A DISNEY princess has responded after it was revealed the brand had cancelled a long-awaited spinoff series.
Anika Noni Rose, who became the voice of Disney’s first Black princess in The Princess and the Frog, said she was “deeply disappointed” by the news.
Anika Noni Rose had some choice words on the matter[/caption]
Rose originally brought Princess Tiana to life in the 2009 animated film and was set to reprise the role in the Disney+ musical series, announced in December 2020.
However, earlier this month, Disney confirmed that the show had been scrapped. After taking time to process the news, Rose addressed the cancellation on Instagram.
She wrote: “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.”
“I’ve 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.”
She continued: “As hurtful as it is for anything you’ve put your heart and soul into to be prematurely ended, my hope is that when what is now to be a ‘Tiana Special Event’ airs, 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, 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.
“Show your love and 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.”
Back in 2018, Disney was forced to redraw Princess Tiana’s character model after campaigners argued that her skin tone had been noticeably lightened in promotional material for Ralph Breaks the Internet.
The backlash prompted the studio to adjust the character’s appearance, restoring her original features from The Princess and the Frog.
The cancellation of Tiana comes as part of Disney+’s shift away from long-form episodic content.
Moana 2 was retooled from a Disney+ series into a blockbuster film, while The Mandalorian is moving to the big screen rather than continuing with a fourth season.
The Princess and the Frog is available to stream on Disney+.
Anika has asked fans to rally behind the character and show support in other ways[/caption]
