A New Braid On a Classic Tale: Disney’s "Tangled" Gets the MUSICAL Live-Action Treatment
Disney is dusting off another beloved animated classic for a live-action makeover, this time venturing into the world of magic and impossibly long hair with “Tangled.”
The studio is developing a modern, musical reimagining of the 2010 animated film, breathing fresh life into the story of Rapunzel, a princess with the power to heal through her magical hair.
“The Greatest Showman” filmmaker Michael Gracey is in early talks to direct the project, bringing his flair for spectacle and musical storytelling to the enchanting world of “Tangled.”
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Netflix’s darkly comedic “Do Revenge” and projects like “Thor: Love and Thunder” and the upcoming “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot, is penning the script. Casting for the lead role and other key characters has yet to be announced.
A Timeless Story Gets a Modern Twist
“Tangled” itself tells a timeless tale. Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore in the original animated feature, finds herself imprisoned within a secluded tower by a manipulative woman who craves the power of her magical hair.
Her world changes when a charming outlaw named Flynn Rider stumbles upon her tower, leading to an adventure filled with romance, self-discovery, and the power of following one’s dreams.
The 2010 animated film was a critical and commercial success, garnering praise for its animation, humor, and catchy soundtrack. It generated a global box office haul of $592 million, a significant achievement, though production costs reportedly reached $260 million.
“When Will My Life Begin?”, the Oscar-nominated song from the film, became an instant classic, further solidifying “Tangled”
as a cherished part of Disney’s animated legacy. The popularity of the movie spawned spinoffs, including the 2012 short film "Tangled Ever After" and the 2017 TV series “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure,” proving the enduring appeal of Rasunzel’s story.
Disney’s Live-Action Renaissance
Disney’s dedication to reimagining its animated classics in live-action has proven to be a successful strategy. Films like “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “Dumbo” have reintroduced beloved stories to a new generation of audiences, experiencing varying degrees of critical and commercial triumph.
The studio shows no signs of slowing down this trend. “Snow White” and “Lilo & Stitch” are slated to hit theaters in 2025. And in a casting coup, Dwayne Johnson will lend his voice and charisma to the role of Maui, the tattooed demigod, in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Moana,” set for release in 2026.
