A live-action movie about Princess Tiana might finally be on the way And fans of The princess and the frog already have the perfect cast in mind

Deadline has exclusively revealed that Disney may soon bring the world of The Princess and the Frog back to the big screen with a completely new approach. Rather than producing a scene-by-scene remake, the studio is reportedly developing an original live-action feature centered on Princess Tiana. Leading the project would be two of the most acclaimed talents in contemporary theater and film: Colman Domingo and Robert O’Hara. Domingo is a two-time Academy Award nominee and has recently earned two Emmy nominations. While audiences know him for his powerful dramatic performances in projects such as Rustin, Sing Sing, and Euphoria, he actually began his career as a playwright and theater artist, developing a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. O’Hara, meanwhile, is one of the leading figures in American theater, earning a Tony Award nomination in 2020 for directing Jeremy O. Harris' acclaimed play Slave Play. As fans will remember, the original 2009 animated film is set in the vibrant New Orleans of the 1920s, when jazz music ruled the city. Both Domingo and O’Hara have an intimate understanding of the language of the stage, making them particularly well-suited to preserve and celebrate the story's rich cultural identity. Although negotiations are still in the early stages and no deals have been finalized, the report has already ignited excitement among fans, who have flooded social media with dream casting choices. Here's who audiences would love to see step into the shoes of these beloved characters.

Princess Tiana

At this point, it almost feels inevitable: every Disney princess eventually gets her own live-action adaptation. We saw it happen with Cinderella in 2015, Mulan in 2020, and The Little Mermaid in 2023, and we'll soon see Teagan Croft take on the role of Rapunzel, just to name a few. And yet, it's always surprising to realize that the characters who shaped our childhood are about to become flesh and blood. Tiana's story is particularly compelling, and perhaps that's because she's the Disney princess many of us relate to the most. She doesn't have magical hair, she doesn't fight with a katana or a bow and arrow, and she doesn't possess a mystical voice from beneath the sea. Instead, she has a superpower many of us would gladly borrow for a day: she believes in herself. "I'm almost there," she sings as she finishes another exhausting shift, carefully saving every dollar to make her dream come true. Fans have suggested countless actresses for the role, but these names have emerged as the favorites:

• Ryan Destiny: Known for the musical drama Star and the sports biopic The Fire Inside, she has both the screen presence and vocal ability the role demands.
• Jayme Lawson: Praised for The Batman and The Woman King, she would bring remarkable emotional depth to Tiana.
• Zaria Simone: A Gen Z favorite thanks to Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, many fans can already picture her as the beloved princess.
•  nota per la serie musical Star e per il biopic sportivo The Fire Inside ha la presenza scenica e il talento vocale perfetto.

That said, a large portion of the fandom is hoping Disney casts someone with strong Broadway experience to handle the film's musical numbers. The most frequently suggested names include Joy Woods, who recently starred in the revival of Little Shop of Horrors, Hailey Kilgore, a Tony Award nominee for Once on This Island and one of the stars of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and rising performer Aliyah Mastin.

Prince Naveen

When it comes to Maldonia's charming prince-turned-frog, fans are looking for someone who combines charisma, charm, and impeccable comedic timing. Here are the top fan picks:

• Rome Flynn: Easily the internet's favorite. The Emmy-winning The Bold and the Beautiful actor, also known for How to Get Away with Murder, is widely considered the closest real-life match to Naveen.
• Keith Powers: Best known for his performances in Netflix's Uglies and The Perfect Find.
• Jaafar Jackson: Michael Jackson's nephew, who recently made his acting debut portraying his legendary uncle in the upcoming biopic Michael. He'd be an ideal choice if Disney wanted to emphasize singing and dancing abilities.
• Shubham Maheshwari: A fresh fan favorite admired for his versatility and charisma. Audiences recently discovered him through Prime Video's adaptation of We Were Liars.