Disney has announced that it has begun production of the next addition to their collection of Disney Princess movies.
Set for release in 2009, The Frog Princess is Disney’s newest addition to its Disney Princess collection. Starring a 19-year old African-American chambermaid named Maddy, the film is set in New Orleans, which according to Robert Iger, Disney’s Chief Executive, is a way to show their support to the city that has not yet fully recovered from the tragedy brought about by hurricane Katrina.
The film would be set in the 1920’s, reliving the Jazz Age, as it tries to revive Disney’s classic Broadway-style musical that have been very evident in the previous Disney Princess movies such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. But this is not the only thing Disney will be doing to revive the Disney Princess tradition. Last month, Disney has pledged to return to the traditional hand-drawn animation technique that has made Disney a worldwide brand.
The film is to be written and directed by Ron Clements and Jon Musker. The two also directed Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. It was also said that the Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken would take charge of the music. Recently, it was reported that Jennifer Hudson – Osar Best Supporting Actress for Dream Girls, Anika Noni Rose – Tony Award Winner for Caroline, and Alicia Keys – multiple Grammy awardee, are being considered to be the voice of Maddy.
With all the preparations behind this film, Maddy would definitely one Disney Princess to look forward to.
*Sources:
- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17524865/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Frog_Princess_(film)
