Anika Noni Rose is “deeply upset” that ‘The Princess and the Frog’ received’t be made right into a tv present. The announcement has sparked widespread response from followers, with 1000’s expressing their disappointment throughout social media platforms.
The 52-year-old actress voiced the function of Tiana within the 2009 animated musical movie and Disney+ had plans to remake it as a collection for his or her streaming platform however confirmed in early March that the undertaking had been shelved. The unique movie was critically acclaimed and have become a beloved addition to Disney’s princess lineup.
“Final week an announcement was made concerning the cancellation of the collection, ‘Tiana’,” Anika stated, taking to Instagram on Tuesday (11.03.25). Her heartfelt message resonated with followers who had been wanting ahead to the collection.
“I’ve been getting a great deal of messages expressing kindness, assist, and overwhelming disappointment. I’ve additionally been requested by totally different retailers to make an announcement, however I’d somewhat discuss to you immediately,” the actress continued. This direct strategy demonstrated her reference to the character’s fanbase.
“I too am deeply upset that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in collection type has been minimize quick,” she added. Tiana made historical past as Disney’s first African American princess, a milestone in illustration that had important cultural impression.
The Disney Legend added that the collection had been a “very long time coming” and thanked the author and director Jenn Lee for all of the “stunning work” she had finished on the undertaking. Lee has been a artistic drive behind a number of profitable Disney productions in recent times.
“The collection was a very long time coming, and numerous stunning work was put into it by all the creatives concerned, together with – however not restricted to – very long time champion Jenn Lee, our great author/director Joyce Sherri, some fabulous animators, and a tremendous music crew,” she added. The event course of had concerned quite a few gifted people throughout totally different artistic disciplines.
The shelving of the collection was first confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, who famous that “regardless of greatest efforts, together with a number of modifications to the artistic crew”, it had develop into unimaginable to place the undertaking “the place it wanted to be”. This displays the challenges typically confronted in bringing animated collection to completion.
The outlet famous on the time that “manufacturing prices” had develop into a difficulty, however the character remains to be a “key property” for Disney and is without doubt one of the official lineup from their Disney Princess vary, which additionally contains the likes of Cinderella, Snow White and Belle from ‘Magnificence and the Beast’. The Disney Princess assortment stays one of many firm’s most beneficial franchises.
Regardless of the cancellation, Disney is alleged to be creating a “separate quick type” undertaking primarily based on the unique movie, though particulars are “beneath wraps” at current. This means that Disney stays dedicated to the character in some capability.
‘The Princess and the Frog‘ is predicated on the German people story ‘The Frog Prince’ options songs corresponding to ‘Virtually There’ and ‘When We’re Human’. The movie’s distinctive animation fashion and memorable soundtrack have contributed to its lasting reputation.
The cancellation comes amid broader modifications at Disney+, which has been refining its content material technique to stability new productions with established franchises. The choice has upset many who have been desirous to see extra of Tiana’s story.
Followers have launched a number of on-line petitions calling for Disney to rethink the choice, exhibiting the character’s enduring enchantment. The character of Tiana continues to keep up sturdy reputation at Disney theme parks, the place her attraction “Tiana’s Bayou Journey” is in improvement.
Rose, who received a Tony Award for her efficiency in “Caroline, or Change,” has remained intently related to the character of Tiana all through her profession. In 2018, she was named a Disney Legend, an honor bestowed upon people who’ve made extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Firm.
The cancellation of “Tiana” highlights the customarily unpredictable nature of leisure manufacturing, the place even promising tasks with established characters can face sudden challenges. For followers of the princess, the hope stays that future tasks may nonetheless deliver Tiana again to screens in some type.