Disney fans have even more reason to be excited about the upcoming “Tiana” animated series on Disney+. Not only is this musical project a highly anticipated follow-up to the beloved 2009 animated film, “The Princess and the Frog,” but it has also confirmed that Anika Noni Rose will be returning to reprise her role as the voice of Tiana. Originally announced during a Disney investor day in 2020, the series was initially set for a 2023 release but has now been rescheduled to premiere in 2024.
Joyce Sherri, a talented writer and director known for her work on the Netflix horror miniseries “Midnight Mass,” has been chosen as the lead writer and director for “Tiana.”
Sherri boasts an impressive portfolio that includes critically acclaimed short films like “Beauty,” “Forever,” “Down, Down, Baby,” and “The Family Romance.” In 2020, she earned recognition by winning the Slamdance screenplay competition for her feature, “Sweet Sixteen,” and was selected for the 2021 Sundance Institute Screenwriters Intensive. She is represented by Gersh, Untitled, and Del Shaw Moonves.
The official description of “Tiana” reveals that the series will follow the titular character as she embarks on a new adventure as the newly crowned Princess of Maldonia, with her New Orleans roots never far from her heart.
Walt Disney Animation Studios, renowned for their work on “The Princess and the Frog,” will produce the “Tiana” series. Nathan Curtis will serve as the producer, and Jennifer Lee and Stella Meghie will take on executive producer roles. Notably, Stella Meghie, initially attached as the writer and director of the series, remains onboard as an executive producer, ensuring a smooth transition of creative direction.
Disney has been expanding its cinematic universe with Disney+ series that continue the stories of beloved films, including “Zootopia,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” and “Cars.” As of this publication, all of these series have been released, except for “Moana.” However, fans can look forward to a live-action version of “Moana” currently in development.
With Anika Noni Rose reprising her role as Tiana and Joyce Sherri at the helm, the “Tiana” animated series promises to be a magical addition to the Disney+ lineup, offering fans the opportunity to dive back into the enchanting world of Disney.
(Originally read on Variety)