Disney is officially reviving its beloved fairy tale, Tangled, as a live-action movie, signaling a new chapter for the franchise after a temporary pause earlier this year. The acclaimed filmmaker Michael Gracey, renowned for directing The Greatest Showman, is attached to helm this adaptation of Disney’s 2010 animated film, with screenwriting duties handled by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Sony’s I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot.
Production and Director
The project, which adapts the Brothers Grimm tale of the magically long-haired princess Rapunzel, was momentarily halted in April following the commercial disappointment of Disney’s Snow White live-action remake. According to industry insiders, the Snow White film’s lack of cultural relevance for today’s audiences led to weak box office results, whereas Lilo & Stitch, another Disney remake, struck gold, raking in $1 billion globally thanks to its enduring popularity among younger audiences. With Tangled’s continued resonance and previous global box office earnings of $592 million for the animated original, Disney is optimistic about capturing the same widespread appeal.
Casting Developments
Though casting for the live-action Tangled has not yet been finalized, Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to play Mother Gothel, Rapunzel’s cunning captor, a role originally voiced by Donna Murphy. Other key casting decisions, such as the actors for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, remain undisclosed as of now.
Tangled’s Legacy
The 2010 animated Tangled featured Mandy Moore as the voice of Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, enchanting audiences with its rich musical numbers—including “I See the Light,” which earned an Oscar nomination, and “When Will My Life Begin,” which also garnered critical acclaim. The film’s lasting impact is evident, as Tangled expanded into the 2012 short film Tangled Ever After and the 2017 series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, both furthering the adventures of Rapunzel and her companions.
Fans of the original still celebrate its legacy; during its 10th anniversary in November 2020, Moore and Levi reunited to reminisce about their experience, expressing immense gratitude for the support and enthusiasm Tangled continues to inspire.
Industry Context and Cultural Impact
Disney’s cautious approach with the live-action Tangled reflects its lessons from recent box office trends and a targeted strategy to engage young audiences who relate to more recent animated stories. Lilo & Stitch’s ongoing popularity on Disney+ and strong retail sales have driven confidence in nostalgic revisits to millennial and Gen Z favorites, with Tangled expected to be the next title to benefit from this cultural cache.
What’s Next
As production resumes and anticipation builds, Tangled’s journey from animation to live action marks another milestone in Disney’s evolving storytelling legacy. With Michael Gracey’s visionary direction and the dramatic potential of Scarlett Johansson as Mother Gothel, this retelling of Rapunzel’s magical adventure promises to captivate audiences old and new, continuing a tradition of fairy tales reimagined for the big screen.
