Disney Pauses Live-Action ‘Tangled’ Remake Amid Box Office Struggles
Walt Disney Pictures has reportedly suspended development of its much-anticipated live-action reimagining of the popular 2010 animated film Tangled. This decision appears to stem from the underwhelming box office performance of the recent live-action adaptation of Snow White.
Background on the Live-Action ‘Tangled’
Initially announced in late 2024, the live-action adaptation of Tangled was set to be helmed by Michael Gracy, known for The Greatest Showman, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson contributing to the script. The original Tangled film is among Disney’s highest-grossing animated films, raking in nearly $600 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.
Poor Reception for ‘Snow White’
The decision to pause Tangled comes on the heels of disappointing ticket sales for the live-action Snow White, which debuted in the U.S. on March 21. The film, featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, was projected to cost around $250 million to produce but managed to gross only approximately $43 million domestically during its opening weekend and an additional $44.3 million internationally. By early April, its total worldwide earnings were estimated at $146 million.
This less-than-stellar performance was compounded by controversies surrounding the film’s portrayal of dwarfs, which involved CGI renditions, and some backlash related to comments made by star Rachel Zegler.
Implications for Disney’s Live-Action Strategy
Disney’s live-action adaptations have seen varied success, but Snow White marks a potential low point compared to earlier remakes. For instance, the 2019 release of The Lion King grossed over $1.6 billion globally, despite receiving mixed reviews. In contrast, Snow White fell short of debuting as strongly as other films like Dumbo, which opened with $46 million, and Cinderella, which had a $67.9 million opening in 2015.
As Disney reassesses its live-action strategy, the future of Tangled remains uncertain, with fans and industry insiders awaiting further updates on the studio’s plans.
For ongoing coverage and analysis of Disney’s adaptations, stay tuned to entertainment news sources.
