Pixar's Brave dares to be different

Pixar's latest animation features the company's first female protagonist.

Brave, a 3D adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, will hit mainland screens on June 19.

The story follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, she confronts traditions and challenges destiny.

The redhead is the first Pixar heroine since the studio was founded in 1986. But the company doesn't expect the plotline won't appeal to boys. Merida does not dress girly. She rides a horse, shoots arrows and fights bears.

Fantasy is also a new genre for Pixar, whose creative team went to Scotland's highlands to find inspiration.

Director Mark Andrews served as story supervisor for Ratatouille and The Incredibles, and was nominated for an Oscar as the co-writer/co-director of the Pixar short One Man Band.

Two-time Emmy-nominated actress Kelly Macdonald, who plays Margaret Schroeder on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, is the voice of Merida. Briton Emma Thompson is the voice of the girl's mother.