From ‘Tiana’ to ‘Nautilus’: Disney+ Struggles to Deliver on Its Promises
When Disney launched its streaming service, Disney+, in 2019, subscribers were promised not only a vast library of classic animated films, recent live-action movies, and iconic Disney TV shows, but also an abundance of brand-new movies and series made exclusively for the platform.
While many new TV series have been created for Disney+, it seems that there have been several others promised by Disney that never came to fruition.
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Disney+ has had its fair share of original projects, but unfortunately, many of them have ended in cancellation, leaving fans disillusioned with the platform’s direction. The announcement that the Tiana series, a follow-up to The Princess and the Frog, has been officially canceled adds to a long list of promises Disney has failed to deliver.
Here’s a look at some of the most significant cancellations and removals that have disappointed audiences.
Tiana
The Tiana series was one of the most anticipated Disney+ projects, following Tiana’s adventures as the Princess of Maldonia after the events of The Princess and the Frog.
However, despite several delays, Disney confirmed in 2025 that the series had been canceled. Along with the cancellation, Disney announced it would no longer pursue long-form animated content for Disney+, signaling a significant shift away from their animation legacy.
This decision left many fans feeling disappointed and disillusioned with the company.
Nautilus
Nautilus was announced in 2021 with high hopes. The series, inspired by the 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, was set to explore the origins of Captain Nemo.
Casting was completed, scripts were written, and episodes were filmed, but in 2022, Disney revealed that it wouldn’t move forward with the series. The completed episodes were eventually sold to AMC for distribution in the US and Canada, and by Prime Video for distribution in the UK and Ireland.
At this time, the series has not been renewed for a second season.
Beauty and the Beast: Little Town Prequel
In 2020, Disney announced a Beauty and the Beast prequel series focusing on LeFou and Gaston. The show had potential with Josh Gad and Luke Evans returning to their roles, and Once Upon a Time creators Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis attached as showrunners.
Unfortunately, Little Town faced delays and challenges, and in 2024, Evans confirmed that it was “sadly not on the table.” The prequel was placed on indefinite hold, with little hope for a revival in sight.
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Swiss Family Robinson Series
The Swiss Family Robinson remake was another casualty of Disney’s shifting strategy. In 2020, Disney revealed plans for a new series based on the 1960 film, incorporating elements of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.
Ronald Moore, known for Outlander, was brought on as producer. However, after Moore left Disney for Sony, the company announced the show’s cancellation, disappointing fans hoping for a new take on the classic.
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The Spiderwick Chronicles
This series, based on the beloved 2008 film and its source material, was initially set to stream on Disney+. After filming was completed, the series was ultimately canceled, leading to disappointment for fans who had eagerly awaited its release.
In 2023, after Disney’s cancellation, Spiderwick was picked up by Roku, but the series’ future remains uncertain.
Series Removed from Disney+
In addition to canceled projects, Disney+ has removed a considerable number of series from its platform, spending over $2 billion in the process. Some notable removals include the Willow series, which, despite a positive reception, was not only canceled but also erased from the platform entirely.
Actor Warwick Davis publicly criticized Disney for this move, calling it “embarrassing.” Crater, a movie that had garnered positive reviews, was another casualty, disappearing from Disney+ after only 48 days.
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The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers and Other Cancellations
In 2023, Disney also removed numerous other shows, including Big Shot, Turner & Hooch, Diary of a Future President, and The Mysterious Benedict Society, among others. Fans were dismayed to see such a large number of original series vanish from Disney+, as the platform continues to reduce its content offerings.
As Disney redefines its streaming strategy, the cancellation and removal of so many promising projects leave many wondering whether the company can maintain its commitment to its audience. While Tiana might be the most recent casualty, it’s part of a long list of broken promises that has left fans frustrated with Disney’s current direction.
Which series are you most disappointed to see Disney cancel? Do you feel the company is making and breaking too many promises? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
