Disney has provided us with many Disney princesses over the years, but it seems that only the hardworking cook from New Orleans is getting her own series. Although the show has faced delays, partly because of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike, it has taken a step forward with its new writer/director.
The 'Tiana' Series is Still a Go
By the end of the movie, we finally see Tiana achieve her and her father's dream of setting up a restaurant to share their cooking with New Orleans. Not only was she able to do that, but she also got her happy ending with the Prince of Maldonia, Naveen.
Back in 2020, it was announced that a spin-off series from "The Princess and the Frog" titled "Tiana" would be produced by Disney, even dropping an estimated release date of 2023. Due to delays, the release date was moved to 2024.
The estimated release date of next year seems more possible as the show gets Joyce Sherrí as its writer and director. In case you don't know, Sherrí was the writer of Mike Flanagan's "Midnight Mass" series on Netflix, as reported by Gizmodo.
The plot of the show stays the same, as it will show us the life of Tiana's "grand new adventure as the newly crowned Princess of Maldonia." However, her past in New Orleans will still call to her, which means we will see more of the movie's original setting.
What's left to determine is whether Anika Noni and Bruno Campos will take on their roles as Tiana and Prince Naveen on the show as the SAG-AFTRA strike continues. The same goes for Jennifer Lewis who plays Mama Odie and Michael Leon Wooley as Louis.
We can all agree that the show would not be the same if the iconic characters did not get the same voice as they did in the movie that was released 14 years ago. Hopefully, everything would work out in the end so we could see the Disney princess continue her journey.
'The Princess and the Frog' Remains a Hit
Despite being released more than a decade ago, the movie is still among the most-loved films in Disney's long list of famous titles, so much so that one of the entertainment giant's theme parks has built a new attraction that's based on Tiana's dream restaurant.
Tiana's Palace will be serving food that the Disney princess would likely cook up herself. The restaurant based in the Anaheim, California Disneyland Park will be serving good food "with love" and ingredients that are sourced directly from New Orleans.
For instance, they would use the andouille sausage when cooking up gumbo for customers, as well as Carolina gold rice, and bread. They will also be using cane syrup from Louisiana for Joffrey's Coffee Chicory Cold Brew.
Talented chefs have contributed to the menu to bring authenticity to the table. Director, Food & Beverage Experience Integration Disneyland Resort, Michele Gendreau said that it was a "study of palates" and that not one of the chefs speaks the same spice level.
