Disney Just Canceled Tiana—And Fans Are Not Happy!
Disney is making some big moves in the world of animation, and not all of them are magical. The House of Mouse has officially pulled the plug on Tiana, the animated Disney+ series based on The Princess and the Frog (2009). This decision is part of a larger shift away from longform streaming animation, leaving fans wondering: Is this the end of Disney’s ambitious animated series?
Disney Dials Down Longform Animation
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) is stepping away from producing longform streaming content. Tiana is the first casualty of this pivot, but it’s not alone. An unnamed feature project slated for Disney+ has also been shelved, and the company has confirmed layoffs at its Vancouver animation studio. This move echoes Pixar’s 2023 decision to shift focus away from episodic streaming projects after launching Dream Productions (a spin-off of Inside Out) and Win or Lose on Disney+.
A Rough Journey for Tiana
The cancellation of Tiana is yet another bump in the road for this project, which has faced multiple delays since its announcement in 2020. Originally set for a 2023 release, the series was later pushed to 2024 after changes in leadership. Joyce Sherrí (Midnight Mass) replaced Stella Meghie (The Photograph) as lead writer-director, though Meghie stayed on as an executive producer. The show was to follow Tiana, now the Princess of Maldonia, as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure—one that would bring her back to her New Orleans roots. Anika Noni Rose was even set to reprise her role as Tiana, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for fans of the original film.
A Glimmer of Hope?
While Tiana may not be getting her full-fledged series, Disney hasn’t completely abandoned the bayou. A short-form special set in The Princess and the Frog universe is reportedly still in development. Sherrí and Steven Anderson are attached to direct, so fans may still get a taste of Tiana’s world—just in a much shorter format.
Theme Park Tie-In Troubles
The timing of Tiana’s cancellation is particularly interesting, given Disney’s upcoming launch of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024. The new ride, replacing Splash Mountain in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, is meant to celebrate the beloved princess while steering clear of the controversial history tied to Song of the South (1946). Many assumed that Tiana the series would help bolster excitement for the new attraction. Instead, it seems Disney has opted for a different approach, possibly focusing marketing efforts elsewhere.
Why Is Disney Making These Changes?
Disney’s pivot away from longform streaming animation likely comes down to budget and strategy. Streaming platforms, including Disney+, have faced increasing financial scrutiny, with major studios shifting toward more cost-effective content. Episodic animated projects require significant resources, and Disney may be refocusing on theatrical releases and shorter-form content that yields better returns. Additionally, after a wave of layoffs and restructuring, cutting longform animation may be a way to streamline operations.
What’s Next for Disney Animation?
While Tiana may not be gracing our screens as planned, Disney’s animated storytelling isn’t going anywhere. Fans can still look forward to theatrical releases, upcoming shorts, and theme park experiences that keep classic characters alive. The shift away from streaming-exclusive longform animation might be disappointing, but it signals a recalibration of Disney’s priorities rather than a full retreat.
So, what do you think? Should Disney have kept Tiana alive, or is this the right move for the future of animation? Either way, it’s clear that the landscape of animated content is changing—whether we like it or not.
