Princess and the Frog - Eudora, Tiana and James © Disney
With The Princess and the Frog Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to hand-drawn animation. It’s also a return to musicals and the telling of a classic fairy tale … with a twist.
Terrence Howard and his cartoon character James © Disney
I thought that I was fired. They said they were bringing me back to do some more stuff, and then a month went by and another month went by, and I thought, “Oh, man.”
As the first Disney animated feature with an African American princess, what do you think this film will mean to people?
When they began the production on this film, during the initial talks, Barack Obama wasn’t in the White House. So, it’s very apropos that we have two African American princesses, at the same time that this movie is coming out. It’s just a happy accident. But, there’s always been nobility, in every culture and every race, and there are geniuses, in every culture and every race. It’s nice to have Disney platform that.
How was the role of James for you to play?
It’s really one of the easiest roles I’ve ever done because I was talking to my own little girls. I’ve got two daughters, who are my princesses. They gave me the words, but the inspiration of how to say it came from the natural inclination to teach my own children.
What are you hoping for with this film?
That this movie will set a landmark and a precedent for other culturally diverse films. I’m very happy that Disney took this step, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it. Disney has always covered most of the world, in the films that they have made. The Little Mermaid was a fish, but every little girl could relate to that. With Mickey and Minnie Mouse, you never wondered whether they were black or white. Every child can relate and associate with them.
I’m just looking forward to the numbers coming back and this film doing very well. I’m very happy to have participated.
No Responses to “The Princess and the Frog – Terrence Howard” Leave a reply ›