'Diary of a Future President' is About a Latina Who Grows Up to Be POTUS
Disney's newest series 'Diary of a Future President' will be teaching young girls this 2020 that no matter who you are or where you came from, anyone can be great.
The ten-episode series follows a Cuban-American 12-year-old girl named Elena Cañero-Reed, played by newcomer Tess Romero, who deals with a with an ordeal more terrifying than being in charge of an entire country: surviving middle school.
Remezcla describes the first trailer as one that gives feels similar to popular Disney series Lizzie McGuire. Elena's future self, played by Gina Rodriguez who is also one of the executive producers of the series, is introduced first and shifts into a flashback as Rodriguez reads through her middle school diary.
"It's a day-by-day account of how I got here," says grown Elena. The lead character introduces her brother Bobby, played by Charlie Bushnell, her mother Gabby, played by Selenis Levya, her best friend and her first crush.
The preview also shows Elena as an unabashed, ultra-observant 12-year-old with a strong point of view, who walks through the world with purpose and confidence as she deals with a mix of issues dealt by other girls her age- whether that's buying a bra, her appearance, or meeting her mom's new boyfriend.
The 12-year-old "tries to stay afloat in these tumultuous middle-school waters" but the help of her friends and family will help Elena achieve her dreams and help inspire the dreams of others.
In December, Disney debuted a behind-the-scenes presentation at the D23 Expo. In an interview with the writer and creator Ilana Peña, she said the series is based on her childhood and feels like the show is her heart.
"I love that it's getting told now and to see it come to life in such a magical way with our amazing cast and crew," she said. "I'm so excited for the world to be able to see it."
According to Peña, the crew behind the show is composed of diverse individuals and mostly women, a decision goes along her hope to empower young people from underrepresented communities.
"Everybody who is inspiring, who is important, who is a great leader, was once a middle school kid, and for kids to be able to look at that and be like, 'That can be me,' I think that's the most important [thing] to say, and I'm thrilled that we get to say it," Peña explained.
In a packed house of Disney fanatics, Rodriguez said, "I'm exhilarated and excited to bring hope, positivity, joy, and a family comedy to your houses and I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it."
During the presentation, Rodriguez's character is seen standing on a podium to announce her campaign. "I am Elena Cañero-Reed and I am running for President of the United States of America," she says. "When we see Gina Rodriguez on that stage as the President-to-be of the United States, you feel a lot of hope for our future," the creator concluded.
Diary of a Future President premieres Friday, January 17th on Disney+.