Credit: DisneyFor a moment, it looked like Disney had finally cooled on its live-action remake machine. The studio’s much-hyped Snow White remake underwhelmed both financially and critically, leading many to believe executives would pull back on reimagining classic princess tales. Now, however, Disney is reversing course.
The Snow White project was intended to replicate the billion-dollar success of Aladdin (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). Instead, it proved one of Disney’s more damaging recent efforts. Starring Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film stumbled with audiences, facing criticism over its tone, casting choices, and perceived departure from the 1937 original.
Among complaints were Zegler’s promotional comments, in which fans believed she dismissed the original film, the seemingly “woke” updates to the film’s plot and characterization, and the overt use of CGI throughout the film. To put it kindly, reviews were lukewarm, and box office receipts fell short of expectations at just $205.7 million, leaving Disney with a bruised reputation and a rethink of its approach.
One major repercussion was the shelving of the long-rumored Tangled remake. With Disney seemingly eager to avoid further risks with high-profile princess properties, the Rapunzel story seemed destined to stay animated.
‘Tangled’ Rises Again
That stance has shifted. Reports claim Disney is once again exploring a live-action Tangled, with early development resuming behind the scenes. Scarlett Johansson is reportedly still being eyed for the role of Mother Gothel, a casting choice that has already sparked debate online given Johansson’s Marvel ties and her past work with Disney.
Michael Gracey, best known for directing The Greatest Showman (2017), remains attached to helm the project. The script is said to be in the hands of Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who co-wrote Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). The project is still in its infancy, with nothing officially greenlit by Disney.
As for Rapunzel herself, Florence Pugh was previously the rumored frontrunner. Whether or not that’s still the case is unclear. The Oscar-nominated actress has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable young stars. She also already has a working relationship with Disney through her role as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leading many to see her as a natural fit for the spirited princess.
Singer and Disney Channel alumna Sabrina Carpenter has been linked to the role, while both JoJo Siwa and Gigi Hadid also auditioned. The latter recently confirmed that while she took extensive voice lessons and was “proud” of her efforts, she knew Disney would go with a trained singer.
If officially greenlit, Tangled would mark yet another major princess remake for Disney, a franchise that has become central to the company’s strategy over the past decade. The story follows Rapunzel, a princess locked in a tower by Mother Gothel, who uses Rapunzel’s magical hair to preserve her youth. The tale takes a turn when Rapunzel escapes with the help of the thief Flynn Rider.
There’s no clear frontrunner for the role of Flynn Rider just yet. However, Pugh’s fellow Marvel star, Danny Ramirez, expressed his interest in the part on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Yo @Disney
Yo @Disney https://t.co/RONmJZDJbH
— Danny Ramirez (@DannyRamirez) October 9, 2025
The 2010 animated film became a modern Disney classic, earning over $590 million worldwide and introducing songs like “I See the Light.” Fans of the original will expect sweeping visuals, elaborate set pieces, and a faithful yet modernized take on the story. Whether Disney leans closer to Beauty and the Beast’s fidelity or takes greater liberties like Snow White remains to be seen (although considering the response to the latter, we wouldn’t be surprised if the film takes heavy cues from its predecessor).
Disney’s Live-Action Princess Playbook
Disney’s princess remake trend has produced mixed results. Cinderella (2015) earned praise for its traditionalist approach, while Beauty and the Beast broke records despite criticism of its digital effects. The Little Mermaid (2023) performed relatively decently, though it sparked polarized (and racist) reactions online.
Still, the appetite for live-action princess stories remains strong. Beyond Tangled, Disney has yet to tackle The Princess and the Frog (2009), Pocahontas (1995), and Frozen (2013), each of which carries its own cultural weight and risks.
Would you like to see a live-action adaptation of Tangled?