With just three months until Disney’s Snow White (2025) graces theaters, the Mouse House has dropped another bombshell—a live-action remake of 2010’s Tangled is officially in the works. But who will step into the roles of Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel in this reimagined fairy tale?
Released in 2010, Disney’s Tangled stands as a modern classic, intertwining heartfelt storytelling with groundbreaking animation to solidify its place in Disney’s pantheon of animated masterpieces. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the film offers a fresh twist on the timeless tale of Rapunzel. Packed with humor, adventure, and charm, it quickly became a beloved addition to Disney’s repertoire.
Mandy Moore (This Is Us) brought Rapunzel to life with grace and vulnerability, while Zachary Levi (Shazam!) infused Flynn Rider with charisma and comedy. Meanwhile, Donna Murphy delivered a hauntingly unforgettable performance as Mother Gothel, crafting a villain whose deceptive maternal instincts added emotional depth to the story.
With a jaw-dropping production budget of $260 million, Tangled remains one of the most expensive animated films ever created. Fortunately, this high-stakes gamble paid off handsomely, as the movie earned over $592 million worldwide. Among its many highlights is the iconic ballad “I See the Light,” composed by Disney legend Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The song not only received an Academy Award nomination but also etched itself into the hearts of audiences globally, solidifying Tangled as a musical triumph.
More than just a financial success, Tangled sparked a new renaissance for Disney Animation, paving the way for cultural juggernauts like Frozen (2013), Moana (2016), and Zootopia (2016). Its legacy endures through the spinoff television series, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, which further explored the world and characters fans had grown to adore.
Now, after years of whispers and speculation, Disney has officially confirmed a live-action Tangled, naming an impressive duo to helm the project. According to Variety, the upcoming adaptation will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for his dazzling work on The Greatest Showman (2017). Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Netflix’s Do Revenge and Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder, will pen the script.
Although no casting announcements have been made, speculation is already swirling. Interestingly, both Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi have expressed interest in participating in the project—albeit in different capacities. In separate interviews, Levi suggested that he and Moore could portray Rapunzel’s parents, adding, “I think it’d be fun if [Mandy and I] got to be Rapunzel’s parents.”
Moore echoed this sentiment in an interview with Elite Daily, even envisioning a mother-daughter duet to delve into generational dynamics. “Let’s have a real mother-daughter duet and have someone write an original song so we can talk about our differences and how hard it is to be a young person in this world,” she said.
Meanwhile, Levi and Moore have also floated ideas for who might tackle the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Levi pointed to Hollywood fan-favorite Timothée Chalamet, whose recent performances in Wonka (2023) and The Complete Unknown (2024) have demonstrated his ability to act, sing, and captivate audiences.
Moore, on the other hand, championed pop star Sabrina Carpenter as a potential Rapunzel, stating, “I could see her with 50 feet of hair or something. She looks like a Disney princess in real life.” Fans have also speculated that British actress Florence Pugh (We Live in Time) could be an excellent choice to bring Rapunzel’s spunky spirit to life.
The announcement of Tangled’s live-action remake comes at a tumultuous time for Disney. The studio’s live-action slate has faced its share of challenges, with the upcoming Snow White adaptation generating significant controversy. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the project has been mired in production delays, a ballooning budget, and public backlash. Notably, Zegler’s political commentary has drawn ire, and the release of a new trailer saw an overwhelmingly negative reception online.
According to Forbes, Snow White’s production costs have climbed to an estimated $270 million, meaning the film will need to gross over $430 million to avoid being labeled a financial flop. While some government incentives have offered a minor reprieve, the film’s commercial prospects remain uncertain.
In the midst of these challenges, Disney’s live-action adaptations continue to roll out. Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) is set to hit theaters before Snow White’s debut, while upcoming reimaginings of Lilo & Stitch (2002) and Moana (2016) are slated for 2025 and 2026 releases, respectively. Projects like Bambi, Hercules, and The Aristocats are also in development, indicating Disney’s ongoing commitment to reimagining its animated classics for new audiences.
How do you feel about Tangled getting the live-action treatment? Could this be Disney’s next big hit, or will it face the same hurdles as Snow White? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
