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Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

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Template:DisneyChar Princess Tiana is the protagonist of Disney's upcoming 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. This film will mark the return of traditional hand drawn animation for Disney.[1] The storyline centers on young Tiana, a waitress and aspiring restaurant owner[2] living in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the Jazz Age, and a prince named Naveen who has been transformed into a frog by the evil voodoo magician Dr. Facilier.[1][3] She is voiced by Anika Noni Rose and is the first princess in the Disney Princess franchise with a black appearence [4] and will be the ninth Disney Princess to join the official franchise.[5]

Development

Tiana will be the first black princess in the Disney Princess franchise.[4][6][2][7] Tiana was originally named Maddy and worked as a chambermaid,[8] but her character's name was later changed to Tiana and her job, a waitress.[2] Disney spokeswoman Heidi Trotta stated "Princess Tiana will be a heroine in the great tradition of Disney’s rich animated fairy tale legacy, and all other characters and aspects of the story will be treated with the greatest respect and sensitivity."[9]

Voice casting

In February 2007, it was reported that Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose were top contenders for the voice of Tiana, and that Alicia Keys directly contacted Disney's studio chief Dick Cook, telling him that she wanted the role very much.[10] It was later revealed that Tyra Banks was considered for the role as well.[11] On April 19, 2007, it was confirmed that Anika Noni Rose would be voicing Princess Tiana.[12]

Profile

Tiana is a young waitress and talented chef who dreams of owning her own restaurant like her father.[2] She is a "diamond in the rough" who will have to learn some lessons before she reaches true princess status.[4] Director John Musker has stated that Tiana will be one of the "strongest" Disney heroines yet.[2]

Personality

She is a motivated, determined, and independent young woman. She wants to do things her way, without help from anyone.[4] Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana says: "She’s a strong woman who doesn’t need anyone to do things for her...She wants to do things for herself."[4] She must learn that balance is important in life; to be happy, she needs both love and a career.[2]

Appearances

The Princess and the Frog

Main article: The Princess and the Frog

A press release describes the story as follows:

When the free-spirited, jazz-loving Prince Naveen of Maldonia comes to town a deal with a shady voodoo doctor goes bad and the once suave royal is turned into a frog. In a desperate attempt to be human again, a favor in exchange for a fateful kiss on the lips from the beautiful girl, Tiana, takes an unexpected turn and leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana to the banks of the almighty Mississippi and back in time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. An unforgettable tale filled with music, humor and heart where two frogs—along with the help of a 200-year-old voodoo priestess, a love-sick Cajun firefly, and a trumpet-playing alligator—discover that what they want isn’t as important as what they need.[13]

In the official trailer it is revealed that once Tiana kisses the frog prince, she herself becomes a frog, and they must journey together to change themselves back to humans.[14]

The Princess and the Frog (video game)

Disney announced on June 4, 2009 that they will release a video game inspired by the film in the fall of 2009 exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. It will be an "adventure through the exciting world of New Orleans in a family-oriented video game," and will feature favorite moments from the film and challenges for Princess Tiana.[15]

References

  1. ^ a b "Official Princess and the Frog website". Disney.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "A Fairy Tale Beginning: Snow White, She's Not. Among Disney's Royal Ladies, Tiana Is a Notable First". Washington Post.
  3. ^ "The Princess and the Frog". IMDb.com.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Anika Noni Rose As Disney's First Black Princess". The Bleu Mag.com.
  5. ^ "Disney to release 'Frog Princess'". Variety.com.
  6. ^ "New Disney Movie Features First African-American Princess: Animated Comedy Set in New Orleans". WDSU.com.
  7. ^ "Conveniently Color Blind? Disney's First Black Princess Raises As Many Questions As It Answers". Black Voices: Black Spin.
  8. ^ "Planet Gossip - Update: Princess Anika and the Frog". E! Online.
  9. ^ "Movie & TV News @ IMDb.com - Studio Briefing - May 11, 2007". IMDb.com.
  10. ^ "Alicia Keys into Next Movie Role". E! Planet Gossip Blog. 2007-02-05. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
  11. ^ "Princess Anika and the Frog". E! Online. 2007-04-20. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
  12. ^ "Disney Crowns Its Frog Princess". E! Online. 2007-04-19. Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  13. ^ Art Daily
  14. ^ "Official The Princess and the Frog website: Trailers". Disney.com.
  15. ^ "Disney Interactive Studios Announces The Princess and the Frog Video Game". CNBC.com.
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