
Hidden Figures is an inspiring film that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women. This powerful story highlights the determination, intelligence, and resilience of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), three African American mathematicians who played a pivotal role in NASA’s space program. These remarkable women faced significant challenges and discrimination, yet they persevered with grace and brilliance. Their contributions to the space race were instrumental in propelling America into the future, and their story continues to inspire generations.
Queenie – now streaming
Queenie is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and self-discovery. The series follows Queenie Jenkins (played by Daphne King), a young Jamaican British woman navigating life in South London. As she grapples with the complexities of her biracial identity and the aftermath of a painful breakup, Queenie embarks on a journey of self-reflection and healing. The series offers a relatable and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young women today.
Black Cake – now streaming
Black Cake explores family, identity, and secrets. The series follows two estranged siblings, Byron (played by Ashley Thomas) and Benny (played by Mia Isaac), who reunite after their mother’s death. As they unravel the mysteries of her past through her recorded stories, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that spans continents. With its complex characters and rich storytelling, Black Cake offers a powerful exploration of the enduring bonds of family.
The Supremes at Earl’s – All You Can Eat – brand new to Disney+ from 23 August
The Supremes at Earl’s – All You Can Eat is a celebration of female camaraderie and culinary excellence. The show features strong female characters who navigate personal and professional challenges while running a successful business. Their stories of perseverance and solidarity are a testament to the strength found in community and friendship. This series is not just about food; it’s about the power of women supporting each other and thriving together. The themes of resilience and empowerment are perfectly aligned with the spirit of Women’s Month.
Disney+’s vast range of content showcases diverse and empowering stories that resonate with a range of audiences. This women’s month, take inspiration from these strong female leads and celebrate the women who continue to inspire us both on and off the screen. Whether it’s through the futuristic battles in Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes, the sharp detective work in Only Murders In The Building, or the heartwarming stories of friendship and food in The Supremes at Earl’s – All You Can Eat, Disney+ offers a rich tapestry of female-led narratives that honour the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere.
Join the conversation on social media using #DisneyPlusZAHerStories and share your favourite moments of female empowerment from these series.
