Remake Slump Ends: New Look at ‘Tangled’ Proves Disney Can Still Capture Magic
Disney doesn’t need another live-action movie that looks beautiful but leaves audiences wishing they had simply watched the animated version instead.
That’s the challenge facing Tangled (2028).
The original Tangled (2010) built much of its appeal around personality. Rapunzel was funny, awkward, emotional, adventurous, and occasionally ridiculous. Flynn Rider brought his own charm, while Mother Gothel gave the story a theatrical villain at its center.
Recreating the costumes and locations is one thing. Finding that same energy in live action is much harder.
However, the first glimpses of Teagan Croft as Rapunzel are giving Disney fans an interesting reason to keep watching this project.
This Isn’t Your Typical First Look
Fandango recently shared a video of Croft wearing her Rapunzel costume away from the actual movie cameras.
Croft dances around a parking lot in Rapunzel’s floor-length purple dress while her incredibly long blonde hair trails behind her. She also wears white Crocs, creating a look audiences definitely won’t see when Rapunzel eventually heads into Corona.
It’s a goofy little moment, but that’s exactly why it works.
Croft doesn’t appear overly concerned with presenting a perfect Disney Princess image. She looks comfortable having fun with the character, and that playful attitude feels familiar.
Rapunzel needs that energy.
The animated character isn’t interesting simply because she has magical blonde hair or spends her life trapped inside a tower. Her excitement about experiencing the outside world drives much of Tangled (2010).
Croft’s parking-lot dance certainly can’t tell audiences whether the finished movie will work. It does, however, provide another encouraging glimpse at the actress Disney chose to carry it.
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The Bigger Picture Is Starting to Form
Fans haven’t had to rely solely on that video.
Production in Spain has already given audiences several unofficial looks at Croft and Milo Manheim, who plays Flynn Rider. Photos and videos from filming have revealed their costumes, some of the environments being created for the movie, and Rapunzel’s massive blonde braid.
Disney added official material during D23 in August.
The footage teased Rapunzel through her famous blonde hair before showing Croft, while Kathryn Hahn appeared as Mother Gothel. Hahn has also spoken positively about Croft and Manheim’s chemistry.
Each glimpse adds another piece to the puzzle.
Michael Gracey remains attached to direct, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the screenplay. Croft, Manheim, and Hahn will bring three of the animated movie’s most recognizable characters into live action.
Disney currently plans to release Tangled (2028) on March 31, 2028.
Disney Can’t Fake What Made Rapunzel Work
There are plenty of things Disney can recreate from Tangled (2010).
Technology can help bring Rapunzel’s glowing hair into live action. Production designers can rebuild her tower and recreate Corona. Disney can eventually fill the screen with lanterns.
But none of that matters much if Rapunzel doesn’t feel right.
That’s why Croft’s early appearances are worth watching.
The official footage, filming photos, and candid video all suggest Disney isn’t attempting to completely reinvent Rapunzel. Croft looks recognizably close to the animated character while showing some of the goofy energy audiences expect from her.
She needs to be able to handle emotional moments without losing the fun that made Rapunzel such an entertaining character.
So far, Disney appears to understand that balance.
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Fans Want More Than Familiar Names
Of course, even a faithful Tangled (2028) won’t end the larger debate surrounding Disney’s remake strategy.
Plenty of fans want original movies. They want Disney to create new characters, stories, and worlds rather than continually returning to familiar properties.
But remakes, sequels, and live-action adaptations remain part of Disney’s plans.
When Disney does return to an existing movie, audiences can at least expect the company to treat the original with care.
That doesn’t mean copying Tangled (2010) shot for shot. It means understanding why people connected with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Mother Gothel, and their story before trying to reinterpret them.
Croft’s early material makes that approach look possible. Manheim has also maintained Flynn Rider’s recognizable appearance, while Hahn brings a naturally theatrical quality to Mother Gothel.
There are no guarantees, especially this far from release.
Still, Disney has given audiences more reasons for optimism than concern so far.
The Biggest Question Won’t Be Answered Yet
Disney has plenty of time to prove whether Tangled (2028) can actually escape the problems that have surrounded some of its live-action remakes.
A purple dress and long blonde wig can’t answer that question.
Neither can one playful video.
But they can reveal whether Disney understands the character it’s bringing back.
Right now, Croft doesn’t simply look like Rapunzel. Her playful personality suggests she may understand what makes Rapunzel fun.
For a remake that needs to justify returning to a movie audiences already love, that’s a pretty good place to start.
