Disney is reportedly interested in hiring Baz Luhrmann to direct the live-action remake of its acclaimed 2010 computer-animated comedy, Tangled. The news, which was shared by industry scooper Daniel Richtman, via Comic Book Movie, comes after the the divisive filmmaker wrote and helmed last year’s Oscar-nominated musical biopic, Elvis.
The Academy Award-nominated movie auteur is well-known for his frenzied visual style that is either beloved or disliked by audiences. Some of his visually-driven films have become instant classics, including Romeo+Juliet (1996), Moulin Rouge! (2001) and Elvis. Others have received more mixed reactions, like Australia (2008) and The Great Gatsby (2013).
The original Tangled was directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. The adventure movie was penned by Dan Fogelman, who based the script on the classic Rapunzel story by the Brothers Grimm. The film was features the voice of Zachary Levi, Mandy Moore, Donna Murphy, Jeffrey Tambor and Ron Perlman.
The musical movie was nominated for Best Original Song at the 83rd Academy Awards. The adventure fantasy film received the nomination for its track by composer Alan Menken, I See the Light, which was performed by Moore and Levi’s characters.
Following the feature’s release, both Moore and Levi reprised their roles in the animated television spin-off series, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, which ran on the Disney Channel from 2017-2020. Afterward, the Emmy-nominated actress also voiced Rapunzel in two more Disney projects, including 2018’s Ralph Breaks the Internet, and the recently released Disney+ special, Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest.
Alongside The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tangled brought the Walt Disney Company back to its princess and fairy tale roots. The latter movie follows Rapunzel (Moore), a maiden with incredibly long hair as she’s stuck in a tower. She soon leaves the tower to find the origin of floating lights in the sky with the aid of Flynn Rider (Levi), a dashing thief. However, their attempts to reach the Kingdom of Corona are nearly thwarted by the villainous Mother Gothel (Murphy).
Besides Luhrmann potentially helming, there are also reports that Oscar-nominated actress Florence Pugh might become attached to the live-action movie. The performer is being considered to take on the role of Rapunzel. However, neither the filmmaker or the actress’s participation in the life-action remake have been confirmed.
Levi has also shared his thoughts regarding the rumored casting of Pugh in the potential Tangled remake. He expressed his desire in reprising his character in the live action adaptation if Pugh is cast as Rapunzel.
Before Tangled is potentially remade, Disney’s next live-action adaptation will be Snow White. The musical fantasy comedy was the first ever animated feature film to be released by the studio. Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot are serving as the main stars in the upcoming adaptation.
Besides Snow White, other animated movies that Disney is adapting into the live-action are Hercules and Lilo & Stitch. Moana is also being adapted, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role of Maui, as is The Aristocats, which will utilize the same CGI techniques used in the 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King.