(Image Source: Walt Disney Pictures)
The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reported today that Disney Animation has officially canceled the Disney+ series "Tiana," a spinoff of "The Princess and the Frog," as well as an untitled Disney+ animated feature film. A Disney spokesperson further confirmed that due to shifts in business strategy, their Vancouver studio will also see layoffs.
"Tiana" was initially announced for development in 2020. The series was expected to continue following Princess Tiana, the protagonist of the film, and would also be presented in a musical format. Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose was slated to return to voice the character. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that despite significant effort and cost invested in its production, "Tiana" ultimately did not meet the required standards, leading to its cancellation mid-production.
(Image Source: Walt Disney Pictures)
However, the cancellation of "Tiana" does not mean Disney is no longer interested in developing "The Princess and the Frog" spinoffs. They have shifted focus to producing a short-form "The Princess and the Frog" special, which is currently in early development. Many plot details remain undisclosed, but it is confirmed to be based on the 2009 film and will be written by Joyce Sherri, who will also co-direct with Steve Anderson.