Disney unveils 'Frog Princess' details

NEW ORLEANS, March 9 (UPI) -- "The Frog Princess," set in New Orleans, would feature the first African-American Disney princess, Walt Disney Co. shareholders learned.

Disney Animation has begun production on "The Frog Princess," the company's first hand-drawn animation project in years, and the project has a 2009 release date, Hollywood reporter said Friday.

"Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid" creators Ron Clements and John Musker are the creative pair behind the musical, which will also have a "soulful singing alligator," said John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Pix and Disney Animation Studios.

Randy Newman, who spent his childhood in New Orleans, is writing the music for the film.

The announcement was made in New Orleans, where Disney was having its annual shareholder meeting.