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Disney Shifts Gears on “Princess and the Frog” Story
Disney has made a significant change to its plans for expanding the “Princess and the Frog” universe, scrapping the highly anticipated “Tiana” series for Disney+ and replacing it with a new short-form special. This decision, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, comes alongside the cancellation of another, undisclosed feature-length project intended for the streaming platform.
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The “Tiana” series, announced with much fanfare during Disney’s 2020 investor day, was set to follow the beloved Princess Tiana on new adventures in Maldonia, while still drawing on her roots in New Orleans. A captivating first look was unveiled on Disney+ Day 2021, featuring the iconic character in her princess attire. Originally slated for a 2023 release, the series was later pushed to 2024, before its release year was removed entirely, leaving fans with a vague “Coming soon.”
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Stella Meghie was attached to direct and write the series, with Anika Noni Rose reprising her voice role as Princess Tiana. However, according to THR’s sources, the series struggled to meet production cost expectations, despite adjustments to the creative team. This ultimately led to its cancellation.
Despite the series’ demise, Disney is not abandoning “The Princess and the Frog” entirely. With the successful launch of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, the company is continuing to invest in the franchise. Walt Disney Animation Studios is now in early development on a short-form special, offering a new story set within the “Princess and the Frog” world. Joyce Sherri and Steve Anderson are attached as directors, with Sherri also serving as writer.
This shift reflects a broader change in Disney’s streaming strategy. During the early days of Disney+, launched in November 2019, the company prioritized original content for the platform, particularly as audiences were confined to their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the focus has now shifted away from large-scale streaming series.
This strategic change is evidenced by the evolution of “Moana 2.” Initially announced as a Disney+ series during the 2020 investor day, it was ultimately reworked into a feature film. This decision proved successful, with the film grossing over $1 billion. “Moana 2” is now set to debut on Disney+ later this month.
While the cancellation of the “Tiana” series may disappoint fans, the new short-form special promises to offer a fresh and exciting chapter in Tiana’s story. Disney’s strategic pivot underscores the evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, with a focus on maximizing return on investment and delivering high-quality content to its audiences.
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