It’s possible that the paused live-action version of Tangled could still be in the works at Disney, according to a recent report by entertainment insider Daniel Richtman (DanielRPK). The project might get revived if the upcoming Moana remake does well at the cinema.
Earlier plans for a live-action version of the movie “Tangled” were put on hold, supposedly due to doubts within the company following the underwhelming reception of “The Little Mermaid” and the negative response and significant failure of “Snow White.” However, after the unexpected success of “Lilo & Stitch” among audiences, and with “Moana” slated as the next major remake, it seems Disney is reconsidering the potential success of “Tangled,” a popular animation from the 2010 era that resonated with fans.
Industry Names Already Attached
Initially, Tangled was slated to progress under the leadership of Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, with a script written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (known for Do Revenge and Thor: Love and Thunder). Kristin Burr (from Christopher Robin) and Lucy Kitada were set as producers.
This particular film variant was said to have focused on maintaining the essence of the original Tangled, which is a freer interpretation of the Rapunzel tale, well-known due to the Brothers Grimm. The animated version generated over $590 million globally and played a significant role in Disney’s rejuvenation of animation, placing it among the top 10 highest grossing films of 2010.
A Pattern Emerging
As I delve into the analysis of Disney’s reports, it’s evident that a pattern emerges: some remakes skyrocket while others falter significantly. It’s no longer just about the pull of nostalgia or brand familiarity; what truly determines success seems to be staying true to the original source material and avoiding ideological deviations.
Disney’s live-action adaptations of The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast closely followed their animated predecessors, with excellent casting choices, resulting in impressive box office success. Even Lilo & Stitch, which faced initial doubts after Snow White, has found its place by keeping the essence of the original tale intact. Although there were significant alterations to the film’s conclusion, that topic will be discussed another time; for now, it’s something viewers don’t know before seeing the movie for the first time.
Compared to the timeless classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “Snow White”, recent retellings have stirred up quite a conversation. Instead of sticking closely to the source material, these adaptations underwent substantial changes. The casting choices made were based on race, which at times seemed more about making a statement than reflecting genuine characters. Moreover, these reimagined fairy tale heroines were turned into assertive action leads, striving to be “independent” girl bosses, but often losing the essence of their original personalities in the process.
The outcome was disappointing at best and alarmingly poor at worst in terms of ticket sales, strong negative feedback from viewers, and speculation that Disney might be focusing more on maintaining storyline consistency or utilizing classic franchises as platforms for social commentary rather than pure entertainment.
Will Disney Read the Room?
The situation for Moana has become more critical than ever before. If the reboot starring Dwayne Johnson performs well, it might pave the way for Tangled and establish a pattern for future live-action adaptations. However, the key issue is whether Disney is open to learning from its past successes and failures.
Audiences don’t object to remakes in principle; instead, they seem to dislike the feeling that their cherished classics are being deconstructed and rebuilt with a specific ideology being forced upon them.
If Disney manages to continue weaving compelling tales, staying true to what initially made these stories timeless, then perhaps “Tangled” will find a new lease on life. However, if “Moana” follows in the footsteps of “The Little Mermaid” or “Snow White,” it could potentially keep “Tangled” locked away for an extended period.
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2025-06-14 15:57