Isla Fisher: Bathgate-raised Hollywood star says we need to rethink the negative stereotypes in fairytales ahead of Godmothered release

Hollywood star Isla Fisher wants to encourage people to rethink the “negative stereotypes that go along with fairytales” and encourage them to consider the “toxic masculinity” often on display in male characters in children’s stories.

The 44-year-old actress, who was born in Oman to Scottish parents and spent some of her younger years growing up in Bathgate, stars in the new Disney film Godmothered, in which she plays a widowed single mother whose life is upended by a visit from a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training.

Upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, the magical visitor decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers and is determined to give Fisher’s character a happiness makeover, however she learns they may be more to happiness than a handsome prince, a castle and elaborate gowns.

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Discussing the way the movie dismisses the conventions of scores of older Disney fairytale films, Fisher said: “I think it’s completely important and about time.

Actress Isla Fisher. Picture: Lucas Jackson/ReutersActress Isla Fisher. Picture: Lucas Jackson/Reuters
Actress Isla Fisher. Picture: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

“I’m really proud of Disney for making a movie like this and getting that message out.

“I really hope families sit down and watch it and rethink the pressures that we put ourselves under to conform to, and all the negative stereotypes that go along with fairy tales, whether it be princesses doing domestic chores to be good or waiting for a knight in shining armour or being kissed by a bloke when they’re unconscious and then falling in love.

“There’s a bunch of stuff that we don’t really think of, this toxic masculinity of a prince having to slay a dragon – he can’t be vulnerable either.

“So, I’m really excited we made a movie like this, that kids are going to get a chance to see it and I love the idea that it’s such an individual think, ‘happily ever after’ and we can just tailor it to suit what we really love.”

Speaking to Scotsman a few years ago, Fisher revealed that her dad is from Bathgate and her mum is from Stranraer.

“We did our family tree and we’re Scottish as far back as it’s possible to be Scottish,” she beamed.

Godmothered will stream on Disney+ on December 4.

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