"The Princess And The Frog" is Disney's 49th animated feature film, and it was released on December 11th, 2009. The film follows Tiana, a young woman working as a waitress, who always dreams of opening her own restaurant in a lavish 1920s New Orleans city. She met a prince who was cursed to be a frog by an evil witch doctor and needed a true love's kiss to become a human again. Unfortunately, Tiana became a frog after kissing him and since then, the young couple had an amazing journey together.
With a multi-cultural cast, gorgeous music, and traditional
Disney art, "The Princess And The Frog" became a huge hit. Tiana’s determination, sass, and reliability enchanted the hearts of viewers around the world.
However, there are many interesting facts and hidden details in the film surrounding its production that Disney fans might not even know! So it’s time to dig a little deeper for some behind-the-scenes information about this animated classic. Scroll down to see what exciting new facts!
#1 Louis
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Louis is one of the most beloved sidekicks in the movie. But he wasn't always going to be an alligator for the whole film. In one of the earlier drafts of the screenplay, Louis is a human. While the current version of the character is an alligator who wants to join a jazz band, the original version is a human who cannot play any musical instruments. The voodoo magic of Dr. Facilier granted him the ability to play music, but the cost of this was to turn Louis into an alligator. This was eventually scrapped by Disney.
#2 Aladdin
Source: The Princess and the Frog
The directors of "The Princess and the Frog" also directed "Aladdin", they had a few different props from the film drawn into "Princess and the Frog". The magic carpet is one of the most striking appearances. One scene shows a woman shaking the dust from her window and letting it fall onto the streets of New Orleans. Moreover, when Mama Odie clutter to find something to help Tiana, look closely at the 1-hour mark. You can see the lamp from Aladdin across the screen. Perhaps it's empty now after the genie had been freed and was therefore of no use in the situation.
#3 3 and a half years
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Disney movies take time and work to create. "The Princess and the Frog" took about four years to make, which is rather standard in the animation industry. It's because the whole film is hand drawn, with some digital effects to help the process along. This is a massive amount of time and shows the dedication of the crew behind the piece. The process would have taken so long because of the love that was behind all of the drawings. In addition, it takes a long time due to its voice actors. The voice performers come in, record a few sequences, and then leave for a few months while animators and the rest of the team put them all together.
#4 Jack Skellington
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Every Disney fan knows that the animators enjoy including Easter eggs and references in their films. So get ready to start spotting one more time because "Princess and the Frog" includes another celebrity guest—not in the way you might have predicted. Take a look at the scene where Doctor Facilier requests his pals on the other side for assistance in finding Naveen. If you look closely enough in the shadows, you could notice The Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington at the far right of the shot.
#5 Woring her way to the top
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Tiana is quite different from some of the other Disney princesses because her background is quite different and her struggles are unique. While some have dealt with negative treatment from parents, and the loss of family, Tiana has to cope with some even more relatable issues. She has a desire but can't afford it, and her family can't afford much else. She responds to her circumstances as any other person in the real world would. She works hard at her job once she has it. She is the first and only Disney princess to hold a legitimate job, which may not seem all that revolutionary. It's a really good illustration of life.
#6 Disneyland Pitch
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Oprah Winfrey was employed as a technical consultant for "The Princess and the Frog". She did such an excellent job and was so enthusiastic about the project that she was cast as Tiana's mother, Eudora. We get a nice feeling just listening to her voice. The role wasn't specifically pitched to her though as they didn't have anyone in mind at all. It was actually rather surprising how she was cast in the role, and it happened as a result of an unanticipated turn of circumstances. The directors, Ron Clements, and John Musker went on a trip with Oprah to Disneyland. During this trip, they started talking to her about the next film they were working on, which just so happened to be Princess and the Frog. Oprah loved the idea of the film so much that she wanted to be a part of it!
#7 A113
Source: The Princess and the Frog
The A113 code has become incredibly famous because of its use in PIXAR films. It alludes to the class of the California Institute of the Arts, where some famous members of the film business, such as Brad Bird and Tim Burton, attended. However, magic codes sometimes appear in Disney movies. And "Princess and the Frog" is the exception. When Tiana rides on the cart through New Orleans, A113 is clear to see in the center of the tram. As a bonus fact, the man driving the cart is actually another member of the team. The character is based on the screenwriter for the film, Rob Edwards.
#8 Return to the early 2000s
Source: The Princess and the Frog
In the 2000s, Disney underwent a period of creative and organizational change. When CGI-animated movies like "Toy Story" were launched, hand-drawn movies did not do as well at the box office. But everything changed with "The Princess and the Frog". Despite using some of the available contemporary technologies, the whole movie was created by hand. The musical numbers' turbulence and the characters' frantic energy were both improved by it. In fact, since "Home On The Range" in 2004, "The Princess and the Frog" was the first Disney film to be hand-drawn.
#9 Venus
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Ray the firefly plays an important role in the film's emotional core. His death is one of the most touching scenes. It's his link to the sky's brightest star. Calling it Evangeline, he's completely smitten with what may even be mistaken for another firefly. It is hinted that he has now joined his love in the heavens and become the sky's brightest star. You might be surprised to hear what he's been staring at all this time isn't a star at all though. It is actually the planet Venus. This is suitable because Venus is the Roman goddess of love, however, it's unclear if Ray becomes a star or a planet next to her; not that it matters. It's a fitting conclusion for the character that's actually voiced by Jim Cummings!
#10 Mama Odie
Source: The Princess and the Frog
Mama Odie is the mystical wise woman that helps our heroes in their struggle to escape their fate as frogs. The p is quite eccentric and is reminiscent of New Orleans' fortune tellers. The character had a number of real life that inspired her, as well as one surprising fictional one. The first was the well-known and gifted writer Coleen Salley. She really contributed a bit to the movie before she passed away. The next was Moms Mabley, a legendary comic from the 1960s and 1970s with a dazzling personality and a troubled past. The final inspiration for Mama Odie came in the form of another Disney character, Yoda from the "Star Wars" films! Some of her quirkier moments were influenced by his sense of purpose and odd proclivities.