Disney will see if traditional animation can draw a crowd when it releases The Princess and the Frog, a 2D family film from Walt Disney Feature Animation that could mark the triumphant return of hand-drawn musicals next year. The movie is slated to hit theaters during the 2009 holiday frame. A sneak peek at the classical goodness can now be seen on the web at www.disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog.
Set in New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog will introduce the newest Disney princess, a young African-American girl living in the French Quarter. The story also involves a soulful singing crocodile, voodoo spells and lots of Cajun charm. Dreamgirls actress Anika Noni Rose voices the role of Princess Tiana, and the movie’s songs and score are written by Oscar-winning songwriter/composer and New Orleans native Randy Newman, who previously contributed to the Toy Story Films and fellow Pixar hits A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc. and Cars.
The story for Princess was conceived by John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules), who are directing the pic. Disney animation vet Peter Del Vecho (Chicken Little) is producing.
