Disney has hit the brakes on its live-action remake of “Tangled,” the 2010 animated classic inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s Rapunzel tale. The project, which was in active development with “The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey at the helm and a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, has been put on pause. The decision follows the lackluster performance of “Snow White,” Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, which grossed just $69 million domestically and $145 million worldwide against a bloated $270 million budget. The studio now faces uncertainty about its strategy of turning animated classics into live-action films, as it gauges audience appetite for such productions.
The pause on “Tangled” signals a moment of reflection for Disney. The film boasted a high-profile team: Gracey, renowned for his vibrant musical approach, and Robinson, with credits including “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Expectations were high to recreate Rapunzel’s magical hair and her adventure with Flynn Rider, but “Snow White’s” stumble shifted the landscape. Released amid controversies over creative choices and star Rachel Zegler’s social media posts, the film faced tepid reviews and audience reception, earning a B+ Cinemascore and a 50% Metacritic score—numbers that spell disappointment.
Over the past decade, Disney has leaned heavily on revisiting its animated catalog, with mixed results. Hits like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King” contrast with flops like “Dumbo” and “Pete’s Dragon.” Now, with “Tangled” sidelined, the studio may be rethinking how to sustain this formula for an increasingly discerning audience. The next 15 months will bring “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” in live-action, key tests to determine if the approach still holds or if deeper changes are on the horizon.
A promising project on hold
“Tangled” was poised to be another chapter in Disney’s successful remake saga. The 2010 animated original grossed $592 million worldwide and won fans with its standout soundtrack, including the Oscar-nominated “I See the Light.” Michael Gracey, tapped to direct, brought the success of “The Greatest Showman,” which earned $435 million on an $84 million budget. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, with her flair for comedies and blockbusters, seemed set to give Rapunzel a modern twist. The pause, however, leaves the film’s fate uncertain, potentially facing an indefinite delay or a creative overhaul.
“Snow White’s” struggles loom large in this decision. With a budget inflated by the 2023 Hollywood strikes, the film faced hurdles from the start. Rachel Zegler’s casting sparked debate, and her social media activity during the press tour fueled further controversy. The result was a box office haul of $145 million—far short of covering its $270 million cost—raising questions about the viability of such high-stakes remakes. “Tangled,” still without a cast or filming start date, may be under review to avoid a similar fate.
Disney has not clarified the project’s next steps. The pause could be temporary, with adjustments to the script or vision, or hint at a quiet shelving. Meanwhile, the studio is eyeing the performance of its upcoming releases, tweaking plans to balance financial goals with audience approval.
- Renowned director: Michael Gracey promised a musical flair.
- Budget concerns: “Snow White” flop raises red flags.
- Uncertain fate: “Tangled” faces rethink or cancellation.
The live-action strategy under strain
Since the early 2010s, Disney has turned its animated classics into live-action goldmines, raking in billions. “Beauty and the Beast” grossed $1.26 billion in 2017, “Aladdin” hit $1.05 billion in 2019, and “The Lion King” topped the list with $1.66 billion the same year. These successes set a high bar, but not all remakes followed suit. “Dumbo” in 2019 earned just $353 million against a $170 million budget, and “Pete’s Dragon” in 2016 ended with $143 million—modest figures for Disney.
Recent releases have shown inconsistency. “Mufasa: The Lion King,” directed by Barry Jenkins, opened with $35.4 million domestically but gained momentum to close at $718 million globally. Before that, “The Little Mermaid” pulled in $570 million in 2023, solid but below expectations for such a beloved classic. “Snow White,” however, marked a turning point, with its $145 million haul failing to offset costs, exposing cracks in the reliance on animated remakes.
The hold on “Tangled” reflects this uncertainty. Disney may be questioning whether audiences still embrace these reimaginings or crave original stories. The upcoming “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” will serve as litmus tests, but “Snow White’s” stumble suggests that broader adjustments might be inevitable to keep the strategy relevant.

Lessons from Snow White
“Snow White’s” performance is a cautionary tale for Disney. Launched with high hopes, the film faced backlash over deviations from the classic tale and Rachel Zegler’s casting. Its $270 million budget, swollen by 2023 labor strikes, resulted in a domestic haul of $69 million and a global total of $145 million—far from profitable. A B+ Cinemascore, rare for Disney, and a 50% Metacritic rating signal that neither critics nor audiences were won over.
Studio executives may be using this as a benchmark for “Tangled.” The lack of audience connection, coupled with soaring costs, casts doubt on the model of expensive, divisive remakes. While “Snow White” battled negative headlines, “Tangled” was still in pre-production, possibly giving Disney a window to reassess before committing major resources.
