Disney may have stumbled with its recent live-action Moana remake, but the studio isn't abandoning its strategy of revisiting beloved animated classics. According to a new report, a live-action project centered on Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog is officially in development—and it's bringing some serious talent behind the scenes.
Euphoria standout Colman Domingo, fresh off his Oscar-nominated turn in Rustin, is co-writing the screenplay alongside Tony-nominated director Robert O'Hara. The project is currently being described as an "untitled Princess Tiana movie," suggesting this won't be a straightforward remake of the 2009 animated film but rather an original story that follows the beloved character after the events of the original.
This news comes at a time when Disney's live-action remake strategy has faced scrutiny. The recent Moana live-action special look took over Disney+ after disappointing box office, raising questions about audience appetite for these reimaginings. Yet the studio seems undeterred, betting that a fresh take on Princess Tiana—voiced by Anika Noni Rose in the original—could resonate with fans who've long wanted more from the character.
A New Direction for Disney's Live-Action Strategy
Disney's live-action remakes have been a mixed bag. While Toy Story 5 and Pixar's original Hoppers have been huge wins, other projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu underperformed at the box office. The Moana remake's struggles have led some to question whether the well is running dry. But this Princess Tiana project feels different—it's not a beat-for-beat retread but a continuation, which could offer more creative freedom.
Domingo's involvement is a major get. The actor has become one of Hollywood's most respected talents, and his move into screenwriting for a Disney property signals the studio's desire for prestige and depth. O'Hara, known for his work on Broadway and the film Bros, brings a sharp theatrical sensibility that could give the project a unique voice.
What We Know So Far
Details are scarce, but the project is in early development. It's unclear whether Anika Noni Rose will reprise her role as the voice of Tiana, or if the film will be entirely live-action with a new cast. Given that The Princess and the Frog was Disney's last 2D-animated feature before the studio shifted fully to CGI, this live-action take could also be a visual showcase.
Disney has been expanding its princess universe beyond the original films—think of the Descendants franchise or the upcoming Moana sequel. A Princess Tiana movie fits that trend, offering a chance to explore New Orleans jazz culture and Tiana's entrepreneurial spirit in a new light.
While some fans might be wary after pointless remakes that should have never been rebooted, this project has the potential to be something special. With Domingo and O'Hara at the helm, it could avoid the pitfalls of other live-action adaptations and deliver a story that honors the original while standing on its own.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates as this story develops.
