As Disney continues its ambitious slate of live-action reimaginings, one of the most eagerly awaited is the adaptation of its 2010 animated musical, "Tangled." The original film, a vibrant take on the Rapunzel fairy tale, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning $592 million globally and an 89% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside numerous awards.
Zachary Levi, who brought the charming rogue Flynn Rider to life with his distinctive voice, recently opened up to ScreenRant about the new production. Levi, who has voiced the character across the original film, its short sequel, and the animated series, made it clear that despite not reprising his role, he is fully behind the new team.
"I'm stoked for all those guys," Levi stated, referring to the cast and crew taking on the beloved story. He emphasized his profound attachment to the "Tangled" universe, adding, "I care very deeply about the IP and the world, and the new Flynn Rider, and we all care about that. And I want that live-action movie to be great."
His well wishes come as the live-action "Tangled" gears up for a March 31, 2028 release, with Michael Gracey directing from a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Michael Montemayor. The new film will introduce Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel, stepping into roles previously voiced by Mandy Moore, Levi, and Donna Murphy respectively.
Levi acknowledged the inherent challenges in adapting animated classics, noting that not all remakes or sequels achieve universal success. Disney's track record with live-action films has been mixed, with hits like "Lilo & Stitch" grossing over $1 billion, while others, such as "Snow White" and the recent "Moana," faced underwhelming box office returns or controversy. Despite this varied history, Levi remains optimistic for "Tangled."
"I want it to be beautiful. I want audiences to be like, 'I got everything that I loved about the animated movie in that live-action movie,'" he articulated, clearly hoping the new film will resonate deeply with fans and capture the magic of its predecessor. His sentiments underscore the high expectations for the remake, especially given the original's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
With Levi's blessing and the original film's strong legacy, the live-action "Tangled" carries significant anticipation. Fans will be watching closely to see if Michael Gracey's vision, supported by a new generation of talent, can indeed deliver the beauty and beloved elements that Levi and countless others cherish from the animated classic.
