The 2022 D23 Expo’s Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products panel featured a lot of exciting announcements regarding Disney Theme Parks and Disney Cruise Line, but there is one bit of news that might be hinting at some disappointment for an already-controversy sparking attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Blue skies and sunshine! 🐸☀️ Still thinking about this performance at #D23Expo with @AnikaNoniRose! pic.twitter.com/eDcmZYGFbP
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 11, 2022
Read More: Disney Gives Final Light for Splash Mountain, Ushers In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Updates
Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Josh D’Amaro, shared the news that several of the actors from the film, including Anika Noni Rose, will reprise their roles for the attraction. But one name and character was surprisingly missing: Keith David as the evil voodoo Shadowman, Dr. Facilier.
This missing piece sparks fear of disappointment in this writer as it seems to all but denounce the possibility of one of the potential parts of the log flume attraction that could be most looking forward to.
Personally, one of the most exciting aspects of this ride could have been claiming the hill for the final drop surrounded by Dr. Facilier’s voodoo dolls and other friends from the other side chanting, “Are you ready? Are you ready?” This would, in this writer’s opinion, build suspense and excitement in an incredible way. But seeing that Keith David is not involved, the chance of that happening now appears slim. Not to mention the fact that it has already been established that the events in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure take place after the events of Princess and the Frog.
Now, it could be that Walt Disney Imagineering only needs to bring back the voices of the trumpet-playing alligator Louis, the wise-cracking Mama Odie, the charming Prince Naveen, and the beautiful Princess Tiana because they are the only characters who have new lines that need to be recorded. Maybe there is no need to record anymore for Dr. Facilier, or the Shadowman was recast. Only time will tell at this point, but this writer will remain hopeful.
Related: D23 UPDATE: Villains Land Teased For Disney Parks
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.