Full Breakdown
Colman Domingo and Robert O’Hara Plot Live-Action Spin-Off Centered on Princess Tiana
7/21/2026, 12:35:39 PM
Core Development
Colman Domingo, two-time Oscar-nominated actor, is in talks to co-write an original live-action feature that expands on Disney’s 2009 animated film *The Princess and the Frog*. He will partner with Tony-nominated playwright-director Robert O’Hara, known for the 2020 stage hit *Slave Play*. The project is described as a “story inspired by the original film” rather than a straight remake, and is still in its “early days,” with no formal deal confirmed by Disney.
Background & Context
*The Princess and the Frog* debuted in 2009, directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, and earned $267 million worldwide while garnering three Oscar nominations (Best Animated Feature and two for Randy Newman’s songs). In 2023 Disney announced a Disney+ series that would have followed Tiana’s post-film adventures, but the series was scrapped amid broader corporate rollbacks; a short-form special later replaced it. The current effort follows Disney’s recent wave of live-action adaptations, a strategy that has produced both hits—*Lilo & Stitch* (over $1 billion global) and flops—*Moana* (? $95 million opening weekend) and the 2025 *Snow White* remake ($42.2 million opening).
Key Figures & Groups
- Colman Domingo – Emmy-nominated actor (supporting role in Netflix’s *Four Seasons* and guest role in HBO’s *Euphoria*). He also authored the 2018 musical *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical* and co-produced the 2023 Tony-nominated play *Fat Ham*.
- Robert O’Hara – Playwright-director of *Slave Play* and writer-director of the 2011 horror thriller *Inheritance*. He is represented by CAA and Weintraub Tobin Chediak.
- Disney – Owner of the *Princess and the Frog* intellectual property; has not issued an official comment on the new script development.
Timeline
- 2009 – *The Princess and the Frog* releases, grosses $267 million.
- 2023 – Disney announces, then cancels, a Disney+ Tiana series.
- 2025 – Disney’s live-action *Lilo & Stitch* surpasses $1 billion; *Snow White* underperforms.
- July 2026 – Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reveal Domingo and O’Hara’s early-stage collaboration on a Tiana-focused live-action film.
Data & Statistics
- Original film box office: $267 million worldwide.
- Recent Disney live-action openings: *Moana* ? $95 million (global opening), *Snow White* $42.2 million (U.S./Canada opening).
- *Lilo & Stitch* (2024) domestic four-day opening: $183 million, total global gross > $1 billion.
Why It Matters
The project signals Disney’s continued investment in expanding its classic catalog despite mixed recent box-office returns. A Tiana-centric narrative could deepen representation of Black protagonists in Disney’s live-action slate and test audience appetite for spin-offs that diverge from direct remakes. Industry observers note that success or failure may influence Disney’s future green-lighting decisions for similar culturally specific extensions.
Official Statements & Responses
Domingo reflected on his career phase while discussing the venture:
> “Maybe it’s because I’m sort of leaning into the third act of my career,” he said. “For a long time, as artists, we’re in our ‘planting seeds’ phase. I feel like I’m in an incredible harvest period.” — Colman Domingo, actor
Disney has not issued a public statement regarding the script development.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts caution that Disney’s aggressive live-action schedule carries financial risk. The underperformance of *Moana* and the lukewarm reception of the 2025 *Snow White* remake have prompted some commentators to question whether the studio should prioritize original storytelling over continual re-imagining of legacy properties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that Domingo and O’Hara are “in talks” and that no deal has been finalized, but the extent of Disney’s involvement remains unclear. No official confirmation from Disney has been reported, leaving the project’s production timeline and budget undisclosed.
