Disney+ Finally Adds ‘Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess’ After Decade-Long Absence
The long-awaited debut of the film aims to capitalize on renewed interest in the franchise ahead of a 2026 sequel series.
After more than a decade of unavailability, Disney’s Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess is finally coming to Disney+. The film, which originally premiered in 2012 as a prequel to the popular Sofia the First television series, will be available to stream beginning February 27th. This move arrives without a clear explanation for the prolonged absence, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind the delay.
The arrival of Once Upon a Princess completes the Sofia the First collection on Disney+, joining all 119 episodes of the animated series. The movie serves as the origin story for Sofia, voiced by Ariel Winter, a peasant girl whose life is transformed when her mother marries royalty. The series itself debuted a year later on Disney Junior, building upon the foundation laid by the initial film.
The mystery surrounding the film’s absence has been a recurring topic among fans. While released under the Disney umbrella, rights issues are often cited as a potential cause for delayed streaming availability. Even within the same company, separate release agreements can complicate the process of making content accessible across all platforms.
Online communities, particularly on Reddit, have been vocal about the missing movie for years. “Such a weird choice on Disney’s part,” one Reddit user commented. “Sofia was such a juggernaut when it was airing. It’s still so popular with the Gen Z kids who grew up with it; they make TikToks about it!” The sentiment highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise, even among older audiences who have fond memories of the show.
The popularity of Sofia the First extended beyond the screen, with merchandising reaching its peak in 2013. A companion book sold over 450,000 copies, and the series spawned a successful spinoff, Elena of Avalor. Disney is continuing to invest in the franchise, with a new sequel series, Sofia the First: Royal Magic, slated for release in August 2026.
The timing of Once Upon a Princess’ arrival suggests a strategic effort to reignite interest in Sofia ahead of the new series. By making the complete collection available, Disney aims to capitalize on the existing fanbase and attract a new generation of viewers. It’s a welcome development for fans who have long sought access to the film without resorting to unofficial sources.
Ultimately, the decision to finally stream Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess is a positive step for Disney+ subscribers and a testament to the enduring legacy of the beloved animated series.
