Rapunzel is moving on from animation.
“Tangled,” Disney’s 2010 animated film about the long-haired princess, will be reimagined in live action, with “The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey in talks to film.
The latest version of the “Tangled” script was written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who is well known for her work on “Do Revenge” and “Thor: Love and Thunder.” The original “Tangled” reinterpreted the Brothers Grimm classic Rapunzel.
Imprisoned in a brick tower by her captor (Donna Murphy), Rapunzel eventually escapes to discover the truth about her identity. This was with the assistance of the charismatic robber Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi). The well-reviewed animated film debuted 14 years ago and grossed $592 million worldwide.
“Tangled,” which features the Oscar-nominated song “When Will My Life Begin,” inspired spin-offs such as the 2012 short film “Tangled Ever After” and the 2017 television series “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.”
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According to Deadline, Michael Gracey is in talks to film a live-action “Tangled” version. The live-action adaptation is expected to closely follow the animated film’s plot, though specifics about the plot remain unknown.
The original grossed over $590 million worldwide and received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song (“I See the Light”). It also resurrected Disney’s princess franchise for a younger age.
What Tangled’s Live-Action Adaptation Means
Disney’s live-action remakes have been a key element of its recent strategy, with major triumphs including Craig Gillespie’s “Cruella” and Jon Favreau’s “The Jungle Book.” These projects have historically reimagined iconic animated 20th-century classics with new visuals and full narratives.
Following the revivals of “Cinderella” (2015), “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), and “The Little Mermaid” (2023), “Tangled” is a logical move forward. Its daring, visually rich story, and heartfelt characters will blend nicely into the live-action genre.
Gracey’s directing style showcases his talent for musical storytelling, drama, and visually stunning filmmaking. “The Greatest Showman,” Gracey’s first movie office blockbuster, also combines a poignant story with spectacular musical numbers.
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It further demonstrates the director’s strong ability to link with the musical DNA of “Tangled.” Gracey’s expertise as the director of “Tangled” live-action revival may provide a fresh yet authentic perspective on the animation material.
More Details About Tangled Live-Action
Disney has given various animated pictures the live-action treatment. This includes “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Mulan,” “Dumbo,” and “The Little Mermaid,” with varying degrees of commercial success.
Next, “Snow White” and “Lilo & Stitch” will also enter theaters in 2025, followed by “Moana,” featuring Dwayne Johnson as the tattooed demigod Maui, in 2026. In his review of “Tangled” for The Hollywood Reporter, critic Todd McCarthy praised the transformation of Rapunzel’s story into a musical in the classic Broadway style.
He highlighted the mix of broad comedy and action, all brought to life with vivid 3D animation. In terms of music, it is unclear whether the live-action version will have any new songs from composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. They also received a joint Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for “I See the Light” in 2011.
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Who will take up the roles of Mandy’s Rapunzel and Zachary’s Flynn Ryder? While casting is currently unknown, Mandy Moore has ideas on who could play Rapunzel’s legendary tresses: Sabrina Carpenter.
In a July interview with Elite Daily, Mandy said she could see herself with 50 feet of hair and remarked that she appears like a Disney princess in real life. The “This Is Us” alum even offered to appear in a live-action “Tangled.” She suggested that she play Rapunzel’s mother, picturing a genuine mother-daughter duet with an original song.
Zachary Levi suggested that Timothée Chalamet could take on the role of Flynn and his iconic smolder. He joked that Timothée is already getting every other job. He admitted that he feels a bit too old for the part now and is not as familiar with younger actors who could play the character.
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