“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever After” actress Lupita Nyong’o is reportedly being considered to play Tiana, Disney’s first black princess
The princess and the Frog (2009) may be the next animation from walt disney pictures to be readapted for a live-action and Lupita Nyong’oknown for her roles in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever After (2022) and 12 years of slavery (2013), is being considered to play the lead, Tiana (via CBR).
The production is considered one of Disney Studios’ most beloved and celebrated releases for introducing the first African-American princess. Although The princess and the Frog underperformed at the box office, was a critical success and earned three Academy Award nominations, including one from Best Animation.
While some Disney fans may think that Nyong’o – who at the time of writing is 40 – would be “too old” to play a 19-year-old, the source points out that the studios disney will “definitely change history” if the actress is cast.
They’re definitely changing the story a bit by eyeing 40-year-old Lupita Nyong’o for Princess Tiana who’s 19 in the original.
Totally worth it to get such massive talent. https://t.co/PvLOEsxvWw
— CanWeGetSomeToast (@CanWeGetToast) August 13, 2023
Despite the excitement caused by the revelation, it is worth remembering that there is no official announcement by Disney, which should only confirm the development of the project after balancing the current scenario in the film industry, which faces strikes by actors and screenwriters.
Despite the criticism leveled at the latest live-action adaptations, Disney’s history of retelling classics pays off. Since the launch of Alice in Wonderland (2010), the studio has amassed over $9.5 billion worldwide, setting a goal to adapt more of its classics in the future.
More about The princess and the Frog (2009)
The princess and the Frog takes place in New Orleans, where a young and beautiful girl named Tiana lives. The character has the dream of opening her own restaurant and aims to save as much money as possible to rent the property she always wanted.
After accepting an invitation from her best friend, Charlotte LaBouff, to work at her party, Tiana meets Naveen, who appears in the form of a frog, announcing that he is a prince. To become human again, he asks her to kiss him. However, the situation gets complicated when Tiana also ends up turning into a frog after kissing him.
The princess and the Frog is available on Disney+, Disney’s streaming platform.
Source: Rollingstone
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
