AceShowbiz - Disney enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated hit, "Tangled," but recent developments have put a damper on those expectations.

Sources have confirmed that pre-production on the live-action "Tangled" movie, which was already in the works, has been halted. This comes in response to the underwhelming box office performance of the live-action "Snow White" film, released in March 2021.

Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Rapunzel, the "Tangled" live-action film was being developed with "The Greatest Showman" director Michael Gracey at the helm and "Thor: Love and Thunder" writer Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penning the script.

The original 2010 animated picture, which grossed nearly $600 million worldwide, followed the story of Rapunzel, a girl with magically long hair who had spent her entire life locked in a tower only to discover the world for the first time after a runaway thief stumbled upon her.

The decision to halt pre-production on Tangled is primarily due to the lackluster performance of Snow White, which grossed $69 million domestically and $145 million worldwide, far short of its $270 million production budget.

This financial disappointment has compelled Disney to rethink its strategy for future live-action adaptations. Despite successful ventures like "Mufasa: The Lion King", which grossed $720 million worldwide, other ventures like "The Little Mermaid" did not meet expectations either.

While the future of "Tangled" remains uncertain, there is still hope among fans that the project may eventually be revived.

In the meantime, Disney is continuing to explore its animated library, with upcoming live-action releases such as "Lilo and Stitch," slated for May 23, and "Moana," set to open on July 10, 2026.

"Moana" holds a strategic advantage as its sequel "Moana 2" became a blockbuster last November, keeping the franchise fresh in the audience's mind. Additionally, the appetite for "Lilo and Stitch" appears robust, supported by the successful marketing spots and trailer releases.

With "Tangled" achieving an 89% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes and garnering both family and critical acclaim, it remains a beloved title in Disney's animated library.

Whether it will get another chance to shine in a live-action format remains to be seen, but Disney's commitment to its storied past ensures that audiences will continue to enjoy reimagined classics for years to come.