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Colman Domingo and Robert O’Hara eyed for Disney’s Tiana film
Developed over time first seen 4 months ago
Colman Domingo and Robert O'Hara are in early talks to write a live-action film based on Disney's Princess Tiana, the character introduced in 2009's animated musical "The Princess and the Frog." The project is described as an original story inspired by the animated film rather than a direct remake, and comes as Disney continues to build on Tiana's popularity following the retheming of its Splash Mountain ride into "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" at its US theme parks.
The original film, voiced by Anika Noni Rose and set in 1920s New Orleans, grossed $267 million worldwide and earned three Oscar nominations. Domingo, who has enjoyed a strong 2026 with the billion-dollar hit "Michael" and further Emmy nominations for "Euphoria," would take on the project as a writer alongside O'Hara, a Tony-nominated director and playwright with whom he previously collaborated on the 2012 play "Wild With Happy." Deadline first reported the news, and Disney declined to comment.
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In short
- Domingo and O'Hara in early talks to write live-action Tiana film
- Original story inspired by 2009's "The Princess and the Frog"
- Follows Domingo's big 2026, including hit film "Michael"
How this story developed
- 4 months ago Follow-up reporting clarified that the pair are actually being courted to co-write the project together, adding that Tiana's animated debut earned $267 million and three Oscar nods while Domingo juggles a busy 2026 slate including "Michael" and an upcoming Nat "King" Cole biopic.
- 4 months ago Deadline reported that Colman Domingo and Robert O'Hara had entered early talks with Disney to write a live-action film built around Princess Tiana, an original tale inspired by 2009's "The Princess and the Frog" rather than a remake, though the studio declined to comment.
- The Hollywood Reporter Colman Domingo in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess Tiana Movie Inspired by ‘Princess and the Frog’
- Deadline Colman Domingo & Robert O’Hara In Talks To Write Original Live-Action Pic About ‘Princess And The Frog’s Tiana – The Dish
- IGN Colman Domingo and Robert O’Hara in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess and the Frog Tiana Spinoff Movie
- Variety Colman Domingo and Robert O’Hara eyed for Disney’s Tiana film
Explained simply
Princess Tiana is Disney’s first Black princess and the central character in the 2009 animated musical The Princess and the Frog. The story follows a young woman in 1920s New Orleans who hopes to open her own restaurant, before a fairy-tale spell changes her life.
The film drew on the city’s music, food and culture, and featured the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos and Keith David. It received praise for its setting and songs, and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
Disney has continued to use Tiana in its parks and other projects, including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which replaced the Splash Mountain ride at US parks. Colman Domingo is an actor and writer known for film, television and theatre, while Robert O’Hara is a playwright and director who has worked with him before.
Coverage · 4 sources
- VarietyColman Domingo and Robert O’Hara eyed for Disney’s Tiana film
- The Hollywood ReporterColman Domingo in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess Tiana Movie Inspired by ‘Princess and the Frog’
- DeadlineColman Domingo & Robert O’Hara In Talks To Write Original Live-Action Pic About ‘Princess And The Frog’s Tiana – The Dish
- IGNColman Domingo and Robert O’Hara in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess and the Frog Tiana Spinoff Movie
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Variety as “Colman Domingo and Robert O’Hara in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess Tiana Movie”.