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Disney is continuing its streak of live-action remakes with Tangled as the latest animated classic set to receive the treatment. According to Deadline, the studio has tapped Michael Gracey, known for his work on 2017’s The Greatest Showman, to direct the film. Jennifer Kaityn Robinson, who previously contributed to Thor: Love and Thunder, has been enlisted to write the screenplay for this reimagining of the beloved tale.
The original Tangled, directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, followed the journey of Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore. The story chronicled her escape from a secluded tower and her discovery of her true identity as a lost princess. Alongside Flynn Rider, a charming thief voiced by Zachary Levi, Rapunzel embarked on an adventure that captured hearts worldwide. The film introduced a memorable villain in Mother Gothel, voiced by Donna Murphy, who kept Rapunzel imprisoned to exploit the magical powers of her hair.
Released in 2010, Tangled was a critical and commercial success, earning US$592 million globally and marking Disney’s 50th animated feature. It remains unclear if any original cast members, including Moore, Levi, or Murphy, will reprise their roles in the live-action adaptation.
The announcement of Tangled‘s live-action adaptation aligns with Disney’s broader strategy of revamping its animated classics. Recent successes like The Lion King, which grossed over US$1 billion globally, have encouraged the studio to continue with this profitable trend. Disney is also working on live-action versions of Moana, with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui, and Snow White, set for release next year. Upcoming projects also include Hercules, Bambi, and Lilo & Stitch.
While Disney’s live-action remakes often dominate the box office, they have shown signs of slowing down. The Little Mermaid earned US$569 million globally, a respectable figure but below the billion-dollar benchmarks set by earlier adaptations like Beauty and the Beast.
With Mufasa: The Lion King hitting theaters this December, the performance of this prequel may signal whether audiences are beginning to tire of the live-action format. As for Tangled, no release date has been announced. Whether this adaptation lives up to its animated predecessor remains to be seen, but Disney’s commitment to reimagining its classics shows no signs of slowing.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
