Disney fans have been waiting a long time for Tiana to return to the spotlight, and now it's finally happening. Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush has officially confirmed that a brand-new The Princess and the Frog special is in active production for Disney+. The project will feature new songs and bring back members of the original voice cast, marking a major win for fans of the beloved 2009 film.
Bush made the announcement during an exclusive interview at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, where he spoke with Collider's Steve Weintraub. When asked about Disney's recent shift away from long-form streaming animation, Bush revealed that the studio has been quietly working on something special. "Well, there is something we've actually been working on. It is a special set in the world of The Princess and the Frog," he said. "We are really moving on that right now. So, that's actually in active production. That will be out to people soon. New songs. Original cast. It is pretty spectacular."
The news comes as a relief to fans who were disappointed when Disney shelved the previously announced Tiana series. That musical show, which would have seen Anika Noni Rose reprise her role as the beloved princess, was scrapped in March 2025 as part of a broader corporate decision to reduce original long-form animation for streaming. At the time, Disney was already developing a separate special, but details were scarce. Now, Bush's comments confirm that the project is not just a collection of shorts but a full musical story with a substantial runtime.
While Bush was tight-lipped about specifics, he did offer some hints about the format. "I'm hesitant to give you the specifics. I'd say it probably will feel more like a special to people," he explained. "So, it's not shorts. It's a full story with a lot of songs as part of it. We have not announced a specific timing of that yet. I'll get back to you on that. But there are other projects in similar veins, and I think that that's a great way for us to experiment with some things and also to revisit worlds that I think people want to see."
This isn't the first time Disney has revisited its animated classics with new specials or sequels. The studio has found success with projects like the Moana live-action remake, which recently found streaming redemption on Disney+. And with the Great British Bake Off heading to Disney+ in a landmark 2027 streaming deal, the platform continues to expand its offerings. But for fans of Tiana, this special is a long-awaited return to the vibrant world of New Orleans.
The original The Princess and the Frog was a critical and commercial success, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature and becoming a beloved classic for its music, characters, and setting. The new special promises to capture that same magic, with new songs and the return of the original cast. While Disney has not yet revealed which cast members will be back, it's likely that Anika Noni Rose will reprise her role as Tiana, and fans are hoping for the return of other favorites like Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen and Keith David as Dr. Facilier.
For those who can't wait to revisit the world of The Princess and the Frog, the original film is currently streaming on Disney+. The new special is in active production, but no release date has been announced yet. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
In the meantime, Disney's animation boss has also expressed interest in working with director Jordan Peele, as reported in a recent interview. And for those looking for more streaming recommendations, check out our list of the most flawless Netflix originals. But for now, the focus is on Tiana's triumphant return.
