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The Definitive Answer: How Many Official Black Disney Princesses Are There (And The One Everyone Forgets)

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The question of "how many Black Disney Princesses are there" is one of the most frequently searched topics in the Disney fandom, reflecting a growing desire for diverse representation in animated classics. As of the current date in late 2025, the official count within the exclusive Disney Princess franchise is a single, groundbreaking heroine: Princess Tiana of the 2009 film *The Princess and the Frog*.

This definitive answer, however, only tells part of the story. The conversation has expanded significantly in recent years to include live-action casting, non-princess heroines, and upcoming projects, making the topic far more complex and interesting than a simple number. This article will break down the official count, explore the full biography of the one official Black princess, and examine the other prominent Black characters who are often—and mistakenly—included in the count.

Princess Tiana: Biography and Cultural Impact of the First African American Princess

Princess Tiana holds a unique and powerful place in Disney history, not only as the ninth member of the official Disney Princess lineup but also as the first African American character to receive the title.

  • Full Name: Tiana
  • Movie Debut: *The Princess and the Frog* (2009)
  • Inspiration: The character is loosely inspired by E.D. Baker's novel *The Frog Princess* and the real-life New Orleans chef Leah Chase.
  • Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana, in the 1920s.
  • Core Story: Tiana is not born into royalty; she is a determined, hardworking waitress and aspiring chef who dreams of opening her own restaurant. Her transformation into a princess is achieved through marriage to Prince Naveen and her journey of self-discovery.
  • Cultural Significance: Her film is the first Disney animated feature set in the American South, specifically celebrating the vibrant culture, jazz music, and cuisine of New Orleans. Her story is a powerful narrative about entrepreneurship, determination, and the pursuit of a dream, resonating deeply with audiences who rarely saw such focused ambition in earlier princess characters.

Tiana’s introduction was a landmark moment, breaking a nearly 70-year streak of predominantly white princesses and heroines dating back to Snow White's debut in 1937. Her legacy continues to expand with the upcoming *Tiana* animated series on Disney+ and the highly anticipated Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride, which is set to replace Splash Mountain at Disney Parks, marking the first Disney ride to celebrate a Black princess.

Addressing the Confusion: Characters Often Mistaken for Black Disney Princesses

The conversation about Black representation often includes several characters who, while significant, are not officially part of the Disney Princess franchise or are of different ethnic backgrounds. Understanding these distinctions is key to maintaining topical authority.

1. Moana (Polynesian, Not Black)

Moana, the heroine of the 2016 film *Moana*, is frequently grouped with Tiana due to her non-white ethnicity. However, Moana is Polynesian, specifically from the fictional island of Motunui, drawing inspiration from the cultures of the Pacific Islands. Furthermore, Disney has clarified that Moana is not technically a "princess" but the daughter of a chief, making her a "chief's daughter."

2. Esmeralda (Romani, Not Official Princess)

Esmeralda, the deuteragonist of *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* (1996), is another character often brought up in discussions of diverse Disney heroines. Esmeralda is a strong, outspoken Romani woman. While a beloved character, she is not an official Disney Princess because she does not marry royalty and is not the star of an animated film that was a major financial success in the way that Disney requires for franchise inclusion.

3. Live-Action Casting: Halle Bailey as Ariel

The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in the 2023 live-action adaptation of *The Little Mermaid* was a massive cultural event that changed the perception of a classic character. While Bailey is a Black actress, the character of Ariel (in her original animated form) is not Black and is one of the original 13 official princesses. Bailey’s casting represents a significant step in live-action diversity, establishing her as the first African American live-action Disney princess, but it does not change the official animated princess count.

Beyond the Tiara: Other Significant Black Disney Heroines and Heroes

To fully appreciate Black representation in the Disney universe, it's essential to look beyond the official princess lineup. The company has produced many other powerful and iconic Black characters who serve as heroes and role models, significantly contributing to topical authority on this issue.

These characters prove that representation extends far beyond the traditional princess narrative:

  • Joe Gardner (*Soul*, 2020): The first Black lead in a Pixar film, an aspiring jazz pianist who explores profound themes of life and purpose.
  • Mirabel Madrigal (*Encanto*, 2021): While the family is Colombian, her younger cousin, Antonio Madrigal, is a prominent Black character in the family.
  • Penny Proud (*The Proud Family*, 2001–Present): The intelligent and ambitious teenage protagonist of the long-running animated series, a staple of Black representation in Disney television.
  • Frozone / Lucius Best (*The Incredibles*, 2004): A major supporting superhero character voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, a long-standing fan favorite.
  • Alisha Hawthorne (*Lightyear*, 2022): A key character and the best friend of Buzz Lightyear in the Pixar spin-off.
  • Cobra Bubbles (*Lilo & Stitch*, 2002): A former CIA agent and social worker, a large, imposing, and caring figure.
  • Gabriella (*The Little Mermaid* Animated Series, 1992-1994): A deaf Black mermaid character who was a recurring friend of Ariel, notable for her early appearance in the Disney animated world.

The inclusion of these diverse and complex characters shows a clear effort by Disney to expand its scope, moving away from the single-focus princess model to embrace a wider variety of Black protagonists in different genres, from science fiction to superhero epics and family dramas.

The Future of Black Disney Princesses and Heroines (2025 and Beyond)

While the official count of Black Disney Princesses remains at one (Tiana), the future of Black heroines in the Disney universe is bright and continuously evolving. The focus has shifted from introducing a new princess to deepening the world of the existing one, alongside creating new, non-princess protagonists.

The most significant upcoming projects that will further cement Black representation are:

  1. *Tiana* Disney+ Series: This upcoming animated long-form series will follow Tiana after the events of *The Princess and the Frog*, exploring her life as a newly crowned princess and successful entrepreneur. It promises to dive deeper into New Orleans culture and Tiana's personal journey.
  2. Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Scheduled for a 2024-2025 opening, this major theme park attraction will be a massive, permanent celebration of Princess Tiana, solidifying her status as a flagship Disney character beyond her initial film.
  3. New Animated Features: Disney and Pixar continue to develop original stories. While no specific new Black princess has been officially announced, the industry trend—as seen with *Encanto* and *Soul*—is towards diverse ensembles and non-traditional lead heroes, suggesting that future Black heroines are highly likely, even if they don't wear a crown.

In conclusion, the simple answer to "how many Black Disney Princesses are there" is one: Princess Tiana. However, the cultural impact of her character, combined with the groundbreaking live-action casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel and the growing list of iconic Black heroes and heroines across Disney's films and television, demonstrates that the legacy of Black representation is stronger and more diverse than ever before.

The Definitive Answer: How Many Official Black Disney Princesses Are There (And The One Everyone Forgets)
how many black disney princesses are there
how many black disney princesses are there

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