It has been more than a decade since the theatrical release of The Princess and the Frog, and it seems like Disney is potentially planning to adapt the animated movie into live-action soon. Even though Disney hasn’t made any official announcements about a The Princess and the Frog live-action movie, rumors about the project have began circulating online. One of these rumors is regarding the potential casting of an Oscar-winning actress.
According to industry scooper MyTimetoShineHello on Twitter, Disney is reportedly eyeing Lupita Nyong’o for the leading role of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog live-action remake. The character was originally played by Anika Noni Rose in the hit 2009 musical film, and has since then voiced Tiana in other animated projects including Ralph Breaks the Internet.
Lupita Nyong’o History with Disney
Nyong’o has been collaborating with Disney since 2015, where she lent her voice to Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. She once again reprise the role in the animated show Star Wars Forces of Destiny. In addition, Nyong’o is also best known for her role as Nakia in Marvel Studios’ blockbuster Black Panther franchise.
Besides high-profile franchises, the acclaimed actress also worked with Disney in two other movies including the 2016 biopic Queen of Katwe and Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book live-action remake. Nyong’o will next be seen in A Quiet Place: Day One, which will be next horror project since her incredible performance in Jordan Peele’s Us.
The Princess and the Frog was directed by Jon Musker and Ron Clements. The film was inspired by the E.D. Baker’s 2002 novel The Frog Princess and the Brothers Grimm tale The Frog Prince. Set in New Orleans, the animated fantasy followed Tiana, a young woman who dreams of opening up her own restaurant. She accidentally turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen an attempt to release him from the Shadow Man’s curse.
