Disney Star David Henrie Discusses Concerns with Current Kids’ Programming
David Henrie, known for his role in “Wizards of Waverly Place,” recently spoke with Tomi Lahren to share his perspective on the entertainment industry. Henrie believes that modern content often prioritizes messaging over storytelling, turning it into what he calls “propaganda.” He argues that storytelling should be the focus, aiming to bring people together rather than divide them.
Great tales of adventure, like those about dragons, kings, and heroic quests, captivate our imagination. Stories like Tolkien’s “Middle-earth” and Lewis’s “Narnia” are cherished because they intertwine wonder with danger, emphasizing courage and the distinction between good and evil.
Henrie suggests that today’s entertainment often misses the mark. While fantasy remains highly popular, with vast spending on related media, many contemporary stories betray the genre’s core elements. Audiences appear to push against content that confuses maturity with explicitness, littering content with gratuitous elements.
For example, popular series such as “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Fourth Wing” are marketed as young adult fiction yet contain graphic content. These choices reflect a trend in YA publishing that may not align with what many think fantasy should represent.
Henrie sees the potential danger in stories presenting evil without consequence, or encouraging audiences to revel in darkness. He believes that audiences still value traditional narratives where goodness prevails, even if presented through complex and challenging stories.
While some advocate for a shift towards exclusively faith-based content, Henrie emphasizes that quality should not be compromised. Good writing, compelling characters, and believable worlds are essential, regardless of moral undertones.
The challenge, then, is for creators—whether secular or religious—to rise to the occasion and produce work that truly captivates and inspires. The key is not to preach but to craft worlds where wonder reigns supreme, offering narratives that captivate and uplift.