With Disney+ as a major player in the streaming world, the service was initially celebrated for its wide range of content, from classic films to new exclusive series. However, over the years, Disney has not only failed to deliver on a number of high-profile promises but also pulled previously available content from the platform.
Tiana is just the latest casualty in this trend. Below, we explore some of the most significant disappointments Disney+ subscribers have faced over the years.
Related: Disney+ Faces Backlash as Subscribers Demand Change Over ‘Ridiculous’ Problem
Tiana
Perhaps the most disappointing cancellation for fans of Disney animation, Tiana was announced as a follow-up to The Princess and the Frog, intended to continue Tiana’s story as the Princess of Maldonia.
However, after several years of delays, Disney officially canceled the series in 2025. Along with the cancellation, Disney revealed it would be moving away from long-form animated content on Disney+, signaling a dramatic shift away from the company’s animation-heavy legacy.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Based on the 2008 film and the book series, The Spiderwick Chronicles was initially slated for release on Disney+. After the series was filmed, it was ultimately canceled, leaving fans frustrated. The rights to the series were later sold to Roku in 2023, but as of now, there are no guarantees for its future.
Nautilus
This series was designed to explore the origins of Captain Nemo, inspired by Disney’s 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Casting was completed, scripts were written, and episodes were filmed. But despite the significant investment, Disney pulled the plug in 2022, and the series was shopped to other studios.
Eventually picked up by AMC in the US and Canada and Prime Video in the UK and Ireland, the first season aired, but has currently not been renewed for a season two.
Beauty and the Beast: Little Town Prequel
In 2020, Disney announced a prequel series based on the Beauty and the Beast live-action film. The show would focus on the backstories of LeFou and Gaston, with Josh Gad and Luke Evans returning to their roles.
However, after several delays and challenges, Evans confirmed in 2024 that the series was no longer in development. While it remains on indefinite hold, it seems unlikely that Disney will revive this project anytime soon.
Related: Disney Reportedly Scrapping Plans For Live-Action Remake
Swiss Family Robinson Series
Another major 2020 announcement, Swiss Family Robinson was meant to shed new light on Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Ronald Moore, known for his work on Outlander, was brought in as producer. However, after Moore left Disney, the company pulled the plug on the series, leaving fans who had been looking forward to it disappointed.
Crater (A Movie That Vanished Quickly)
Crater, a movie that received positive reviews, faced a particularly unique fate. Despite its positive reception, Disney removed the movie from Disney+ after only 48 days. This short-lived availability added to the frustration of subscribers who felt they were being misled by the promises Disney made about exclusive content on the platform.
Series Removed from Disney+
In addition to canceling high-profile projects, Disney has spent over $2 billion removing shows from its platform. One of the most notable removals was Willow, which, despite a relatively positive reception, was not only canceled but completely removed from Disney+ in 2023. The decision to erase the series caused public backlash, especially from Warwick Davis, who starred in both the film and the TV show, calling the move “embarrassing.”
As Disney+ continues to evolve, the growing list of cancellations and removals leaves many subscribers questioning the platform’s future. While Tiana may be the latest in a long line of disappointments, it’s certainly not the first—and likely won’t be the last—project that never sees the light of day. Fans continue to wonder whether Disney can fulfill its promises to deliver unique and engaging content to its subscribers.
Which Disney series cancellation has disappointed you the most? Do you think the company is making and breaking too many promises? Share your thoughts in the comments!
