Some months ago, the news that Disney will be developing an African Princess fairytale film called “Sade” was made public. Many Nigerians commended Disney for this and the news also raised many speculations among Nigerians. These speculations were mostly because of the involvement of Nigerian/American director Rick Famuyiwa in the production. Ola Shokunbi who is also of Nigerian descent is co-writing the screenplay along with Lindsey Reed Palmer. “Sade”, the African Princess movie, will set a new standard as it will mark the first time that an African female character will play the lead in a Disney Princess film.
Disney has worked up a long list conventional Princess characters in the past. They did however mix it up in 2009 with Princess Tiana – being its first black heroine. They have also diversified their list with black princesses by introducing Princess Elena of Avalor.
African Princess “Sade” – Similar to Moana?
If this film is going to be based on a Nigerian story, we do not know yet. But we do believe it will be similar to Moana. Just like Moana, “Sade” will be a young African girl who will have to come to terms with her newly discovered magical powers. Along with the help of the kingdom’s prince, she will protect her people from a mysterious evil force that threatens them.
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It has been made known that Rick Famuyiwa will be the producer of “Sade”. Scott Falconer will be the executive producer. The production team have not appointed the director yet.
After the massive success of “Black Panther”, which was set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, the idea for an African Princess movie was presented to Disney by Lindsey Reed Palmer. It is going to be very different from traditional Disney Princess movies like Snow White and Frozen. It is more likely to be similar to Moana in theme, character and settings.