The pause aligns with internal shifts. In February, Daria Cercek took over as head of live-action theatrical films, reporting to David Greenbaum, who replaced Sean Bailey as president last year. This new leadership may be charting a different course, balancing nostalgia with fresh appeal to sidestep further missteps.
What lies ahead
Despite “Tangled’s” pause, Disney has two live-action remakes on deck. “Lilo & Stitch” hits theaters on May 23, reviving the 2002 tale of the lovable alien and his Hawaiian friend. A Super Bowl spot this year, showing Stitch “crashing” the field, racked up 173.1 million views in 24 hours, making it Disney’s most-watched digital ad. The full trailer ranks as the second-most-viewed live-action trailer in the studio’s history, hinting at strong early buzz.
“Moana” in live-action is set for July 10, 2026. Based on the 2016 hit, which has logged 1.4 billion streaming hours on Disney+—equivalent to 735 million viewings—the film has a built-in audience. The success of “Moana 2,” which grossed $1 billion in November 2024 and became the year’s third-highest earner, bolsters its prospects. These figures give Disney confidence that both projects could turn the tide.
The next 15 months will be pivotal. “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” will test whether audiences still crave remakes or if “Snow White” marked a saturation point. Their performance could decide if “Tangled” gets a green light or remains a shelved dream.
- “Lilo & Stitch”: Viral teaser signals high anticipation.
- “Moana” live-action: Original’s success fuels optimism.
- Critical test: Upcoming releases to shape strategy.
Why Tangled matters
“Tangled” holds a unique spot in Disney’s lineup. The 2010 animated film revitalized the princess genre with a modern Rapunzel and a light, adventurous tone. Its $592 million box office and award-winning soundtrack made it an instant classic. A live-action version, with Michael Gracey’s musical expertise, excited fans envisioning a lush reimagining of Rapunzel’s magical hair and iconic scenes like the village dance.
The pause raises questions about timing and execution. “The Greatest Showman’s” blend of music and heart suggested Gracey could replicate that magic. But “Snow White’s” flop may have made Disney wary of another musical remake so soon. The studio is now weighing whether Rapunzel’s appeal endures or if audiences want something new.
Fans took to social media with mixed feelings. Many mourned the delay, while others argued it’s not the right time post-“Snow White.” The uncertainty around “Tangled” mirrors a broader dilemma: how to keep Disney’s magic alive in a shifting market.
Shifts in Disney’s leadership
“Tangled’s” suspension comes amid a shake-up behind the scenes. Sean Bailey, who spearheaded the live-action remake strategy for over a decade, exited as president in 2024. David Greenbaum stepped in, appointing Daria Cercek as head of theatrical live-action films in February. This new duo faces the task of adapting Disney’s vision to a more critical audience and rising production costs.
Under Bailey, the studio saw peaks of success but also signs of fatigue. Greenbaum and Cercek may be prioritizing safer bets like “Moana” while reassessing riskier ventures. The pause on “Tangled” hints at a cautious approach, refining the formula before greenlighting new spends.
The leadership change reflects Hollywood’s post-strike landscape. With inflated budgets and choosier audiences, Disney is seeking a balance between nostalgia and innovation. “Tangled’s” fate hinges on how this new team navigates these challenges.
A market in flux
Audiences have evolved since the remake boom. While “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” rode nostalgia to billions, recent figures show waning enthusiasm. “Mufasa: The Lion King” took weeks to hit $718 million, and “The Little Mermaid” underperformed at $570 million. “Snow White’s” $145 million was the starkest warning that the formula may be faltering.
“Tangled’s” pause could be a reaction to this shift. Disney faces competition from streaming platforms and a public favoring originals like “Elemental” and “Encanto,” both recent hits. Remakes, once box office certainties, now demand flawless execution and emotional resonance—qualities “Snow White” lacked.
The upcoming releases will offer clues. “Lilo & Stitch” banks on Stitch’s charm, while “Moana” rides its franchise’s wave. If they falter, Disney might rethink its remake reliance, leaving “Tangled” as a marker of a transitioning era.
Timeline of Disney’s remakes
Disney’s live-action journey features highs and lows:
- 2010: “Tangled” animated debuts with $592 million.
- 2019: “The Lion King” reigns with $1.66 billion.
- 2023: “Snow White” disappoints at $145 million.
- April 2025: “Tangled” pause announced.
- May 2025: “Lilo & Stitch” hits theaters.
This timeline traces the strategy’s evolution and ongoing tweaks.
What fans are hoping for
News of “Tangled’s” pause sparked varied reactions. On social media, fans lamented the hold-up, praising Michael Gracey’s potential to reimagine the music and Rapunzel-Flynn chemistry. Others suggested Disney focus on fresh ideas, citing remake fatigue. The project’s limbo keeps discussions alive as the studio watches future performance to chart its course.

