To Disney's credit, even before the 2010s, their Disney Princess line was already diverse. With Princess Jasmine, Pocahontas, and Mulan, the beloved Disney franchise didn't just cater to caucasian audiences. However, with just these three characters, the lineup was diverse enough. Even worse is that they hadn't represented a huge portion of America: the African-American community.
Well, this all changed in 2009 with a charming movie called "The Princess and the Frog." All about an African-American chef who dreams of opening her own restaurant, a kiss from a cursed Prince transforms her into a frog and she has to get through New Orleans as an amphibian to break the curse. The film broke ground with the African-American community. Finally, after decades of European fairytales—some even turned into animals—they finally had a movie of their own.
Understanding the impact of this film, I went to its red carpet premiere. There, I met the cast and got them to sign my copies of the movie poster. Anika Noni Rose, who voices the lead character Tiana, was every bit the Disney Princess she voiced in the film. She was gentle and kind, but headstrong too.
As was Miss Jennifer Cody, who voiced Tiana's best friend, Charlotte La Bouff. The legendary Jim Cummings, who played Ray the firefly, was a joy to see. If there's anyone who defines what it means to be a Disney legend, it's that man right there!
All in all, the night was all about joy and celebration! Joy for the wonderful step Disney took with this new film. And celebration that, finally, the story of an always-forgotten community will finally be included in the Disney canon!
Please note: Our inventory is limited as we may have only received a few posters in total. Most of our items are obtained from film premieres, studios, and from autographed hounds such as the one in the story above.
