Tiana Live-Action Spin-Off
Colman Domingo in Early Talks to Co-Write Original Princess Tiana Live-Action Spin-Off with Robert O'Hara
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Key Points
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The Princess and the Frog was Disney's last traditionally animated feature.
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Robert O'Hara is Tony-nominated for Slave Play and brings a prominent theatre background to the project.
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Deadline described the project as an original live-action spin-off rather than a remake.
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Disney reportedly shelved its long-development Tiana animated series in 2025, signaling a shift toward live-action expansions of its princess stories.
Colman Domingo is in early talks to co-write a live-action film focused on Princess Tiana, Disney's beloved character from the 2009 animated film *The Princess and the Frog*, according to The Wrap. The project would be an original story — not a scene-for-scene remake — set in a New Orleans-inspired world where music is expected to play a major role.
Domingo would team up with Tony-nominated playwright and director Robert O'Hara, best known for *Slave Play*, per IGN. No deals are signed yet, and Disney has made no official announcement. But the news signals a fresh direction for one of Disney's most iconic Black princesses.
An Original Story, Not a Simple Remake
Deadline described the project as a spin-off rather than a retelling of the 2009 film. That means audiences would see Tiana's story continue or expand — not restart. Disney appears to be betting that fans want more of the character, not just a polished copy of what they already know.
The AV Club noted that Domingo is known for both his acting and his writing. He brings serious creative weight to the project. O'Hara adds deep theatre credentials. Together, they represent an unusual pairing for a Disney live-action film — one with roots in Black storytelling traditions.
Disney Shelved a Tiana Series, Then Pivoted to Live-Action
Disney had been developing an animated *Tiana* series for years. But the company quietly shelved that project in 2025, according to reports. That decision looks less like a retreat and more like a strategy shift — away from animation and toward live-action expansions of its princess lineup.
*The Princess and the Frog* holds a special place in Disney history. It was the studio's last traditionally hand-drawn animated feature. Tiana was also Disney's first Black princess. That legacy raises the stakes for any follow-up project and puts pressure on the creative team to get the tone right.
Who Are Colman Domingo and Robert O'Hara?
Colman Domingo is best known for playing Strand in *Fear the Walking Dead* and earning an Oscar nomination for *Rustin* in 2024. He has also written for stage and screen. His voice as a storyteller leans toward character-driven, emotionally rich work — a fit for Tiana's world.
Robert O'Hara received a Tony nomination for directing *Slave Play* on Broadway. He is known for bold, provocative work that centers Black experiences. His theatre background, combined with Domingo's screen profile, makes this one of the more distinctive creative teams Disney has assembled for a live-action project.
Disney's Broader Push to Revive Animated Classics
This project fits a pattern. Disney has remade or expanded *The Lion King*, *Cinderella*, *Mulan*, *The Little Mermaid*, and others as live-action films. Some earned billions. Others disappointed. The studio keeps returning to the strategy because familiar characters lower the risk of drawing audiences to theaters.
Still, this is very early. Talks are ongoing, deals are unsigned, and the film has no director, cast, or release date, per Yahoo News. A lot can change before any camera rolls. For now, it remains a promising idea — with two bold creators attached and one iconic princess at the center.
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