Disney Pauses Live-Action ‘Tangled’ After ‘Snow White’ Disappointment

BURBANK, Calif. — Disney has confirmed it has paused development on the live-action remake of its animated classic “Tangled,” following the disappointing box office performance of “Snow White,” which released on March 21, 2025.

The latest adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale had initially been in active development, with director Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” and screenwriter Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, associated with “Thor: Love and Thunder,” attached to the project. Sources indicate that meetings regarding casting had already begun before the project was halted.

Teetering on the brink of release, the pause comes after “Snow White” underperformed, grossing only $69 million domestically and $145 million globally despite a hefty production budget of $270 million. The film faced criticism over its casting decisions and creative direction, which sparked significant discussion online, particularly regarding lead actress Rachel Zegler’s social media presence.

While “Tangled” was expected to extend Disney’s successful streak of live-action adaptations following blockbusters like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” its future is now uncertain. This follows a pattern of increasing scrutiny regarding Disney’s strategy of revisiting its animated library for live-action remakes.

“Snow White” marked a turning point in this trend, as early projections predicted it would be one of Disney’s most significant box office disappointments in recent history. Critics and audiences responded poorly, reflected by a B+ CinemaScore and a mere 50% rating on review aggregator Metacritic.

Disney’s approach to live-action remakes has historically been profitable, but varying success among recent releases raises questions about audience appetite for animated adaptations. Projects like “The Little Mermaid” and “Peter Pan & Wendy” have received mixed reactions, sometimes performing under expectations. The company faces rising pressure from both fans and investors, urging a shift from reboots to original content.

As Disney reevaluates its live-action strategy, two more adaptations on the horizon may preview the future direction: “Lilo & Stitch,” set for release on May 23, 2025, and a live-action “Moana” scheduled for 2026. The trailer for “Lilo & Stitch” has already gained traction online, securing over 173 million views, a sign that there is still interest in the nostalgia-driven approach, even amidst recent failures.

Industry experts suggest that Disney’s pause on “Tangled” may represent a pivotal moment for the studio, with CEO Bob Iger advocating for a more cautious, quality-over-quantity approach to content production.

Fan responses to the halt on “Tangled” have been mixed. Some express disappointment at the missed opportunity to bring Rapunzel‘s story to life, while others understand the studio’s caution in light of current trends. As Disney navigates these challenges, the emphasis may increasingly shift towards original narratives rather than relying solely on past successes.

Ultimately, the future of “Tangled” remains uncertain, and the studio’s next moves will be closely watched by fans eager for fresh stories.