Disney has hit the brakes on its live-action remake of “Tangled,” the 2010 animated classic inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s Rapunzel tale. The project, which was in active development with “The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey at the helm and a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, has been put on pause. The decision follows the lackluster performance of “Snow White,” Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, which grossed just $69 million domestically and $145 million worldwide against a bloated $270 million budget. The studio now faces uncertainty about its strategy of turning animated classics into live-action films, as it gauges audience appetite for such productions.
The pause on “Tangled” signals a moment of reflection for Disney. The film boasted a high-profile team: Gracey, renowned for his vibrant musical approach, and Robinson, with credits including “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Expectations were high to recreate Rapunzel’s magical hair and her adventure with Flynn Rider, but “Snow White’s” stumble shifted the landscape. Released amid controversies over creative choices and star Rachel Zegler’s social media posts, the film faced tepid reviews and audience reception, earning a B+ Cinemascore and a 50% Metacritic score—numbers that spell disappointment.
Over the past decade, Disney has leaned heavily on revisiting its animated catalog, with mixed results. Hits like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King” contrast with flops like “Dumbo” and “Pete’s Dragon.” Now, with “Tangled” sidelined, the studio may be rethinking how to sustain this formula for an increasingly discerning audience. The next 15 months will bring “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” in live-action, key tests to determine if the approach still holds or if deeper changes are on the horizon.
A promising project on hold
“Tangled” was poised to be another chapter in Disney’s successful remake saga. The 2010 animated original grossed $592 million worldwide and won fans with its standout soundtrack, including the Oscar-nominated “I See the Light.” Michael Gracey, tapped to direct, brought the success of “The Greatest Showman,” which earned $435 million on an $84 million budget. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, with her flair for comedies and blockbusters, seemed set to give Rapunzel a modern twist. The pause, however, leaves the film’s fate uncertain, potentially facing an indefinite delay or a creative overhaul.
“Snow White’s” struggles loom large in this decision. With a budget inflated by the 2023 Hollywood strikes, the film faced hurdles from the start. Rachel Zegler’s casting sparked debate, and her social media activity during the press tour fueled further controversy. The result was a box office haul of $145 million—far short of covering its $270 million cost—raising questions about the viability of such high-stakes remakes. “Tangled,” still without a cast or filming start date, may be under review to avoid a similar fate.
Disney has not clarified the project’s next steps. The pause could be temporary, with adjustments to the script or vision, or hint at a quiet shelving. Meanwhile, the studio is eyeing the performance of its upcoming releases, tweaking plans to balance financial goals with audience approval.
- Renowned director: Michael Gracey promised a musical flair.
- Budget concerns: “Snow White” flop raises red flags.
- Uncertain fate: “Tangled” faces rethink or cancellation.
The live-action strategy under strain
Since the early 2010s, Disney has turned its animated classics into live-action goldmines, raking in billions. “Beauty and the Beast” grossed $1.26 billion in 2017, “Aladdin” hit $1.05 billion in 2019, and “The Lion King” topped the list with $1.66 billion the same year. These successes set a high bar, but not all remakes followed suit. “Dumbo” in 2019 earned just $353 million against a $170 million budget, and “Pete’s Dragon” in 2016 ended with $143 million—modest figures for Disney.
Recent releases have shown inconsistency. “Mufasa: The Lion King,” directed by Barry Jenkins, opened with $35.4 million domestically but gained momentum to close at $718 million globally. Before that, “The Little Mermaid” pulled in $570 million in 2023, solid but below expectations for such a beloved classic. “Snow White,” however, marked a turning point, with its $145 million haul failing to offset costs, exposing cracks in the reliance on animated remakes.
The hold on “Tangled” reflects this uncertainty. Disney may be questioning whether audiences still embrace these reimaginings or crave original stories. The upcoming “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” will serve as litmus tests, but “Snow White’s” stumble suggests that broader adjustments might be inevitable to keep the strategy relevant.

Lessons from Snow White
“Snow White’s” performance is a cautionary tale for Disney. Launched with high hopes, the film faced backlash over deviations from the classic tale and Rachel Zegler’s casting. Its $270 million budget, swollen by 2023 labor strikes, resulted in a domestic haul of $69 million and a global total of $145 million—far from profitable. A B+ Cinemascore, rare for Disney, and a 50% Metacritic rating signal that neither critics nor audiences were won over.
Studio executives may be using this as a benchmark for “Tangled.” The lack of audience connection, coupled with soaring costs, casts doubt on the model of expensive, divisive remakes. While “Snow White” battled negative headlines, “Tangled” was still in pre-production, possibly giving Disney a window to reassess before committing major resources.
