Disney Halts Tangled Live-Action Film as Snow White Flop Prompts Rethink of Remake Strategy
In a surprising move, Disney has reportedly suspended the development of its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled, the animated classic released in 2010. The film, which was being directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame and scripted by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder, Do Revenge), has been shelved for the time being. According to industry sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter, the decision appears to be influenced by the disappointing performance of the recent Snow White live-action remake.
Snow White, which faced mounting criticism and backlash long before its release, struggled both critically and commercially. Despite a massive $270 million production budget, inflated in part by the 2023 labor strikes, the film grossed only $69 million domestically and around $145 million globally. The film also became the center of online controversy, with debates over casting decisions and polarizing promotional statements from lead actress Rachel Zegler. With a B+ CinemaScore and a 50% rating on Metacritic, the film’s reception fell far short of Disney’s typical standards.
This disappointing outcome has prompted Disney to reevaluate its approach to live-action remakes—an area the studio has heavily invested in since the early 2010s. While hits like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin raked in billions, others such as Dumbo, Pete’s Dragon, and more recently The Little Mermaid and Mufasa: The Lion King, delivered mixed results. Mufasa opened modestly at $35.4 million domestically but eventually reached a global total of $718 million, while The Little Mermaid garnered $570 million worldwide, signaling fluctuating audience interest in the genre.
Currently, it is uncertain whether Disney will revisit the Tangled remake in its current form or opt for a major creative overhaul. For now, the studio seems to be taking a step back to reassess its overall remake strategy amid rising concerns of franchise fatigue and diminishing returns.
The future of Tangled remains unclear, but this pause marks a notable shift in Disney’s broader content strategy as the company balances nostalgia with innovation in an evolving entertainment landscape.
