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This week, it was revealed that Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled is now on hold, thanks to disappointing box office figures from the recent release of Snow White. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision and the implications for future Disney projects.
The Anticipation for Rapunzel
In December, Disney announced plans to bring the beloved animated film Tangled, released in 2010, to life in a new live-action format. Director Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, was in discussions to lead the project, with a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who has credits including Thor: Love and Thunder. Although casting choices were not disclosed at that time, fans quickly began suggesting various actresses to take on the role of Rapunzel. Popular names surfacing included Sabrina Carpenter, Sydney Sweeney, Dove Cameron, and Florence Pugh.
HIRE SABRINA CARPENTER AS RAPUNZEL pic.twitter.com/sIQ9WSfSfR
— neo (@neolithicobject) April 3, 2025
Dove Cameron. pic.twitter.com/pQ9tfOTOSz
— Woll Street (@paulwoll) December 15, 2024
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Snow White Struggles in Theaters
Upon its release on March 21, Snow White encountered significant challenges at the box office, garnering a muted response from audiences. The film, helmed by Marc Webb and featuring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, opened to just $43 million in North America. Although its international earnings brought the total to $145 million, this fell short of its substantial $270 million production budget. The film’s troubled journey began with mixed reviews and public scrutiny prior to its debut, contrasting sharply with the successful openings of previous Disney remakes like Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book.
Repercussions of the Failure
Following a lackluster second weekend where Snow White failed to hold its ground against competitors, including the Jason Statham thriller A Working Man, reports indicated that the film was set to record losses exceeding $100 million. Consequently, news outlets highlighted that Disney opted to pause its live-action adaptation of Tangled. Headlines reflecting the situation proliferated, narrating how the dismal performance of Snow White had stalled plans for another live-action princess adaptation, eliciting a range of reactions from fans.
The one upcoming Disney live action I was looking forward to. Although a smart move given snow white’s abysmal losses. If moana and lilo and stitch succeed I could see this getting resumed hopefully
— Park Mind (@AParkMind) April 3, 2025
Disappointing news for Tangled fans!
— Neelu (@neelurao26) April 3, 2025
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Nevertheless, Disney continues to pursue its strategy for live-action remakes, with Lilo & Stitch set for release on May 23 and a remake of Moana scheduled for the following year, featuring Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. Should these upcoming titles perform well at the box office, there remains a possibility for Rapunzel’s long-awaited live-action debut.
Source
www.goldderby.com