Anika Noni Rose is “deeply disappointed” that ‘The Princess and the Frog’ won’t be made into a television show. The announcement has sparked widespread reaction from fans, with thousands expressing their disappointment across social media platforms.
The 52-year-old actress voiced the role of Tiana in the 2009 animated musical film and Disney+ had plans to remake it as a series for their streaming platform but confirmed in early March that the project had been shelved. The original film was critically acclaimed and became a beloved addition to Disney’s princess lineup.
“Last week an announcement was made regarding the cancellation of the series, ‘Tiana’,” Anika said, taking to Instagram on Tuesday, March 11. Her heartfelt message resonated with fans who had been looking forward to the series.
“I’ve been getting loads of messages expressing kindness, support, and overwhelming disappointment. I’ve also been asked by different outlets to make a statement, but I’d rather talk to you directly,” the actress continued. This direct approach demonstrated her connection with the character’s fanbase.
“I too am deeply disappointed that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in series form has been cut short,” she added. Tiana made history as Disney’s first African American princess, a milestone in representation that had significant cultural impact.
The Disney Legend added that the series had been a “long time coming” and thanked the writer and director Jenn Lee for all the “beautiful work” she had done on the project. Lee has been a creative force behind several successful Disney productions in recent years.
“The series was a long time coming, and a lot of beautiful work was put into it by all of the creatives involved, including — but not limited to — long time champion Jenn Lee, our wonderful writer/director Joyce Sherri, some fabulous animators, and an amazing music team,” she added. The development process had involved numerous talented individuals across different creative disciplines.
The shelving of the series was first confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, who noted that “despite best efforts, including several changes to the creative team,” it had become impossible to put the project “where it needed to be.” This reflects the challenges often faced in bringing animated series to completion.
The outlet noted at the time that “production costs” had become an issue, but the character is still a “key property” for Disney and is one of the official lineup from their Disney Princess range, which also includes the likes of Cinderella, Snow White and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The Disney Princess collection remains one of the company’s most valuable franchises.
Despite the cancellation, Disney is said to be developing a “separate short form” project based on the original film, although details are “under wraps” at present. This suggests that Disney remains committed to the character in some capacity.
The Princess and the Frog is based on the German folk tale “The Frog Prince” and features songs such as “Almost There” and “When We’re Human.” The film’s distinctive animation style and memorable soundtrack have contributed to its lasting popularity.
The cancellation comes amid broader changes at Disney+, which has been refining its content strategy to balance new productions with established franchises. The decision has disappointed many who were eager to see more of Tiana’s story.
Fans have launched several online petitions calling for Disney to reconsider the decision, showing the character’s enduring appeal. The character of Tiana continues to maintain strong popularity at Disney theme parks, where her attraction “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” is in development.
Rose, who won a Tony Award for her performance in “Caroline, or Change,” has remained closely associated with the character of Tiana throughout her career. In 2018, she was named a Disney Legend, an honor bestowed upon individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
The cancellation of “Tiana” highlights the often unpredictable nature of entertainment production, where even promising projects with established characters can face unexpected challenges. For fans of the princess, the hope remains that future projects might still bring Tiana back to screens in some form.
