Disney has officially canceled Tiana, the animated series based on The Princess and the Frog, as part of a major shift in its animation strategy. The company is moving away from longform streaming animation, leading to layoffs and project cancellations.
Why Is Disney Canceling Tiana?
Tiana was first announced in 2020 and was expected to continue the story of Disney’s first Black princess. The series was set after the events of The Princess and the Frog, following Tiana as the Princess of Maldonia while staying connected to her New Orleans roots.
Originally planned for 2023, the show was delayed to 2024 after major creative changes. Now, Disney has decided to cancel it entirely, along with another unannounced animated feature that was intended for Disney+.
Disney’s Shift Away from Streaming Animation
The cancellation of Tiana is part of a bigger change at Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS). Disney is no longer focusing on longform animated content for streaming. This move follows a similar decision by Pixar, which recently announced it would stop producing episodic content for Disney+.
As a result of these changes, Disney’s Vancouver animation studio is facing layoffs, signaling a cost-cutting effort across the company.
Will There Still Be a Tiana Project?
There’s some good news for fans—Disney is reportedly working on a short-form animated special based on The Princess and the Frog. While it won’t be a full-length series, it could still bring Tiana back to the screen in a new adventure.
What’s Next for Disney Animation?
Disney’s focus is now shifting toward theatrical releases and short-form content, rather than streaming-exclusive animated shows. This change could mean fewer original Disney+ projects in the future, but bigger theatrical films and special releases instead.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, Disney’s strategy will likely continue to change—but for now, the dream of a full-length Tiana series has come to an end.