Disney is developing a live-action adaptation of its 2010 animated classic Tangled reimagined the Brothers Grimm fairytale Rapunzel, featuring the voice of Mandy Moore as the spirited princess with magical, golden hair. Confined to a brick tower by her captor (Donna Murphy), Rapunzel eventually escapes to uncover the truth about her identity with the help of the charismatic thief Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi).

According to Deadline, Michael Gracey is in talks to direct the live-action Tangled retelling. While plot details remain under wraps, the live-action version is expected to follow the animated film’s storyline. The original grossed over $590 million worldwide, earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song ("I See the Light"), and revitalized Disney’s princess genre for a new generation.

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Disney’s live-action remakes have been a significant part of its recent strategy, with notable successes including Craig Gillespe's Cruella and Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book. These projects have historically reinterpreted beloved animated 20th century classics with updated visuals and comprehensive narratives. Tangled marks a logical next step after the revival of various other princess stories—Cinderella (2015), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and The Little Mermaid (2023)—as its adventurous, visually rich tale and heartfelt characters fit well within the live-action mold.

Gracey’s directorial style, showcased in the widely acclaimed The Greatest Showman and the Better Man, demonstrates his flair for musical storytelling, drama, and visually dynamic filmmaking. As Gracey's first box office hit and a Golden Globe winner, The Greatest Showman combines a heartfelt story with elaborate musical numbers, exemplifying the director's strong potential to align with Tangled’s vibrant and musical DNA. At the helm of Tangled’s live-action revival, Gracey’s experience could offer a fresh yet faithful take on the animated material.

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Tangled was a pop culture phenomenon that redefined the Disney princess archetype with humor, adventure, and a frying pan in hand. Casting will no doubt begin Gracey’s challenge of reviving the animated film where the charm and chemistry of Rapunzel and Rider particularly stood out. Nonetheless, Gracey's prior work suggests a director capable of facing the challenges of a highly-anticipated adaption. With a strong creative team and a compelling story, Tangled presents a project that could shine as brightly as Rapunzel’s golden hair.

Source: Deadline