Anika Noni Rose has responded to Disney’s decision to cancel Tiana, the planned animated musical series following The Princess and the Frog. The Tony-winning actress, who originally voiced Tiana in the 2009 film, shared her thoughts on Instagram, calling the cancellation disappointing while encouraging fans to support the upcoming one-off special that will take its place.
Rose acknowledged the support she received following the news, stating, “I too am deeply disappointed that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in series form has been cut short.” The actress highlighted the dedication of those involved in the project, including writer-director Joyce Sherri, longtime Disney creative leader Jenn Lee, and the music team.
Originally announced during a 2020 Disney investor event, Tiana was set to continue the story of Disney’s first Black princess beyond the film. However, the series was among several long-form animated projects scrapped as Walt Disney Animation Studios shifts its focus to shorter-form content. Instead, a Tiana Special Event will be released, directed by Sherri alongside Disney filmmaker Stephen Anderson.
Rose encouraged fans to show their enthusiasm for the special, emphasizing the importance of viewership numbers. “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 over the years and make sure you are watching,” she wrote. “Show your love and desire in the numbers. Make that desire an undeniable and real thing.”
Rose’s connection to the character extends beyond the original film. She reprised the role in Ralph Breaks the Internet, lent her voice to Disney theme park attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and authored a children’s book centered on the character. Her contributions to Disney led to her induction as a Disney Legend.
The original The Princess and the Frog film, directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, was a return to Disney’s traditional hand-drawn animation style. Set in 1920s New Orleans, the film follows Tiana, an ambitious young woman with dreams of opening her own restaurant, who finds herself transformed into a frog after an encounter with the enchanted Prince Naveen. Featuring music by Randy Newman, the film introduced characters such as the trumpet-playing alligator Louis and the mystical Mama Odie.
The decision to cancel Tiana aligns with changes in Disney’s streaming content strategy. The studio has opted to prioritize shorter projects, reducing its long-form animated series pipeline. Along with Tiana, a full-length feature from Disney’s Canadian animation studio was also shelved.
Rose remains hopeful that Tiana’s story will continue in meaningful ways. “Until then, we will be continuing to work hard to bring you the most beautiful content we can,” she assured fans.
