Disney Pauses Live-Action ‘Tangled’ Remake Amid Mixed Results
Disney’s ambitious live-action retelling of the beloved animated film Tangled is currently on hold, as confirmed by insiders. This decision follows a lackluster box office performance from the recent adaptation of Snow White, which raised concerns within the studio.
The Current State of ‘Tangled’
The live-action project was previously in full swing, with renowned director Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, attached to the film, and a screenplay penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, acclaimed for her work on both Thor: Love and Thunder and Do Revenge. However, the mixed reception of Snow White, which has garnered only $69 million domestically against a production budget of $270 million, has caused a reevaluation.
Crisis Point: Reflection on Recent Disney Adaptations
The financial setbacks of Snow White are particularly striking, especially considering the film’s expenses were exacerbated by 2023’s labor strikes. Prior to its release, the film faced a barrage of negative press stemming from casting choices and social media controversies involving lead actress Rachel Zegler. Its current score of just 50 percent on Metacritic exemplifies the challenges faced by the film.
Mixed Performance of Live-Action Adaptations
Disney has adopted a strategy focusing on revisiting its classic animated catalog over the past decade. While some adaptations, such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, have achieved considerable box office success, others like Dumbo and Pete’s Dragon failed to resonate with audiences. Interestingly, Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King started with a modest $35.4 million domestic opening but eventually earned an impressive $718 million worldwide. Conversely, The Little Mermaid managed a more modest $570 million globally.
Future Prospects: Upcoming Live-Action Films
With Snow White casting doubts on Disney’s current strategy, the next 15 months will see the release of two more live-action films that could potentially restore confidence in their formula. On May 23, audiences can look forward to Lilo & Stitch, which generated significant buzz and engagement during this year’s Super Bowl, drawing 173.1 million views in just 24 hours—making it Disney’s most-watched advertising spot digitally. Additionally, the trailer for this remake has become the second most viewed live-action trailer in Disney’s history.
Moana: A Promising Future
Another upcoming adaptation is the live-action version of Moana, set to premiere on July 10, 2026. This film stands to benefit from the original’s substantial popularity on Disney+, amassing over 1.4 billion hours of viewership, equivalent to a staggering 735 million streams. Its release follows the successful launch of Moana 2, which grossed $1 billion and ranked as the third highest-grossing film of 2024.
Leadership Changes at Disney
The pause on Tangled also coincides with significant changes in Disney’s executive lineup, particularly among those responsible for their live-action adaptations. In February, Daria Cercek was appointed as the head of live-action theatrical films, reporting to David Greenbaum, who succeeded Sean Bailey last year as President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
Whether Tangled will resume production or undergo a creative overhaul remains to be seen as Disney reassesses its approach in light of recent performances and audience reception.