Disney is well-known for its Princess franchise, and amongst them is Princess and the Frog. However, while it is about Tiana, a waitress wanting a better life and her meeting her prince in Naveen, the true hero is little Ray, a firefly with a massive heart.
Short for Raymond, Ray was a sweet friend to Tiana and Naveen as they tried to work out to free themselves from being frogs. He was in love with the evening star known as Evangeline. Despite being old and dishevelled, he lived a fulfilled life in New Orleans with his large family.
Ray always saw Evangeline as a goddess, despite her being a star. There was even a story where when fireflies die, they become stars. He has an immense love of music, entertaining and romance and is unafraid. He also acts as a paternal figure towards Tiana throughout the story. Also, some of his attributes, like turning red when he’s angry, are a nod to Tinker Bell doing the same in Peter Pan when she was upset.
Ray Behind The Scenes
The little firefly’s death is believed to be a homage to a comment made by Timon in The Lion King about fireflies being stars. Ray’s demise at the hands of Doctor Facilier and Lawrence is as sad as Bing Bong’s death in Inside Out.
Tiana, Naveen, and all the other characters mourned the loss of their little friend, but they were reassured that he would be reunited with his sweet, classy Evangeline once more.
