Happy Saturday everyone. Sorry for the delay, the last couple weeks have been quite busy for me on a personal level but we are back and ready to talk all things Disney with you guys. This week we dive into the Tiana news, Inside Out 3, as well as How to Train Your Dragon (I know it’s not Disney but it’ll make since), and so much more.

When do you think we will get updates on the live-action Princess and the Frog and when do you think it will be released?

Ever since Disney+ shelved the Tiana series earlier this week, this is the question I have received the most. It should be noted that Disney has yet to confirm this happening, and when the time comes they do, it is a process. My guess is somewhere between 2027-2028 we would see it, almost 20 years since the animated film’s release.

Which will be made first, Moana 3 or Inside Out 3?

Well, Pixar is already mapping out ideas for an Inside Out 3, that does not automatically mean it’s happening, but I can tell you Inside Out 3 is happening. That said, don’t think for one second that Disney isn’t mapping out ideas for Moana 3 because they are.

Do you think Disney intends to commercialize the Anastasia franchise, and is there a chance of her becoming an official Disney princess? I’m referring to Anastasia from Fox Animation there. Will they make me new content about the Anastasia franchise in the future?

The criteria for becoming an official Disney Princess are not publicly disclosed and are determined by Disney executives. While the character does have the attributes of a Disney princess, Disney has no plans to bring a character that was developed outside of Disney Animation/Pixar into their lineup. Could Disney do anything with Anastasia in the future? Sure, possibly a live-action remake, but even then, I think that’s a long shot.

If the live action HTTYD is a success, do you see DreamWorks exploring more remakes to their other films like Prince of Egypt?

If How to Train Your Dragon proves to be as successful as Disney’s live-action adaptations (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King) then absolutely DreamWorks would attempt building its own live-action remakes. Prince of Egypt would be unlikely in my opinion with religious and historical narratives that are real tough to tailor for today’s young audiences. What could work would be projects such as Shrek, Rise of the Guardians, Megamind, and possibly Sinbad.

What was the animation style for the Tiana series? Fully 2D or more like ‘Paperman‘? Will the upcoming special utilize either styles?

Disney’s planned Tiana series was initially intended to feature a hybrid animation style, blending 2D and 3D elements, similar to the techniques used in the films Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse but not as extreme. While Disney and the Tiana creatives are working on a new special, the specific details about the animation style for this upcoming special are unknown at this time.

Why is full trailer for Lilo and Stitch taking so long to be released when the movie is 3 months from release?

There is no need to rush marketing on this remake. Stitch has remained one of Disney’s most iconic characters over the last 20 years from an entertainment and merchandise standpoint. The studio knows families will rush to Stitch, and they have released multiple fun little teasers and posters featuring the character, which is more than enough to drive excitement. That said, a full trailer should debut this month.

What are you looking forward to at CinemaCon? The Michael Jackson biopic should be exciting.

I know it is not Disney related, but I have spoken to a few people who have seen a test screening of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon and not only was I told it scored high, I have heard nothing but good things about it. The movie is also going to be screened at CinemaCon in April, which is two months before the film’s theatrical release, so the studio also believes it has a gem on their hands.

Do you think Avengers: Doomsday will get delayed?

I mean the film is expected to hit theaters on May 1, 2026 and filming hasn’t even started yet, not to mention a lengthy post production process. Doomsday will certainly find a new release date later in 2026.

Have you heard any rumours about frontrunners for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider?

Only name I have heard recently for Rapunzel is Sabrina Carpenter but that is just a name Disney wants, that doesn’t mean that is a name Disney will get. I personally think the role will land to a McKenna Grace-type. As for Flynn Rider, there were rumors Milo Manheim was considered for the role but I have been told that isn’t true and the there are a couple actor/pop stars they are eyeing for the role (but I’ll save those names for another day).

If Dana Walden becomes CEO, do you think she’ll be better for creatives in the studios and parks, or would they be worse off under her leadership?

This is a tough one to answer, if Dana Walden becomes the next Disney CEO, her impact on creatives in the studios and parks would depend on her leadership style and priorities. Given her background in television and experience in managing creatives at Fox and Disney, she might foster a more collaborative and innovative environment for storytellers. Her focus on content could benefit studios by prioritizing creative projects and allowing for more diverse storytelling. Walden is well-respected I think Disney would be in good hands with her at the helm.

Word of mouth is Jon Favreau making a Mickey and friends cinematic universe which includes his Magic Kingdom movie and Kingdom Hearts. Is there some truth to that?

Okay, I figured this would pop up among the questions I get. So, Favreau is going a live-action/animation hybrid of Oswald The Lucky Rabbit, which will be a series for Disney+. When it comes to Kingdom Hearts, Magic Kingdom, or even a Mickey Movie, none of these projects are in active development. While Kingdom Hearts could happen as Disney was once trying to launch a project a few years ago, there are some hurdles it would have to overcome. As for Magic Kingdom, the film was axed and for that to come back to life would require future live-action projects to succeed.

Since Younger Bridget and Ella won’t return for Descendants 5, will Rita Ora and Brandy still make an appearance and is there any chance The King of Hearts will appear as well?

Rita Ora is returning, Brandy I am not 100% sure on. I’m also unsure on The King of Hearts but it would be hilarious if they some how cast Ora’s husband Taika Waititi in the role.

Is Disney making a reboot of Darkwing Duck and TaleSpin or they’re both cancelled?

TaleSpin is sadly not in any form of development at this time. Darkwing Duck from Seth Rogen I’m told is very much still in the works but when would we see it? I’m not so sure.

Have you heard anything on if Zootopia 2?

I have spoken to one person that has seen a cut of the film (not a test screening, I don’t believe it has tested). All they would tell me is that the movie is “one of Disney Animation’s best sequels”. Take that information as you will because I don’t know if that is a high bar at this time.

Can you tease any rumors you have heard about any movies?

Actually, I can, but let me start off by saying this is rumor and I have not even remotely tried to verify it or ask about it since it is so crazy even to me. I had been told by someone (not a regular source I would go to) that Disney is looking to reimagine the 1961 classic Babes In Toyland. Again, this is just a rumor told to me and I’m not sure it is even happening but something I figured I’d share here,

That’s all for this week’s mailbag, stay tuned as every week a new DisInsider Mailbag will drop.