Disney Cancels “Princess and the Frog” Series, Voice Actor Anika Noni Rose “Deeply Disappointed

by Annika March 12, 2025

Disney fans were thrilled when the announcement of a “Princess and the Frog” television series was made in 2020. The beloved animated film, which featured Disney’s first African American princess, Tiana, was set to be expanded into a new series titled “Tiana” for Disney+. Fans were excited to see their favorite characters come to life once again and explore new adventures. However, their hopes were quickly crushed when news broke that the series had been canceled after years of development. And no one is more disappointed than the voice of Tiana herself, Anika Noni Rose.

Disney Cancels “Princess and the Frog” Series, Voice Actor Anika Noni Rose “Deeply Disappointed

In a statement to Variety, Rose expressed her deep disappointment at the cancellation of the “Tiana” series. The actress, who first brought Tiana to life in the 2009 film, shared that the news was “hurtful” and that she was looking forward to being a part of the new project. Rose had even hinted at the series during a virtual panel for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2020, saying that she couldn’t wait to “be back in New Orleans” with Tiana.

The “Tiana” series had been in development for years, with the latest update in 2023 when Joyce Sherri joined the project as the lead writer and director. Sherri, known for her work on hit shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Queen Sugar,” was set to bring her expertise to the series and give fans a new perspective on Tiana’s story. However, despite the talented team and years of hard work, the series was ultimately scrapped by Disney.

The impact of the cancellation has been felt by both industry professionals and fans alike. For Rose, who was excited to reprise her role as Tiana, it is a missed opportunity to continue to bring the beloved character to life. The series would have allowed Tiana’s story to be further developed and expanded, offering representation and inspiration for young girls of color. It also would have provided an opportunity for more diverse voices and stories to be heard in the animation industry.

The decision to cancel the “Tiana” series has also sparked disappointment and frustration among fans. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with some even creating petitions and campaigns to save the series. The cancellation also raises questions about Disney’s commitment to diversity and representation in their content, especially after the success of films like “Black Panther” and “Coco.”

In light of the cancellation, Disney has announced that a short-form project based on “The Princess and the Frog” is now in development for Disney+. While this may offer some consolation to fans, it is not the same as a full-fledged series that was promised. Fans are hoping that the short-form project will still offer the same level of representation and diversity that “Tiana” would have brought.