Disney never formally announced a live-action Tangled, but speculation lingered for years until Deadline Hollywood reported in December 2024 that a director was in talks. Not long after, however, Disney placed the project on indefinite hold.
Between December 2024 and April 2025, reports suggested the film was moving forward with Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) in negotiations to direct and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder) attached as screenwriter.
Casting rumors also swirled concerning two MCU stars- with Thunderbolt's Florence Pugh linked to Rapunzel and Agatha All Along's Kathryn Hahn rumored for Mother Gothel.
The project stalled in April 2025, reportedly due to the underwhelming box office performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake.
Now, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story star Corey Mylchreest has revealed to Seventeen Magazine [via ScreenRant] that he auditioned for the role of Flynn Rider.
"It wasn't very good," Mylchreest said of his audition. "They then told me they wanted someone with singing experience. And then they cancelled the [project]."
Disney’s live-action Snow White has largely been deemed a box office failure. Despite a massive production budget reported at around $270 million, the film only pulled in about $206 million globally.
Its poor performance has been linked to several issues, including steep costs, negative online controversies, and an underwhelming response from both critics and audiences. The disappointing outcome has led Disney to reconsider its approach to future live-action projects, with the planned Tangled adaptation among those affected by the reassessment.
Originally developed under the title Rapunzel Unbraided, Tangled was crafted by directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, who aimed to merge the look of classic hand-drawn animation with the polish of modern CGI.
The ambitious project became one of the most expensive animated films of its era, but it paid off with a global box office of over $592 million. Its success only grew after release, generating more than $236 million in DVD and Blu-ray sales and fueling a lucrative merchandising line.
Critics embraced the film, praising its dazzling animation, sharp humor, memorable characters, and return to the timeless Disney musical style.
Tangled earned an 89% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 71 score on Metacritic, cementing its place as both a critical and commercial triumph.
While Tangles is on pause, the next confirmed live-action remake from Disney with a set release date is Moana, which is scheduled for release on July 10, 2026.
The live-action adaptation will feature newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as the lead, alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returning to reprise his role as the demigod Maui from the original animated movie.