Disney is developing a live-action fairytale film centered on an African princess currently title “Sadé.”
The project was picked up based on a pitch by Ola Shokunbi and Lindsey Reed Palmer who will co-write the screenplay. The story follows a young heroine, named Sadé, as she attempts to save her kingdom from mysterious evil forces using her newly discovered magical powers, according to Deadline.
The film marks the first-time that a female African character will lead an original Disney princess fairytale. Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” featured the studios first Black princess when it was released in 2009.
Marvel’s “Black Panther,” set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda brought Disney massive success this year grossing $1.35 billion worldwide and is the third-highest domestic performer of all time at $700 million. Disney recognizes the popularity of underrepresented minority narratives in blockbuster films and is looking to continue that trend.
A director has yet to be named. “Dope” director Rick Famuyiwa is attached to produce, while Scott Falconer will serve as exec producer.