Disney’s latest move towards inclusivity has sparked a mixed reaction, with some fans criticizing the network for introducing a black superhero named Captain Durag, who sports a durag as part of his attire.
This character, introduced on January 15th in the Disney Junior series “Hey AJ!”, engages in combat against “Grime” in Slime City.
Interestingly, Captain Durag’s durag serves a dual purpose, also functioning as a mask that obscures part of his face while featuring exaggerated eyes. The use of such cloth headgear is largely tied to the black community.
Viewers quickly voiced their discontent, labeling the portrayal as overtly stereotypical and offensive. Some found it baffling, questioning how Disney would create a character like this during Black History Month.
One person remarked on social media, “They made a Disney-like ‘Captain Durag’ in 2026,” while another echoed the sentiment, calling the concept “totally tone deaf.” Others found the idea so outrageous that they initially thought it was a prank.
Comments ranged from expressions of outrage to disbelief, with one dismayed viewer labeling the character an “abomination,” urging for black parents to stand against it.
In defense of her creation, Camille Corbett, the screenwriter behind “Hey AJ!”, encouraged viewers to watch the show. The Jamaican-American artist and comedian stressed her commitment to conveying genuine experiences.
In a follow-up social media post, Corbett expressed pride in having a character representing her culture as a superhero, despite the backlash.
The show’s creator and former NFL player, Martellus Bennett, weighed in too, suggesting that the character’s complexity was meant to reflect real black life.
Bennett implied that perhaps the discomfort surrounding the durag stemmed from the historical portrayal of black creativity in media. Disney claims to have collaborated with cultural consultancy The League during the show’s production.
Disney has not responded to requests for comments on the situation.
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced criticism for its attempts at political correctness. Past controversies include a “Muppet Babies” episode where Gonzo grapples with wanting to wear a dress, and Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”, which was scrutinized for its depiction of police and protesters.
Moreover, the 2025 remake of Snow White drew flak for straying from the original’s narrative and the casting choices for the seven dwarfs.
In early 2024, the group America First Legal accused Disney of adversely affecting shareholder value through what they deemed “woke” content, alleging a significant market cap decline since early 2021.
