Disney isn’t slowing down with its parade of live-action remakes, even as they remain a reliable box office goldmine. With major successes like Deadpool & Wolverine and the upcoming Moana 2, the company is doubling down on sequels and nostalgia to keep investors happy. Next up? Tangled is set to be woven into the tapestry of Disney’s real-life adaptations.
If you’ve been out of the Disney loop, you might be surprised. After all, Tangled isn’t that old. But with Moana, the 2016 hit, already shot in live-action for a July 10, 2026 release, Disney declares it’s fair game now.
Deadline dropped this tidbit, revealing that Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, is in talks to direct. Gracey is enjoying the limelight thanks to his work on Better Man, the Robbie Williams biopic featuring the singer as, believe it or not, a chimp. The anticipation around that film, which arrives in December, makes Disney’s interest in him for another musical project understandable.
The new Tangled film, according to reports, will largely follow the original animated storyline. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who penned Thor: Love & Thunder, has written the latest script draft. She’s been busy, also working on the I Know What You Did Last Summer requel. But be patient for casting news, as the project is still in the early stages.
While Tangled raked in nearly $600 million globally and inspired both a short film and a successful TV series, it never spawned a theatrical sequel. Expanding this IP seems long overdue, especially since Tangled helped revive Walt Disney Animation Studios during a tough period and ushered in the 3D animation era leading to the massive success of Frozen in 2013.
Zachary Levi, who brought Flynn to life in the original, once suggested Timothée Chalamet for his role. Given how in-demand Chalamet is, that idea isn’t far-fetched. As for Rapunzel, originally voiced by Mandy Moore, fans have recurrently fancast Florence Pugh. Already tied to Disney, Pugh could be a strong contender, although Disney might cast actors in their early 20s, considering the production timeline.
Keep an eye out for Disney’s upcoming live-action slate with Snow White and Lilo & Stitch, set to release on March 21 and May 23, 2025, respectively.
