'Tiana' Animated Series Shelved as Disney Shifts Focus to Short-Form Content

Disney Shelves ‘Tiana’ Series, Citing Financial Challenges and Creative Changes

Disney has officially canceled the highly anticipated series “Tiana,” which was set to be a spin-off from the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” The series, announced in 2020, was meant to feature the return of the original film’s voice actress, Anika Noni Rose. Despite being in development for several years and going through multiple creative teams, the production costs proved too high to continue, according to a source from IndieWire.

The Journey of ‘Tiana’ Series Development and Its Challenges

The “Tiana” series faced numerous challenges during its development. Initially envisioned as a musical, the show underwent several creative changes, which contributed to the rising production costs. The series was expected to follow Princess Tiana’s adventures, continuing the story from the beloved film “The Princess and the Frog.” However, the financial burden of producing the series ultimately led to its cancellation.

Disney’s Shift in Strategy: Moving Away from Long-Form Animated Content

The cancellation of the “Tiana” series is part of a broader shift in Disney’s strategy. The company has decided to move away from producing long-form animated content for its streaming platform, Disney+. Instead, Disney is focusing on shorter-form content and theatrical releases. This shift is evident in the recent success of films like “Moana 2,” which has performed exceptionally well at the box office.

Future of ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Franchise

Despite the cancellation of the “Tiana” series, “The Princess and the Frog” remains an important property for Disney. In 2023, the company revamped its Splash Mountain rides into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Additionally, a short-form animated project inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” is currently in early development, ensuring that the beloved characters and story will continue to be part of Disney’s offerings.