'Ralph' sequel packs a punch with strong female characters

LOS ANGELES — "Ralph Breaks the Internet" may star an arcade bad guy with powerful hammer-like fists, but the animated sequel is also packing a punch with strong female characters.

Sarah Silverman, who returns as the voice of Vanellope von Schweetz, credits Disney for including more impactful female roles in the new film, which comes out Wednesday. Her character is one of the leading ladies, along with new cast members Gal Gadot's Shank and Taraji P. Henson, who plays Yesss.

"I love it," said Silverman, an outspoken comedian known for advocating for women's rights. "You see how far Disney has allowed itself to grow and change, and be more inclusive and more progressive? You can't keep on existing if you don't change and grow with the times. With me, Taraji and Gal's character, it's nice to see."

In the past, Disney has been criticized for having a lack of self-sufficient female characters who focused more on their physical appearance and being reliant on a man. That pattern began to change over the years in films such as "Tangled," ''Brave" and "Frozen."

With the "Ralph" sequel, the studio is taking "girl power" a step further as directors Phil Johnston and Rich Moore wanted to incorporate more "strong and complicated" female characters.

"This studio is the birthplace of a lot of these stereotypes," said John C. Reilly, the voice of the massive, overall-wearing Ralph. "It's really an amazing and commendable thing that Disney has recognized . ... As a man, it's not really my lane to talk about these issues. But I do think if things are going to change, men and women have to both talk about this stuff and embrace gender equality, and think of women's rights as humans. I was a strong advocate for balance in our story."