Anika Noni Rose Expresses “Deep Disappointment” Over Canceled “Tiana” Series
Anika Noni Rose, the beloved voice behind Princess Tiana, has publicly shared her disappointment following the cancellation of the highly anticipated “Tiana” Disney+ series. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rose acknowledged the setback while encouraging fans to show their unwavering support for the character through an upcoming special event.
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“I too am deeply disappointed that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in series form has been cut short,” Rose wrote, expressing her sadness over the project’s premature end. The series, originally announced in 2020 and slated for a 2024 premiere, was intended to follow the newly crowned Princess of Maldonia as she navigated new adventures while remaining connected to her New Orleans roots. However, repeated delays and rising production costs ultimately led Disney to scrap the project, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
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Rose emphasized the dedication of the creative team, including Jenn Lee, writer/director Joyce Sherri, talented animators, and a “fabulous music team,” who poured their “heart and soul” into the series. Despite the cancellation, she highlighted the ongoing development of a short-form “The Princess and the Frog” special, directed by Joyce Sherri and Steve Anderson, with a script by Sherri. Anika posted this message on her instagram:
As hurtful as it is for anything you’ve put your heart and soul in to be prematurely ended, my hope is that when what is now to be a ‘Tiana Special Event’ airs, that all of you beautiful, loving, loyal fans who’ve been championing not just the series, but a ‘Princess And The Frog’ sequel, tune in. And when I say tune in, I mean, tell your friends, family, coworkers, baby sitters; tell all the people you know who have loved Princess Tiana, Naveen, Louis, Charlotte, Mama Odie, and the magic they’ve created together over the years, and make sure you are watching. Show your love and your desire in the numbers. Make that desire an undeniable and real thing. Until then, we will be continuing to work hard to bring you the most beautiful content we can.
Anika Noni Rose on Instagram
In her post, Rose urged fans to rally behind the special, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate their enduring love for Tiana and her world.
She further encouraged fans to spread the word, urging them to tell “friends, family, coworkers, baby sitters; tell all the people you know who have loved Princess Tiana, Naveen, Louis, Charlotte, Mama Odie, and the magic they’ve created together over the years, and make sure you are watching.” Rose’s message was clear: fan engagement and viewership numbers will be crucial in demonstrating the continued demand for Tiana’s story.
“Show your love and your desire in the numbers. Make that desire an undeniable and real thing,” she stated, emphasizing the power of collective support.
Rose concluded her post by thanking the dedicated team who worked on the canceled series, as well as the fans who have kept Tiana’s legacy alive since the release of the original animated film, “The Princess and the Frog,” in 2009. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, with a screenplay by them and Rob Edwards, and featuring music by Randy Newman, the film remains a beloved classic.
While the cancellation of the “Tiana” series is undoubtedly a disappointment, Anika Noni Rose’s call to action serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between Princess Tiana and her devoted fanbase. The upcoming special event now carries the weight of fan expectation, offering a chance to prove that Tiana’s story deserves to continue.
