Anika Noni Rose to Voice 'The Frog Princess'
Filed under: Animation, Music & Musicals, Casting, Disney
Though Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson stole the Dreamgirls spotlight from Anika Noni Rose, it is Rose who apparently beat out Hudson (as well as ladies like Alicia Keyes and Tyra Banks) for the lead role in Disney's upcoming animated musical feature, The Frog Princess. (I'm sorry, but if Tyra Banks thought she had a chance here, then I'd love to have a little bit of what she's been smoking.) Rose will voice Maddy, Disney's first ever black princess -- a role that garnered the interest of practically every black actress/singer in Hollywood. And who can blame them -- heck, this is history in the making. Go Disney!
Set during the 1920s Jazz Age in New Orleans, The Frog Princess will be based on the classic fairytale and feature music from -- who else -- Randy Newman. Pic will also mark the first 2D Disney film since 2004's Home on the Range, and hopes to tap into the spirit of the Broadway-style musicals that were so successful for the Mouse House throughout the late '80s and '90s. In addition, Ron Clements and John Musker (directors of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid) have been tapped to write and direct. The first images of Princess Maddy have already been released, and though it's said to be early concept art, both pictures are in line with what you'd expect from an animated Disney Princess, in that she's pretty and petite with not an ounce of fat on her. How do you feel about the film? Is it just me, or does it feel slightly odd that it's 2007 and we're actually celebrating the fact that a major studio has decided to create their first animated African-American princess? Is this something that should have been done years ago?










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-21-2007 @ 5:14PM
Ed said...
Actually I think its pretty sad that in this day and age we’re being told we have to care about what color her skin is. I mean really.. Black, White, who really gives a damn as long as the movies good. Sadly though I can’t remember when the last time I enjoyed a Disney film was. (excluding Pixar). I fear the remade, updated fairytale will fall in the way as The Emperors New Groove. I really hope they take the time to focus more on story and not just bank on their “Historical Landmark” gimmick.
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4-23-2007 @ 9:11AM
octavia said...
I suppose I don't live in the same day and age as you. How diverse is the television programming you watch? How reflective is it of the cultural make up of the country? How many opportunities exist in your America for black children to feel present in society? Can you name as many leading African American leading faces on television as Caucasian? What about Latino? There is a strain on opening up the easily accessible images of non-white beauty in my America. And in this day and age, I can only county on one network having a night dedicated to the diversity of images in my community. African-Americans have been here for 400 years and paid to view Disney movies and toys and books for about 80 years, and have work behind the scenes at Disney for 50...why not an African-American princess? Identity is a beautiful thing, and acceptance is progress. Keep the stories coming and education of whom resides in the country strong. Maybe the next big deal will be an accurate presentation of a Native American princess or the introduction of a Mexican American princess or a multiracial princess. In this day and age we still have a lot of work to do in accepting difference
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4-22-2007 @ 12:25PM
joe said...
no, i'm willing to give this film the benefit of the doubt - it's the first disney hand-drawn film under the newly reopened animation studio under pixar's john lasseter. lasseter's standards are the highest around, and i'm very excited to see him bring back the golden age of disney animation.
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4-22-2007 @ 10:25PM
Karyn said...
In this day and age,I think it's sad that we have to go back to Song of the South to find a Disney production that featured African-Americans.
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4-23-2007 @ 11:47AM
Jessica said...
About time! I really look forward to thise and I have to add its true color doesn't matter BUT if thats the case why not a black disney herione earlier ?
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4-23-2007 @ 2:00PM
L said...
Skin color does make a difference in this particular subject because when it comes to Disney movies nearly every ethnic group has been represented. You have White (Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Ariel), Asian (Mulan), Arabic (Jasmine), Native American (Pocahontas) and it should continue with Mexican, and others that have been left out. Every little girl should have their race or ethnic group perceived as being a princess.
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5-12-2007 @ 4:27PM
Eloise said...
Appearantly those who feel that "it's sad that in this day and age we're being told to matter what color her skin is", doen't have any daughters. Our children all look for someone or something to look up to. Our children are a more inteligent than most give them credit for and they pay very close attention to the world. Many minorities, especially girls, have grown to be ashamed of themselves beacuse through the years "white" was right. It builds self esteem to see someone who looks like them doing something they like and respect. Almost every little girl wants to be a beautiful princess. Why not bring them closer by giving them someone they can actually identify with?
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5-02-2007 @ 6:51PM
danni said...
I am addressing the first poster's comment. I am soooo excited about this project, it is VERY relavent that she will be black, I have 5 & 6 year old girls and I have bought disney & other princess stuff for years, I think it will be so great to finally have a princess that looks like them!!! We are living in a diverse world, so color matters, it is important for children of all races to be represented in this way. I want my girls to know they are princesses too!! Just put yourself in someone's else's shoes and look at this thing objectively, focus on the positive. We are already planning our return trip to Disney World in 2009 to see Miss Maddy!
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5-04-2007 @ 10:08AM
alan said...
I am thrilled for Anika but lets not be too quick to celebrate Disney's cultural awareness. As far as Disney's black male characters they are all animals! Think about it...there isn't one black male disney character that is a human being. That speaks volumes.
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