Walt Disney Animation Studios has unexpectedly opted to cancel anticipated Disney+ sequel series Tiana, which would have continued the adventures of characters from The Princess and the Frog. The upsetting move comes as rollbacks have occurred at the studio, and it also comes in the wake of a shift away from diversity in other projects, including a transgender storyline being cut from PixarsWin or Loseseries. The Princess and the Frog series would have brought back film star Anika Noni Rose to continue Princess Tianas journey as New Orleans royalty going on new musical adventuresbuilding her culinary empire as an empowered Black woman restauranteur, as seen in the 2D animated films ending and on Disney Experiences newly opened theme park ride Tianas Bayou Adventure. Insiders close to Tianas production told the Hollywood Reporter that despite best efforts, including several changes to the creative team, Tiana ultimately could not get to where it needed to be given production costs, and that the decision was made in alignment with the Disney and Pixars choice to stop development on long-form episodic series for their streamer. The sources said the animation studios focus would instead shift to developing a separate short-form special inspired by The Princess and the Frog, which is currently in early development. This project currently has Joyce Sherri attached as director and writer and Steve Anderson as co-director. Its also described as being a new story inspired by the film, which we hope isnt just revisiting events of the movie we didnt get to see. Tiana deserves to have her story to move forward, including all the magic and even bigger dreams in New Orleans. The best-case scenario is that this move is inspired by Moana 2s pivot from series to film which paid off handsomely for Disney Studios. Last years sequel to Moana made over $1 billion at the global box office and is poised to hit high streaming numbers once it arrives on Disney+.So while the news of Tiana being canceled is disheartening, perhaps it signals a step toward a feature-length release? Well be wishing on stars holding on to the hope that Tianawill get the royal treatment with a big-screen sequel our princess truly deserves. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.