In a surprising move, Walt Disney Animation Studios has officially reported by   canceled the Tiana series for Disney+. First announced in December 2020, the show was envisioned as a musical featuring Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, The Princess and the Frog) reprising her role as Disney’s first Black princess. However, despite multiple efforts to revamp the series, The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the production faced “high costs” and “creative challenges” that ultimately led to its cancellation.

This decision comes as part of Disney’s broader shift in content strategy, which The Hollywood Reporter notes includes pulling back from longform streaming projects. A spokesperson confirmed that layoffs are expected at the studio’s Vancouver location as a result of this strategic pivot. In addition to Tiana, the studio is also scrapping an unannounced feature-length movie meant for Disney+, signaling a significant change in direction.

Despite this setback for the Tiana series, The Hollywood Reporter highlights that The Princess and the Frog remains a valuable property for Disney. Last year, the Splash Mountain attractions at Disney’s U.S. parks were reimagined into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, cementing the princess’s ongoing relevance in Disney’s theme park offerings.

In place of Tiana, Disney Animation is now developing a new shortform special inspired by The Princess and the Frog. The Hollywood Reporter indicates that this project is in early development, with Joyce Sherri set to direct and write, and Steve Anderson also attached as a director. Though specific plot details are scarce, insiders suggest it will explore fresh storytelling tied to the 2009 film’s legacy.

The move to shelve Tiana aligns with Disney’s broader trend toward shortform content. As The Hollywood Reporter reports, shortform projects like Zootopia+ and Baymax! have performed well on Disney+, making them a priority for the company. Additionally, Bluey, which Disney+ licenses, was the most-watched show in the U.S. last year, further proving the popularity of shorter, episodic content in the streaming landscape.

Looking ahead, Disney Animation is refocusing its efforts on theatrical releases. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the studio remains committed to releasing one theatrical film per year, with Zootopia 2 slated for release in November 2024, followed by Frozen 3 in 2027. Despite the cancellation of Tiana, Disney’s commitment to producing groundbreaking animation, both in theaters and on streaming platforms, continues unabated.