‘Deeply Disappointed’: Tiana Voice Actress React to Disney+ Series Cancellation

In 2009, Disney premiered The Princess and the Frog, introducing Tiana, the first black princess. The animated film was a modest success, and it was expected to continue as a TV series.

Disney announced plans for a television spin-off titled Tiana in December 2020. Anika Noni Rose, who voiced the lead character in the 2009 animated film, was confirmed to return to reprise her role. A few days after Disney officially shelved the series, Rose shared her disappointment in an Instagram post.

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“Last week an announcement was made regarding the cancellation of the series, Tiana. I’ve been getting loads of messages expressing kindness, support, and overwhelming disappointment,” Anika Noni Rose’s message began. “I’ve also been asked by different outlets to make a statement, but I’d rather talk to you directly.”

The series was a long time coming, and a lot of beautiful work was put into it.

She clarified, “I, too, am deeply disappointed that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in series form has been cut short. The series was a long time coming, and a lot of beautiful work was put into it by all the creatives involved, including — but not limited to — longtime champion Jenn Lee, our wonderful writer/ director Joyce Sherri, some fabulous animators, and an amazing music team.”

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In the message, the actress further encouraged fans to show their love for the project. She highlighted that, “as hurtful as it is,” that the project she’s put her “heart and soul” into has “prematurely ended,” she encouraged fans to watch the “Tiana Special Event” when it airs. She encouraged fans to watch it with friends, family, coworkers, and everyone. “Show your love and your desire in the numbers. Make that desire an undeniable and real thing.” The cancelation news also came with the promise of a short-form special, which might lead to further expansion.

She also thanked fans for their love and dedication and for helping “Princess Tiana to still be such a vibrant, impactful presence.”

The Princess and the Frog Was a Modest Success

John Musker and Ron Clements directed the 2009 animated musical, and they also wrote the script alongside Rob Edwards based on the Brothers Grimm’s folk tale The Frog Prince. The animated film was set in the 1920s New Orleans, following a waitress named Tiana who hoped to open her own restaurant. Instead of following the typical fairytale, after kissing a frog, she transforms into a frog herself and must find a way to return to human form before it’s too late. The Princess and the Frog voice cast includes Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jim Cummings, John Goodman, Keith David, and Oprah Winfrey, among others.

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The Princess and the Frog received positive reviews from the critics, holding an 85% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, and 74% from the audience. The movie grossed $270.9 million against a $105 million budget (via The Numbers), making it a modest success, grossing over 2.5 times its budget. It added another $117.7 million from DVD and Blu-ray sales, further highlighting the interest in the film.

Although no sequel was granted, the Tiana series was announced at the same time as the Moana series, which was later turned into a billion-dollar animated film. The series underwent several changes, as it was originally supposed to have Stella Meghie as writer and director, who would become the first African-American director for a Walt Disney Animation Studios project. In October 2023, Joyce Sherri came on board instead. There were also discussions about a live-action remake of the 2009 animated film.

The series has been teased for years, with a first-look released in 2021 and a tentative release date in 2022. Tiana was later postponed until 2023 and 2024, with Disney officially canceling the plans in March 2025. The short special doesn’t have a release date yet.

Source: Instagram, The Numbers

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The Princess and the Frog

g

Family

Musical

Release Date December 10, 2009

Runtime 97minutes

Director John Musker

Writers John Musker

Franchise(s) Disney

Cast

See All

Anika Noni Rose

John Musker

Keith David

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