Colman Domingo and Robert O'Hara in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess and the Frog Tiana Spinoff Movie
News Source
β’Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:27:02 +0000
π° What Happened
Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo and director Robert O'Hara are in talks to write a live-action spinoff movie based on Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog.' The film would focus on Tiana, Disney's first Black princess, who appeared in the 2009 animated film. The project is in early development, and no casting has been announced.
Domingo is one of the most respected actors working today, known for 'Euphoria,' 'Rustin,' and 'The Color Purple.' O'Hara is a celebrated playwright and director who directed the Broadway hit 'Slave Play.' Their involvement suggests Disney wants to bring serious dramatic weight to the spinoff, rather than it being a simple children's movie.
π The Backstory
'The Princess and the Frog' was released in 2009 to good reviews but modest box office. Over time, it has become a beloved classic, especially among Black audiences who finally saw a Black Disney princess. Tiana has since become a major part of Disney's princess lineup, appearing in merchandise, theme parks, and TV shows.
Disney has been expanding its animated properties into live-action for years. 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Aladdin,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'The Lion King' all received live-action remakes. A Tiana spinoff was first rumored in 2023 as a Disney+ series but has now evolved into a theatrical film. The choice of Domingo and O'Hara signals that this will be a prestige project aimed at adults as well as children.
π― Why It Matters
Tiana is an important character for representation. A live-action spinoff that treats her story seriously would be a milestone for Black storytelling in Hollywood.
Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo and director Robert O'Hara are in talks to write a live-action spinoff movie based on Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog.' The film would focus on Tiana, Disney's first Black princess, who appeared in the 2009 animated film. The project is in early development, and no casting has been announced.
Domingo is one of the most respected actors working today, known for 'Euphoria,' 'Rustin,' and 'The Color Purple.' O'Hara is a celebrated playwright and director who directed the Broadway hit 'Slave Play.' Their involvement suggests Disney wants to bring serious dramatic weight to the spinoff, rather than it being a simple children's movie.
'The Princess and the Frog' was released in 2009 to good reviews but modest box office. Over time, it has become a beloved classic, especially among Black audiences who finally saw a Black Disney princess. Tiana has since become a major part of Disney's princess lineup, appearing in merchandise, theme parks, and TV shows.
Disney has been expanding its animated properties into live-action for years. 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Aladdin,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'The Lion King' all received live-action remakes. A Tiana spinoff was first rumored in 2023 as a Disney+ series but has now evolved into a theatrical film. The choice of Domingo and O'Hara signals that this will be a prestige project aimed at adults as well as children.
Tiana is an important character for representation. A live-action spinoff that treats her story seriously would be a milestone for Black storytelling in Hollywood.