Macdonald was hired to replace Reese Witherspoon, the actress originally cast in the role. Merida is voiced by actress Kelly Macdonald. The clan leaders of Macintosh, MacGuffin and Dingwall became their feudal lordships of the kingdom Fergus has crowned their king and Elinor their queen. The clans succeeded in protecting their lands from the invaders and formed the Kingdom of DunBroch. When Roman soldiers and Northern invaders threatened them from the seas, the four clans joined together under the sword of Fergus to defend their lands. The DunBroch, MacGuffin, Macintosh, and Dingwall clans were once enemies locked in constant war. She is pampered but in no way spoiled, and even though she frequently argues with her mother, Merida does love her parents. Despite her outgoing, forceful personality, Merida does have a softness of heart, particularly when it comes to her younger triplet brothers, Harris, Hubert and Hamish. She is also incredibly skilled in spears, sword-fighting and racing across the countryside on Angus, her Clydesdale horse. Merida has greatly perfected her skill in archery and is one of the most skilled archers in the kingdom.

Queen Elinor's traditional expectations that Merida takes a husband and become a proper royal lady come into conflict with the single-minded and impetuous Merida's insistence that she controls her own destiny. Princess Merida is aged 16 daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, who rule their Scottish kingdom. The people of Scotland have to accept Merida.' Origins and concept

Merida is certainly no damsel in distress and isn't haughty she is torn between doing what's expected of her and following her heart. She is a good role model for girls who want to get out there and do it. Overall Merida has received good reports from critics, some saying she is 'a breath of fresh air among the princesses, and from a culture Disney has not yet explored. The brainchild of original director, Brenda Chapman, Merida is Pixar's first female lead.

Will there ever be a brave 2