With Disney continuing to bring their classic animated films to life on the big screen in re-imaginings and reboots, a live-action Tangled remake was in the works. Released in 2010, Tangled puts the Disney spin on the classic Rapunzel fairy tale and follows the familiar heroine as she attempts to escape the clutches of an evil hag who has kept her locked away because of her magical hair. An instant smash hit, Tangled added just the right amount of Disney charm to the story, and it continued the studio's return to form after a decade of hits and misses throughout the 2000s.
Alongside a positive critical reception that praised Disney's return to the classic fairy-tale musical format (via Disney's live-action remakes have served a multitude of purposes, from addressing past criticisms to simply reintroducing their older material to a younger audience. While it has generally been a mixed bag, a Tangled live-action remake has the opportunity to reinvigorate the hit film, and simply make it an even bigger spectacle.
Quick Links

Why Disney Made Tangled So Different From The Original Rapunzel Fairy Tale
The beloved Disney film Tangled is quite different from the original fairy tale, though Disney's major changes ended up improving Rapunzel's story.
The Tangled Live-Action Movie Latest News
Development Is Halted On The Live-Action Remake
Just a few months after the project was officially confirmed, the latest news sees development halted on the live-action Tangled remake. According to insider reports from Disney, Tangled has been paused for now as a result of the lackluster release of 2025's Snow White. The big-budget summer release has underperformed, likely causing Disney to rethink their live-action plans going forward. The report does specify that Tangled hasn't been full canceled, but it's unclear if development will ever actually continue.
The Tangled Live-Action Movie Was In Development
Disney Announced The Project In Late 2024
After years of rumors and speculation, it was finally announced in December 2025 that Tangled would be getting a live-action remake. Coming 14 years after the animated film's blockbuster debut, Disney added the Rapunzel tale to its growing list of live-action projects. Though many details were under wraps, it was also confirmed that The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey is currently the front-runner to helm the project. No casting was announced and no other names were linked to the behind-the-scenes creative process either.
While the report doesn't say the movie is canceled, it's unclear when or if Rapunzel's tale will move forward again.
Though Tangled would certainly make a good live-action remake, that doesn't necessarily mean the project will ever actually see the light of day. It was revealed in April 2025 that development on the remake was paused due to the underperformance of 2025's Snow White. While the report doesn't say the movie is canceled, it's unclear when or if Rapunzel's tale will move forward again.
Disney's live-action remakes include:
Movie |
Release Date |
Note |
---|---|---|
Snow White |
March 21, 2025 |
|
Lilo & Stitch |
May 23, 2025 |
|
Moana |
July 10, 2026 |
|
Hercules |
N/A |
Guy Ritchie attached to direct. Status unclear |
Robin Hood |
N/A |
Carlos López Estrada attached to direct. Status unclear |
The Aristocats |
N/A |
Questlove attached to direct. Status unclear |
Bambi |
N/A |
No director attached. Status unclear |
Other live-action projects like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Sword in the Stone have likely been scrapped.
Tangled Live-Action Movie Cast Details
No One Is Attached Yet
Even when it was only a rumor, the Tangled live-action remake found quite a bit of traction online and even got the attention of a star from the animated film. Aside from the speculation surrounding Florence Pugh playing the lead role of Rapunzel, Fan Expo in Chicago, Levi itted that he "would love…to do another iteration".
Florence Pugh has not addressed the Tangled rumors.
However, despite his enthusiasm, Levi also qualified his statements by mentioning that it was the Florence Pugh casting rumors that truly sparked his interest in reprising Rider and that he is "not 24" like the character. Levi acknowledged the somewhat problematic aspects of Flynn Rider's age in Tangled and mentioned "Rapunzel is 17 turning 18. And, uh, I don’t know…not that I haven’t been younged down for some other roles, but I don’t know". As has been the case with many of Disney's live-action remakes, Tangled will likely go to an entirely new cast.
Tangled Live-Action Movie Story Details
How Will The Live-Action Movie Adapt The Story?
Some of Disney's live-action remakes have been literal adaptations, while others have taken the key ideas and expanded on them. TheTangled live-action remake will likely follow the first strategy and see Rapunzel as she meets the dashing Flynn Rider who takes refuge in her tower. Seeking to escape the clutches of Mother Gothel who keeps her trapped, Rapunzel goes on a whirlwind adventure with the bandit and learns that the magic within her hair isn't as important as what's in her heart.
While nothing is confirmed officially, the exciting story of the original film would be perfect fodder for a Tangled live-action remake with very little change. However, there is also an opportunity to expand upon the classic Rapunzel fairy tale, and flesh out side characters as well. All of Disney's recent live-action remakes have featured a host of CGI aspects, and beloved animals like Pascal and Maximus will likely be brought to life in animated form alongside their human counterparts.

Tangled
- Release Date
- November 24, 2010
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Director
- Byron Howard, Nathan Greno
Cast
- Donna Murphy
An adaptation of the fairytale of Rapunzel, Disney's Tangled follows the long-haired princess as she journeys to discover her real identity. Kidnapped as a child by the evil Mother Gothel in order to exploit the healing properties of her magical hair, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has lived her whole life isolated in a tower. A chance encounter with a smooth-talking fugitive called Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi) sees Rapunzel venture out into the dangerous world to find the kingdom of Corona and unlock the secrets of her past.
- Writers
- Dan Fogelman
- Franchise(s)
- Disney
- Budget
- $260 million
- Studio(s)
- Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Distributor(s)
- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Your comment has not been saved