Anika Noni Rose is “deeply disappointed” after Disney scrapped its planned “Princess and the Frog” television series for Disney+ after years in development. The series, titled “Tiana,” was first announced in 2020. Joyce Sherri joined the project in 2023 as its lead writer and director. Rose was set to reprise the title princess, who she first voiced in the 2009 animated film. News broke earlier this month that “Tiana” had been axed as a series. A short-form project based on “The Princess and the Frog” is now being developed for Disney+.
“I too am deeply disappointed that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in series form has been cut short,” Rose wrote on Instagram. “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.”
“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,” she continued. “And when I say tune in, I mean, tell your friends, family, coworkers, babysitters; 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.”
“The Princess and the Frog” released in theaters in December 2009 and went on to gross $271 million at the worldwide box office. The musical was notable for being Disney’s first traditionally animated movie since 2004’s “Home on the Range.” It also ended up earning three Oscar nominations: best animated feature and two noms for best original song. Rose’s voice performance as Tiana earned critical acclaim and was officially named a Disney Legend in 2011.
Read Rose’s full statement on the “Tiana” series’ cancellation in her Instagram post below.