Following the disappointing reception of Snow White, Disney has made the decision to put its upcoming live-action remake of Rapunzel on pause. This unexpected move, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, signals a shift in the studio’s strategy for reimagining its animated classics.
Rapunzel’s Promising Start Cut Short by Snow White’s Failure
The live-action Rapunzel was shaping up to be an exciting project, with Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, set to direct. The script was being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who had co-written Thor: Love and Thunder, bringing solid talent to the table. Yet, the disastrous reception of Snow White has thrown a wrench in these plans.
Released amidst a swirl of controversy, Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. From debates about the casting choices to a communication strategy that missed the mark, the film struggled to gain a foothold with audiences. Despite high expectations, the film grossed only $69 million in the U.S. and $145 million globally—far below the $270 million budget. This underperformance has led Disney to rethink its approach to future live-action adaptations.
Is the Rapunzel Remake Doomed or Just on Pause?
The setback from Snow White has cast a shadow over Disney’s live-action remake strategy, which began in 2010 with Alice in Wonderland. While certain films, like The Lion King and Aladdin, have shattered box-office records, other recent releases have had a much more lukewarm reception.
For instance, The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey, garnered a dedicated fanbase but still struggled to break even on its $250 million budget. This is far from the blockbuster success Disney has grown accustomed to, and it has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the live-action remake formula.
Despite these challenges, Disney is not pulling back completely. Several high-profile projects are still in the works, including a live-action Moana featuring Dwayne Johnson, set for release in 2026, and a remake of Hercules directed by Guy Ritchie. However, the tone within the studio has clearly shifted, and the future of Rapunzel remains uncertain.
Officially, the film has not been canceled, but behind the scenes, questions linger. Will Disney press forward with the remake, or will Rapunzel join the growing list of live-action adaptations that failed to live up to expectations? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems the studio is taking a step back and reassessing its strategy.