Ever since Disney began transforming its animated classics into live-action spectacles, fans have speculated whether Tangled — the 2010 animated hit featuring Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the iconic song “I See the Light” — would receive the same treatment. Over the past few years, that speculation has shifted between progress and pause. In 2025, the Tangled live-action project finds itself in a state of flux, with renewed hope, creative rethinks, and caution from Disney’s executive team.
What Was Planned: The Live-Action Tangled That Almost Was
Back in late 2024, Disney confirmed that a Tangled live-action remake was officially in development. Michael Gracey (best known for directing The Greatest Showman) was tapped to direct, and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (of Do Revenge and Thor: Love and Thunder) was working on the script.
The remake was envisioned as a faithful yet reimagined adaptation of the original, keeping the core characters — Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the villainess Mother Gothel — but with a fresh cinematic lens.
Early casting whispers linked Scarlett Johansson to the role of Mother Gothel, which would mark a high-profile casting choice for one of Disney’s most dramatic villain roles.
Even Gigi Hadid publicly revealed she auditioned for Rapunzel during early casting rounds, adding fuel to rumors about who might embody the iconic role in live form.
Why Disney Pressed Pause in 2025
Despite the momentum, in April 2025 Disney announced it was putting the Tangled live-action remake on indefinite hold.
The pause is widely seen as a direct consequence of the underwhelming performance of the studio’s Snow White live-action reboot. That film struggled at the box office relative to expectations, prompting Disney leadership to reevaluate the viability of live-action remakes of older animated titles.
Reports suggest Disney is watching the box office and reception of upcoming remakes — Moana, Lilo & Stitch, etc. — before greenlighting Tangled again.
In short: Tangled isn’t dead, but it’s not moving forward right now. The project seems to be in creative limbo, awaiting proof that the live-action remake formula still resonates with audiences.
Signs of Revival: Is Tangled Alive Again?
Interestingly, just as the project looked shelved for good, new news suggests it may be reviving. In October 2025, reports emerged that Disney is reactivating development on Tangled, with Scarlett Johansson once again eyed for Mother Gothel.
This reawakening hinges on continued success among Disney’s broader slate of remakes. If films like Lilo & Stitch or Moana perform strongly, Tangled could reclaim its place in the pipeline.
A renewed Tangled would likely revisit Michael Gracey’s involvement and Robinson’s script or some new variant thereof. But any revival is contingent on market confidence.
Creative Challenges & Fan Expectations
Adapting Tangled to live action isn’t trivial. The original film is beloved for its animation, musical elements, humor, and visual flair. A live-action version must walk a tightrope: remain true to what fans love, while bringing something fresh.
- Musical & Score: “I See the Light” remains iconic, and likely would need a new interpretation or arrangement in live action.
- Visual Effects: Rapunzel’s magical hair, the lantern scene, and other fantastical sequences will demand sophisticated VFX.
- Tone & Character Depth: The remake must deepen characters (Rapunzel, Gothel, Flynn) to suit live drama while maintaining the original’s charm.
- Casting High Impact Roles: Mother Gothel, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider — each needs an actor who can balance nuance, presence, and possibly singing ability.
Given Disney’s recent caution with remakes, creators will likely revisit the tone and direction to ensure a strong reception.
Why Tangled Still Matters to U.S. Audiences
For U.S. viewers, Tangled holds a special place in Disney’s modern animated canon. It blends musical energy, humor, romance, and emotional stakes. A well-executed live-action Tangled could resonate widely — if done with care.
Moreover, Disney’s remake strategy faces scrutiny: successes like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King are mixed when compared with more recent underperformers. Tangled’s fate may signal how bold Disney remains with reboots.
Finally, for fans who grew up with the original, a live-action Tangled dream (cast, visual, and musical) is something they’re watching closely.
What to Watch for Going Forward
- Official confirmation from Disney — a hard green light, not just insider buzz.
- Casting announcements — particularly Rapunzel and Gothel. Johansson’s rumored role is a strong marker.
- Director & writing reinvestment — whether Gracey and Robinson stay attached or shift.
- Connection to box office trends — how Lilo & Stitch, Moana, and other remakes perform.
- Public reception vs. expectation — how Disney addresses criticisms of previous remakes (e.g. originality, tone).
Final Thoughts
The Tangled live-action adaptation is a project of dreams, challenges, and uncertainty. As of mid-2025, it’s in a state of cautious revival: once paused indefinitely, now tentatively revisited. Disney seems determined to move forward, but only with the right timing, direction, and market conditions on its side.
For fans in the U.S., the story of Tangled live-action is one to follow — the kind of remake that could delight, or falter — depending on whether Disney honors both nostalgia and innovation.
Would you like to keep tabs on confirmed casting, production updates, or screenplay excerpts if/when they appear?
