In Encanto, the Madrigal family members all get various gifts that they use to help their community, but now it appears the gifts may have an alternate purpose. Though Mirabel Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz) doesn't appear to get a magical gift in Encanto, the rest of her family members do. For instance, Luisa (Jessica Darrow) has super strength, and Isabela (Diane Guerrero) can create plants and flowers. However, in the end, it appears Mirabel had a gift the entire time. She was always going to follow in Abuela Alma's (Maria Cecilia Botero and Olga Merediz) footsteps as a family leader.
Encanto has inspired several popular fan theories about the film. Bruno Madrigal (John Leguizamo) is the subject of a few fan theories, with viewers wondering if he secretly appeared in the film's background at various points. However, Mirabel and her lack of powers quickly became the primary source of fan speculation, with several theories guessing why Mirabel didn't receive powers during her childhood gift ceremony. Unfortunately, the Encanto filmmakers have left Mirabel's lack of magic a mystery, which only fuels more speculation.
Though Mirabel's lack of powers is a significant source of Encanto theories, one theory reveals that the Madrigal gifts have a secret purpose. In Encanto, Abuela Alma receives the family's miracle after her husband sacrifices himself to save her family and their village. Colombia has a history of violent conflicts, and the film may even take place during Colombia's War of a Thousand Days. So one theory (via Reddit) suggests the Madrigal powers are all designed to save the village from an attack. After all, Luisa's strength could come in handy when fortifying the town's position, Isabela could create endless vegetables and food, and Bruno Madrigal's prediction powers could see a forthcoming attack.
Though Encanto doesn't show the family facing a war, the powers would come in handy. In addition to Luisa, Isabela, and Bruno, Julieta (Angie Cepeda) can create healing food as the medic, Dolores' (Adassa) super hearing could inform the Madrigals of the enemy's plans, and Pepa's (Carolina Gaitán) weather-controlling powers could slow down any invaders. Mirabel also has a role in controlling the family's fortress. Given that the Madrigals seemingly received their gifts after an act of war, it'd make sense for their abilities to protect them from future conflicts. So, though the film doesn't focus on the Madrigals taking on an army, the family certainly could.
The Encanto filmmakers have already revealed the main reason for the specific Madrigal family powers. In Art of Encanto, Disney reveals behind-the-scenes secrets, and the filmmakers explain they assigned the powers to represent various roles in a family. For instance, Luisa is the family's rock, taking on all the Madrigal burdens. Julieta, as a mother, is the family nurturer, healing everyone's ailments with a loving meal. The explanation doesn't necessarily dive into the militaristic possibilities with the Madrigal powers. However, that doesn't mean they don't exist in Encanto.