Colman Domingo, Robert O’Hara in Talks to Write Live-Action Princess Tiana Movie

Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Colman Domingo and Tony-nominated director Robert O’Hara are in talks to write a live-action film about Princess Tiana from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” according to Variety.

Domingo, who recently earned two Emmy nominations for his roles in “The Four Seasons” and “Euphoria,” would co-write the project with O’Hara, the playwright and director behind “Slave Play.” The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news, noting deals have not yet closed for the pair. Disney has not commented.

What kind of movie is it?

The project is not being described as a straightforward live-action remake of the 2009 animated film. Instead, it is an original idea inspired by the classic, focusing on the character of Princess Tiana. This approach is similar to other Disney live-action projects that spin off from their animated sources rather than directly adapting them.

Deadline first reported the news, characterizing the developing film as a spin-off. The animated “The Princess and the Frog” was the last hand-drawn animated feature from Disney. It was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and featured the voice of Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, a waitress in 1920s New Orleans who dreams of opening her own restaurant.

No production or release timeline has been set. The project is in very early stages at the studio, with the writing deals still being negotiated. This means it will likely be some time before any casting announcements or a release date is revealed.

Domingo and O’Hara bring significant theatrical and writing credentials to the project. Domingo wrote the book for “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” and co-produced the Tony-nominated play “Fat Ham.” O’Hara wrote and directed the play “Bootycandy” and the feature film “Inheritance.”