Disney has a huge cast of characters under their umbrella. They span from all kinds of films with different themes ranging from Greek mythology to fairytales. The characters are also globally recognized, as Disney is incredibly popular and well-known in many countries. So, of course, fans cosplay as many of the characters.
Since the characters are so familiar to many different people and fanbases, a lot of cosplayers take some creative freedoms to add a bit of their own unique creativity to the character. This can range from putting the characters in post-apocalyptic settings to creating terrifying zombie-versions.
One major sub-genre of cosplay is genderswapping, which many of the cosplayers below nailed. Be sure to check out the cosplayer links, as they deserve credit for their amazing creations.
10 Meg From Hercules
This muscular Meg could give Hercules a run for his money! The Disney character Meg isn't talked about that often, as she is not exactly a princess. But, her personality is pretty unique, as she is jaded from a past betrayal of a lover.
Needless to say, it's not common to see a cosplay of her, much less a genderbent version. They photographer Dani certainly found a great place for the photoshoot, and MickyWicky's pose comes off as quite natural.
9 Elsa From Frozen
Elsa is a much more cosplayed Disney character. She is one of the newest Disney princesses and has become incredibly popular since 2013. She is cosplayed a lot, but genderbent versions are rather rare.
The cosplayer named the genderbent version of Elsa, Elisar. The cosplay and makeup were both done by keruuu, and the photography was done by Muze Photography. The background actually isn't photo-shopped either. The photo was taken at Mammoth Mountain in California.
8 John Smith From Pocahontas
This cosplay was created by jangoberrycosplay. She has cosplayed as many other Disney characters like Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, Elsa from Frozen, Rapunzel from Tangled, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and more. However, those other Disney cosplays she has done are not genderbent like this one of John Smith. The cosplayer got down his blue clothes, blonde hair, and of course, added feminine twists.
John Smith is sometimes considered one of the more forgettable Disney characters, because of Pocahontas' lasting reputation. Pocahontas was not Disney's most progressive film, but its music and animation were both praised by fans and critics.
7 Phoebus From The Hunchback Of Notre Dam
Phoebus may take the crown for the most underappreciated Disney character, so it is a big deal to see him cosplayed in any form. He is a war veteran who ends up being a love interest for Esmeralda. The cosplayer, madcatcosplay, got his armor just right but made the character's blonde hair much longer.
Madcatcosplay has also cosplayed as other Disney characters like Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas.
6 Maleficent From Sleeping Beauty
Maleficent has become known as one of Disney's most iconic villains, so much so that she has gotten two of her own films. The character's original design is amazing, and this cosplayer, hakucosplay, made sure to keep the elements that made her so iconic. He kept the horns and cloak but added some spikes, which work great since her aesthetic is thorns.
The credit should not just go to the cosplayer though. According to his DeviantArt page, the designer behind the cosplay was sakimichan.
5 Snow White
This Snow White cosplay was done by iJoegonzalezv, and he has more photos of the cosplay on his DeviantArt account.
Snow White is known as Disney's first princess. She created a lot of the tropes that films like Shrek would make fun of, such as singing, talking to animals, and acting innocent and idealistic. Due to this, she is an unmistakable figure of pop culture, and even with a genderbent cosplay, it's easy to recognize the character.
4 Hercules And Hades
Hercules and Hades are actually pretty popular in the genderbent cosplay world. This is because the characters are already fashionable Greek skirts and robes.
These cosplayers, chee.bo as Hercules and tobydeep as Hades, are definitely recognizable as their characters, and it was a nice touch adding high heels to Hades' outfit.
3 Cruella De Vil From 101 Dalmations
Cruella is one of Disney's best villains as her desire is really simple but sinister. She wants a coat made out of dalmatian puppies. She is a fashionable woman, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Translating that character into someone more masculine is a fun project, and this cosplayer, known as CavalierCory, did a great job. He has furs, monochrome colors, red gloves, and her iconic long cigarette holder.
2 Esmeralda From The Hunchback Of Notre Dam
This is another beautiful design idea by sakimichan that a cosplayer brought to life. The golden jewelry, purple colors, and long black hair are all traits the original character has. The cosplayer is lazyeight, a fashion designer and stylist from the Philippines.
He has also cosplayed as anime characters from shows like Psycho-Pass, Tokyo Ghoul, Ranma 1/2, Blood +, and many more.
1 Maui From Moana
Maui is not an easy cosplay for anyone because you have to tackle his tattoos, but cosplayer Jasmin Loves You did an amazing job all around to pull his look off. A lot of cool detail went into the outfit, such as the netting around her chest and seashells.
The cosplay was actually interviewed about this cosplay, where she explained that she admires Maui's confidence and loves his song "You're Welcome."