Eight years after one of the most talked-about updates in Disney Parks history, Disney is making it crystal clear that Captain Redd — the fiery, independent pirate who replaced the original bride-for-sale animatronic in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction — is a permanent part of the story. And to prove it, a brand-new limited-edition doll is on the way.
The Redhead, Before and After
Back in 2017 at Disneyland Paris, and then in 2018 at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Imagineers made one of the most controversial changes in the attraction's history: a complete overhaul of the iconic auction scene.
In the original version, the scene depicted men bidding on women as brides — with the crowd famously chanting, "We wants the redhead!" As Disney Parks worked toward a more culturally inclusive environment, Imagineers decided they didn't want children seeing women portrayed as objects to be purchased.
The updated scene keeps the spirit of the original alive with a clever, punny nod to its predecessor: the female pirates are now auctioning off stolen goods, including chickens — making it a "chick auction." And the beloved redhead? She became Captain Redd, a swashbuckling pirate who more than holds her own against the men around her.
As with any change to a beloved Disney Parks classic, the update sparked debate. Some guests welcomed the more respectful portrayal of women, while others felt it unnecessarily altered a theme park icon or softened the realities of piracy. The conversation has never really stopped.
A Limited-Edition Doll Inspired by Captain Redd
Now, Disney is doubling down on that makeover in a big way. As part of the upcoming D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, the company has announced its second doll inspired by a Disney Parks attraction: Captain Redd. (The first was the Werecat Lady from the Haunted Mansion.)
The limited-edition doll draws inspiration from both the updated audio-animatronic in the ride and the roaming face character that sometimes appears at Disneyland Park. Designer J. Fuchs explained the creative direction in a Disney Parks Blog interview:
"Our doll is based on the updated version, so we have her posed out as she is in the ride, commanding the auction."
Only 3,000 of the Captain Redd dolls were produced, making this a must-have for serious collectors. Here's how you can get your hands on one:
- D23 Expo — Available August 14–16 in Anaheim, California
- Disney Store online — Available August 17 at 8:00 a.m. PST
Whether you cheered the auction scene update or still miss the original, there's no denying that Captain Redd has carved out her own place in Disney Parks lore — and this doll is a pretty bold statement that she's not going anywhere.
What did you think when Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort updated the Pirates of the Caribbean auction scene? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!