*Tangled*, the 50th film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series, embarked on a lengthy and complex production journey that spanned six years and cost an estimated $260 million, making it one of the most expensive animated features ever made. Originally conceived by Disney animator Glen Keane in 2001, the film underwent significant changes in direction, story, and even title before its release in 2010. This intricate development process eventually
led to a globally successful film that not only earned approximately $590 million but also spawned a robust franchise, extending its story and characters across various media.
Early Development and Creative Shifts
Glen Keane's initial vision for *Tangled*, then titled *Rapunzel*, began in 2001. However, the project faced several hurdles and creative re-evaluations. In November 2005, the film, at one point referred to as *Unbraided*, was pushed back to a summer 2009 release to allow Keane more time to refine the story. The project was briefly shut down in January 2006, just a week before John Lasseter and Ed Catmull took charge of the studio. One of their first decisions was to restart the project and encourage Keane to continue with the film.
Keane later reflected on an earlier plot version, describing it as "a fun, wonderful, witty version." However, he felt there was a more sincere and genuine story to be told, prompting the team to set aside previous drafts and return to the core elements of the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale. In April 2007, Annie-nominated animator Dean Wellins was announced as co-director alongside Keane. However, by October 2008, both Keane and Wellins stepped down from their directing roles due to other commitments. They were replaced by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, who had previously worked on Disney's 2008 animated feature *Bolt*. Keane remained involved as an executive producer and animation supervisor, while Wellins moved on to direct *Tick Tock Tale* (2010). Keane later revealed that a heart attack in 2008 was a factor in his decision to step back from directing.
Overcoming Story Challenges and Title Changes
One of the most significant plot challenges during development, according to director Nathan Greno, was finding a way for Rapunzel to leave her tower without immediately concluding the movie. The problem was that once she escaped Mother Gothel, she lacked a clear objective. Animator John Ripa provided the crucial solution: the mysterious floating lanterns, which gave Rapunzel a new goal and extended her journey beyond the tower.
Before its release, the film's title was changed from *Rapunzel* to *Tangled*. This change was reportedly made to market the film in a gender-neutral way, aiming to broaden its appeal beyond an audience traditionally associated with princess stories. The film ultimately proved to be a commercial success, earning approximately $590 million worldwide against its $260 million budget.
Expanding into a Franchise
The success of *Tangled* led to the creation of a comprehensive franchise. This expansion began with a short film, *Tangled Ever After*, released in 2012, which depicted Rapunzel and Eugene's wedding day. The franchise also includes a video game, a stage musical, and a television series that premiered in 2017, further exploring the characters and world established in the original film. Looking ahead, a live-action adaptation of *Tangled*, directed by Michael Gracey and starring Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim, is scheduled for release in 2028, demonstrating the enduring appeal and continued growth of the *Tangled* universe.
