Twenty years after its initial release, Dora the Explorer returns to television screens in a Paramount+ reboot titled DORA, featuring 10-year-old Diana Zermeño as the voice of Dora. Zermeño, a fan of the original series, resonates with Dora’s bilingual journey, reflecting her own upbringing in Los Angeles where she did not speak English initially. The revival continues the legacy of engaging preschoolers with bilingual representation and Latino pride, introducing new characters and celebrity guest stars like singer Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas and actress Kate del Castillo.
Zermeño, fluent in both English and Spanish, considers it an honor to portray such an iconic role, emphasizing the importance of Dora’s cultural impact on young children and adults. Dora’s representation of Latino culture through food, music, and traditions has been groundbreaking, reaching over 150 countries and translated into 32 languages. Head writer Alejandro Bien-Willner, along with a predominantly Latino writing team, strives to bring authenticity into the show, showcasing various Latinx backgrounds and experiences.
The show’s episodes include depictions of Latino traditions, music, and food, reflecting the writers’ rich cultural experiences. With a focus on making the show both entertaining and educational, the team has found a way to incorporate fun, humor, and Spanish language lessons within each 11-minute episode. New characters, including a Peruvian Vicuña, Mexican alebrijes, and an Argentine Condor, bring additional representation and showcase different aspects of Latinx cultures.
Bien-Willner believes Dora serves as a positive role model for children, offering a valuable influence in a world filled with negative examples. Dora’s curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to embrace different cultures make her an ideal friend and role model for kids everywhere. The series, featuring 26 CG-animated episodes, officially premiered on April 12 on Paramount+ in select countries, with plans to air on Nickelodeon internationally.
The creators behind the DORA reboot, including Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh Valdes, aim to continue the legacy of the original series while updating it for a new generation of viewers. The show’s blend of entertainment, education, and cultural representation hopes to inspire children to explore, learn, and appreciate diversity. With an emphasis on authentic Latino storytelling and positive character portrayals, DORA promises to be both a nostalgic trip for fans of the original show and a fresh adventure for new audiences to enjoy.
