Disney Is Developing a Live-Action Fairytale About an African Princess Named Sadé

Nigerian-American director Rick Famuyiwa is attached to produce.

Disney Is Developing a Live-Action Fairytale About an African Princess Named Sadé

A new Disney original centered on the story of an African princess warrior is coming our way.

The studio has acquired a pitch for Sadé from writers Ola Shokunbi and Lindsey Reed Palmer. Nigerian-American Dope director Rick Famuyiwa, has signed on to produce the film. Disney's Ugandan-American Executive VP of ProductionTendo Nagendaand Zoe Kent its Manager of Creative Affairs will oversee the project, though a director is yet to be named.


Here's a brief synopsis of Sadé viaDeadline:

It centers on a young African girl named Sadé who, when her kingdom is threatened by a mysterious evil force, accepts her newly discovered magical warrior powers to protect herself and her people. With the help of the kingdom's prince, Sadé embarks on an adventure that will allow her to embrace what makes her special and save the kingdom.

Disney saw massive success with the release of Black Panther earlier this year, so it's no surprise that they're making it a priority to create more content centered on African characters. Sadé will be the first time that a Disney princess fairytale will have an African female lead.

In 2009 Disney released "The Princess and the Frog," its first-ever animated film starring a black princess.

No word on when the film will begin production, but folks already seem pretty excited about it on social media.


A photo of ‘African Queens: Njinga’ star Adesuwa Oni dressed in traditional African royal attire, being carried on a throne.
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