Way back at the Disney Investor Day in 2020, it was revealed that Walt Disney Animation Studios was working on a brand-new animated spin-off series of the Walt Disney Animated classic, “Princess And The Frog”, called “Tiana” for Disney+.

This new long-form musical-comedy series features the extraordinary entrepreneur who’s now the princess of the kingdom of Maldonia. The all-new adventures explore both Maldonia and Tiana’s beloved hometown, New Orleans.

However, earlier this month, it was revealed that Disney had cancelled the “Tiana” series, as Walt Disney Animation Studios reverts back to focusing on theatrical releases and would no longer create long-form content for Disney+ such as “Baymax” or “Iwaju”.

Along with the news that the “Tiana” series was cancelled, it was confirmed that Disney would continue to work on a separate short-form special inspired by “The Princess And The Frog,” though no details have been revealed. It will be directed and written by Joyce Sherri and also directed by Steve Anderson.

Anika Noni Rose, who provides the voice of “Tiana” in the movie and Disney+ series, also took to social media to share her thoughts on the cancellation:

I’m so grateful to all who have worked to bring the Tiana series to life, and all who continue to love her into existence and beyond.

You are loved and appreciated on this #TianaTuesday and every other day.  Sometimes you need a moment to process.

She also released a larger statement about the cancellation:

Last week, an announcement was made regarding the cancellation of the series 5/5 Tiana. I’ve been getting loads of messages expressing kindness, support, and overwhelming disappointment. I’ve also been asked by different outlets to make a statement, but I’d rather talk to you directly.

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 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. And when I say tune in, I mean, tell your friends, family, coworkers, baby sitters; 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.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the love you have shown, for every #Tiana Tuesday, for every #Disneybound, for every one of you who has lifted my heart in this space over the years, and made it possible for Princess Tiana to still be such a vibrant, impactful presence.

Make a wish and hold on tight…
With love, and gratitude,

Roger’s Take:  Following the decision by Disney to turn the “Moana” series into a theatrical film that went onto make over a billion dollars at the box office, the decision to cancel “Tiana” and only release an animated special is hard for many fans to understand.  Ultimately, “Tiana” was announced by Disney too early and shouldn’t have been revealed to the public until it was much further forward in development. I also have little doubt that the current political situation in the United States is likely to have played a part in the decision to cancel the series. 

What do you think of Disney cancelling the “Tiana” Disney+ series? Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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