By: Renae Richardson
After years of stalled momentum and unrealized plans, a continuation of Tiana’s story is finally moving toward reality. Multiple reports indicate that award-winning actor Coleman Domingo is in talks to co-write the project, signaling tangible progress for a character whose presence has long felt limited within Disney’s broader lineup.
A Complicated Track Record for Disney
That progress comes against the backdrop of Disney’s uneven live-action slate. Recent releases have struggled to land consistently, and Moana now sits in uncertain territory, with weak projections and early returns that raise familiar concerns. Per Forbes,
The film also underperformed internationally, grossing an estimated $52 million in overseas markets for only $95 million total. That means the new remake has a long way to go to recoup its budget—“Moana” reportedly had a production budget of $250 million before marketing, Variety reported, and theaters typically keep about half of ticket sales.
While not determinative, it reinforces a growing skepticism around the studio’s reliance on reworked properties.
Why Tiana Might Be Different
Tiana. “Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.” Image Source: Disney
Within that context, this project stands on firmer ground than most. Audience interest has remained steady, with ongoing calls to revisit and expand Tiana’s story. As Yahoo notes,
“Amidst the news, Disney devotees took to X to fancast the potential live-action movie.”
That demand is now matched with credible creative leadership. As Blexmedia reports,
“According to multiple reports, Emmy nominee and two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is in talks to co-write an original live-action feature inspired by The Princess and the Frog alongside acclaimed playwright and director Robert O’Hara.”
Colman Domingo. Image
Source: Rosalind O’Connor/NBC (Courtesy of the LA Times)
His involvement suggests a more deliberate approach than what has defined similar efforts. The project’s framing also works in its favor. Rather than revisiting familiar beats, it is being developed as a new story within the same world, allowing space for interpretation without the weight of direct comparison.
Promise Does Not Equal Certainty
Even so, the project enters a landscape shaped by fatigue. Concerns around oversaturation and formula-driven storytelling continue to follow Disney’s adaptations, and those perceptions will inevitably influence reception. What distinguishes this moment is its shift from concept to action. As reported,
“In 2020, the studio announced Tiana, a long-form animated musical series for Disney+ that would continue the princess’ story years after the events of The Princess and the Frog.”
That version has since been shelved.
A Broader Expansion of Tiana’s Story
In its place, a revised strategy has emerged. “The studio is now developing two new projects centered on the character: a short-form animated special that continues her story and this newly reported live-action feature from Domingo and O’Hara.” Taken together, these developments reflect a shift in how Disney is positioning Tiana. Long viewed as underutilized, the character is now at the center of a more intentional expansion. Whether the execution meets expectations remains uncertain, but for the first time in years, the momentum behind her story feels real.
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