Development for the live-action adaptation of Tangled has been halted. The beloved 2010 animated film, enriched with memorable songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater, follows the escapades of Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore. Captured in a tower by her seemingly caring guardian Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy), Rapunzel eventually escapes to embark on an adventurous journey with the charming rogue Flynn Rider, portrayed by Zachary Levi. The upcoming live-action version was to be directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, with a screenplay penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who has written for titles such as Do Revenge and the forthcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer.
According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the live-action remake of Tangled has been officially placed on hold, as confirmed by studio insiders. This decision follows disappointing box office results for Disney’s recent release of Snow White, which has garnered only $145.6 million against a ballooning budget of approximately $250 million. As it stands, the fate of the Tangled remake remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a potential revival if adjustments are made, to an indefinite pause.
Implications for Disney’s Live-Action Remakes
Tangled: A Forewarning of Future Project Delays
The suspension of Tangled could signal the beginning of a wider reorganization within Disney’s filmmaking strategy, especially as the studio faces a critical and financial downturn concerning live-action adaptations. The recent film Snow White has particularly suffered, debuting to a meager 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes amidst controversies about its portrayal of dwarfism and conflicting statements from stars Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler regarding Middle Eastern politics.
Moreover, Snow White is not an isolated case of lackluster performance. This decade has seen several adaptations falter; out of the seven remakes released since 2020, three received unfavorable reviews (Mufasa: The Lion King, Snow White, and Pinocchio) while two others (Mulan, Peter Pan & Wendy) garnered negative audience ratings. Even 2023’s The Little Mermaid failed to impress, taking in only $569.6 million against a reported budget of $240.2 million.
Perspectives on the Halt of Tangled’s Development
A Shift Away From Disney Princess Adaptations?
The trajectory of Tangled‘s development pause could pave the way for similar suspensions of other anticipated live-action adaptations, including Hercules, Robin Hood, The Aristocats, and Bambi. If this trend continues, it may indicate that Disney is particularly cautious about producing live-action princess films. Given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the release of Snow White, this avoidance strategy might prove to be short-sighted. It could potentially backfire with the upcoming release of the live-action adaptation of Moana in 2026, which appears to target a similar audience and has the makings of a successful entry.
Source: THR