In a surprising turn of events, Disney Studios has reportedly placed its long-rumored live-action adaptation of Tangled on indefinite pause, following widespread backlash to the company’s recent Snow White remake. According to The Hollywood Reporter, internal sources suggest that the project’s development has stalled as executives regroup and reevaluate their live-action strategy. This marks a significant moment for Disney, which has leaned heavily on remaking its animated classics in recent years.
The reported decision comes in the wake of growing audience skepticism toward Disney’s modern interpretations of beloved fairytales. The Snow White live-action film, initially marketed as a bold and inclusive reimagining, sparked intense online criticism over changes to the source material, casting decisions, and perceived political messaging. The film’s reception appears to have rattled the studio’s confidence in launching similarly ambitious projects—Tangled being the latest casualty.
A Pause, Not a Cancellation
Sources close to the studio emphasized that the project has not been officially canceled but rather “paused indefinitely,” a phrase that typically signals significant internal doubt about a project’s immediate future. “They’re reassessing everything,” one insider told The Hollywood Reporter. “There’s a lot of sensitivity around how these adaptations are being received.”
Tangled, which originally debuted in 2010 as an animated musical starring Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, became a fan favorite for its humor, heart, and fresh take on the Rapunzel fairy tale. A live-action remake was expected to follow the lucrative footsteps of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid. However, with Snow White facing commercial and critical resistance, Disney seems to be stepping back before proceeding.
Casting Controversy: Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Rapunzel?
The delay also follows unconfirmed rumors that British-Ghanaian actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers was in talks to play Rapunzel—a casting rumor that quickly sparked polarized reactions online. Best known for her recent work in British theatre and television, Amewudah-Rivers is a rising star with undeniable talent. However, some corners of the internet responded with criticism, citing her physical appearance as too different from the blonde-haired Rapunzel of Disney’s animated classic.
Supporters of Amewudah-Rivers, on the other hand, praised the possible casting as an opportunity to bring more representation and diversity to Disney’s princess lineup. “Francesca is brilliant, and we need to see more Black women in lead fantasy roles,” one social media user tweeted.
It remains unclear whether Amewudah-Rivers was officially offered the role or if the rumors were speculative. Disney has declined to comment on the casting, further fueling speculation.
The Bigger Picture: Disney’s Live-Action Dilemma
The fate of Tangled is now emblematic of a larger struggle within Disney’s live-action division. While some remakes—such as The Lion King (2019) and Cinderella (2015)—have performed well financially, others have faced growing criticism for lacking creativity and overly relying on nostalgia. Audiences have become more vocal about their desire for new stories rather than repeated retellings of childhood favorites.
Moreover, the studio has found itself frequently navigating politically charged waters. With each casting decision or script update, Disney faces scrutiny from both sides of the cultural aisle. What once were universally beloved stories now risk becoming lightning rods in the online discourse.
What’s Next for Tangled?
For now, Tangled remains in limbo. Fans of the franchise continue to express both disappointment and relief—disappointment over the delay of a long-awaited adaptation, and relief that the studio may be taking more time to honor the original’s spirit.
Whether or not Francesca Amewudah-Rivers ultimately dons the golden locks remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Disney is entering a period of reflection. The studio will need to tread carefully as it moves forward with any future remakes, balancing innovation, inclusivity, and reverence for its legacy.
As the entertainment world watches closely, one can only hope that when Rapunzel eventually lets down her hair, it will be in a story worthy of the tower she’s descended from—and of the fans who’ve loved her for over a decade.