The pause aligns with internal shifts. In February, Daria Cercek took over as head of live-action theatrical films, reporting to David Greenbaum, who replaced Sean Bailey as president last year. This new leadership may be charting a different course, balancing nostalgia with fresh appeal to sidestep further missteps.
What lies ahead
Despite “Tangled’s” pause, Disney has two live-action remakes on deck. “Lilo & Stitch” hits theaters on May 23, reviving the 2002 tale of the lovable alien and his Hawaiian friend. A Super Bowl spot this year, showing Stitch “crashing” the field, racked up 173.1 million views in 24 hours, making it Disney’s most-watched digital ad. The full trailer ranks as the second-most-viewed live-action trailer in the studio’s history, hinting at strong early buzz.
“Moana” in live-action is set for July 10, 2026. Based on the 2016 hit, which has logged 1.4 billion streaming hours on Disney+—equivalent to 735 million viewings—the film has a built-in audience. The success of “Moana 2,” which grossed $1 billion in November 2024 and became the year’s third-highest earner, bolsters its prospects. These figures give Disney confidence that both projects could turn the tide.
The next 15 months will be pivotal. “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” will test whether audiences still crave remakes or if “Snow White” marked a saturation point. Their performance could decide if “Tangled” gets a green light or remains a shelved dream.
- “Lilo & Stitch”: Viral teaser signals high anticipation.
- “Moana” live-action: Original’s success fuels optimism.
- Critical test: Upcoming releases to shape strategy.
Why Tangled matters
“Tangled” holds a unique spot in Disney’s lineup. The 2010 animated film revitalized the princess genre with a modern Rapunzel and a light, adventurous tone. Its $592 million box office and award-winning soundtrack made it an instant classic. A live-action version, with Michael Gracey’s musical expertise, excited fans envisioning a lush reimagining of Rapunzel’s magical hair and iconic scenes like the village dance.
The pause raises questions about timing and execution. “The Greatest Showman’s” blend of music and heart suggested Gracey could replicate that magic. But “Snow White’s” flop may have made Disney wary of another musical remake so soon. The studio is now weighing whether Rapunzel’s appeal endures or if audiences want something new.
Fans took to social media with mixed feelings. Many mourned the delay, while others argued it’s not the right time post-“Snow White.” The uncertainty around “Tangled” mirrors a broader dilemma: how to keep Disney’s magic alive in a shifting market.
Shifts in Disney’s leadership
“Tangled’s” suspension comes amid a shake-up behind the scenes. Sean Bailey, who spearheaded the live-action remake strategy for over a decade, exited as president in 2024. David Greenbaum stepped in, appointing Daria Cercek as head of theatrical live-action films in February. This new duo faces the task of adapting Disney’s vision to a more critical audience and rising production costs.
Under Bailey, the studio saw peaks of success but also signs of fatigue. Greenbaum and Cercek may be prioritizing safer bets like “Moana” while reassessing riskier ventures. The pause on “Tangled” hints at a cautious approach, refining the formula before greenlighting new spends.
The leadership change reflects Hollywood’s post-strike landscape. With inflated budgets and choosier audiences, Disney is seeking a balance between nostalgia and innovation. “Tangled’s” fate hinges on how this new team navigates these challenges.
A market in flux
Audiences have evolved since the remake boom. While “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” rode nostalgia to billions, recent figures show waning enthusiasm. “Mufasa: The Lion King” took weeks to hit $718 million, and “The Little Mermaid” underperformed at $570 million. “Snow White’s” $145 million was the starkest warning that the formula may be faltering.
“Tangled’s” pause could be a reaction to this shift. Disney faces competition from streaming platforms and a public favoring originals like “Elemental” and “Encanto,” both recent hits. Remakes, once box office certainties, now demand flawless execution and emotional resonance—qualities “Snow White” lacked.
The upcoming releases will offer clues. “Lilo & Stitch” banks on Stitch’s charm, while “Moana” rides its franchise’s wave. If they falter, Disney might rethink its remake reliance, leaving “Tangled” as a marker of a transitioning era.
Timeline of Disney’s remakes
Disney’s live-action journey features highs and lows:
- 2010: “Tangled” animated debuts with $592 million.
- 2019: “The Lion King” reigns with $1.66 billion.
- 2023: “Snow White” disappoints at $145 million.
- April 2025: “Tangled” pause announced.
- May 2025: “Lilo & Stitch” hits theaters.
This timeline traces the strategy’s evolution and ongoing tweaks.
What fans are hoping for
News of “Tangled’s” pause sparked varied reactions. On social media, fans lamented the hold-up, praising Michael Gracey’s potential to reimagine the music and Rapunzel-Flynn chemistry. Others suggested Disney focus on fresh ideas, citing remake fatigue. The project’s limbo keeps discussions alive as the studio watches future performance to chart its course.
