The upcoming revival of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney+ is generating significant buzz, and for good reason. The latest exciting news is the addition of Emmy Award winners Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto to the cast. They will voice Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, respectively, as the adoptive parents of Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, a 14-year-old activist voiced by Keke Palmer.
These new characters mark an important step forward for the series. The Proud Family was already celebrated for its representation of Black and Latinx families. Louder and Prouder expands on this legacy by explicitly including LGBTQ+ representation in a meaningful way. Randall and Barry are described as a mixed-race gay couple, adding depth and nuance to the show’s family dynamics.
Initial images released by EW offer a glimpse into Randall and Barry’s personalities. Randall exudes confidence in a stylish suit, complete with a pink shirt and a vibrant polka-dot tie. Barry, standing protectively behind Randall, showcases a more relaxed yet equally fashionable style in a fitted mustard polo shirt and jeans. Their contrasting but complementary styles hint at a dynamic and engaging on-screen presence. As Nicki Minaj might say, they are undeniably captivating.
This expansion of representation in Proud Family Louder and Prouder directly addresses some of the original series’ shortcomings. While the original Proud Family featured Michael Collins, a character coded as queer, his storylines often relied on harmful stereotypes and bullying. Michael, who shared a passion for fashion and dance, was frequently teased and called derogatory names. His father’s embarrassment further contributed to a negative portrayal.
Fortunately, Louder and Prouder is set to reimagine Michael Collins in a much more positive and authentic light. Voiced by EJ Johnson, Magic Johnson’s gender nonconforming son, Michael is now presented as a “non-conforming trendsetter.” He confidently expresses his style both at school and on the basketball court. Early images reveal a significant style upgrade for Michael, featuring a fashionable balloon-sleeved blouse, suspenders, and pink-highlighted dreadlocks, a far cry from the oversized t-shirts of the original series.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is not just a reboot; it’s an evolution. By introducing characters like Randall and Barry and reimagining Michael with greater sensitivity and authenticity, the series is poised to offer a more inclusive and relevant portrayal of family life for a new generation. The addition of talented actors like Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, and EJ Johnson further solidifies the show’s commitment to quality and representation, making Proud Family Louder and Prouder a must-watch when it premieres on Disney+.
