With the launch of their flagship character, Steamboat Willie. Disney established itself as a pioneer in the animation industry. It was, in fact, animation that bestowed the Walt Disney Company the beginnings of their nearly-effortless achieved fame and overall prominence as an all-encompassing entertainment company, as the animation team was responsible for creating the studio’s most recognizable animation eras and classics. Walt Disney Animation Studios consequently led the charge in evolving traditional animation as the medium underwent periods of evolution that encouraged animators to elevate their craft in the process. Walt Disney Animation Studios later birthed a subsidiary, Pixar Animation Studios, that granted the parent company the ability to increase the output of animated feature films. Pixar and Walt Disney Animation operated as parallels to one another without overtly overlap each other. They do, however, share a similar style of art and conquer congruent thematic material between their dueling productions.
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Tangled adapted the story of Rapunzel, a German fairy tale originated by the Brothers Grimm that featured the titular princess locked in a tower for most of her life, waiting to be freed from her isolation. The animated interpretation honored the inspiration of Tangled by incorporating key elements into the story, though was bold enough to introduce a more creative and unique understanding of the source material. The film was quick to become a fan favorite among Disney’s 2010 releases. It left a lasting impression on fans who still herald the animated classic as a modern triumph for the unstoppable cinematic conglomerate. Walt Disney Studios and their ascended dominion over the motion picture industry have grown their success through not only their originals and stand-alone work, but have excelled in their marketing through developing sequels or creating franchise properties. Tangled, however, was untouched by the sequel treatment and was left alone despite the film being viewed as a studio accomplishment. Here’s why Tangled 2 never was made by the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Why the Disney Animated Sequel Never Happened
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Disney is particularly cautious about the decisions made when choosing what movies will earn a second installment or be granted the privilege of becoming a franchise of its own. The high volume of original content is a prime contender against any urgency to proceed with a sequel film closely trailing on the heels of the pilot film’s release. The amassed entertainment giant hasn’t turned down the opportunity to expand a single entity into an even greater saga before, though has been more generous in granting full franchise opportunities to other projects across subdivision properties instead. Tangled proved itself to be a popular release that still remains present in Disney’s marketing today throughout their merchandise, theme parks, and branding, but there was never a sense of urgency to supplement the animated film with a second or even third full-length companion.
Den of Geek previously shared similar curiosities with Tangled producer Roy Conli, who did confirm that Disney once expressed an interest in developing a Tangled 2. “There was a desire to somehow take it into a filmic sequel," Conli said to the entertainment publication, though admitted that the pair of directors behind the first film, Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, wasn’t entirely interested in following through on an additional Tangled project. The producer then proceeded to justify their declination when reflecting on Tangled’s conclusion where Rapunzel (Mandy Moore)’s hair is cut off completely. This prompted Conli to use “her hair was gone!” as an excuse to look past Tangled 2.
What Could Tangled 2 Have Been About?
Fans who were once eager for Tangled 2 made little haste in exploring what the film’s future once could have held. There were unanswered and unaddressed questions left behind by Tangled that have yet to be explored or explained. For instance, Tangled only hints at what Flynn Rider’s (Zachary Levi) upbringing could have entailed or what his relationship with Rapunzel has been like following the film’s end. Disney later released a six-minute animated short, Tangled Ever After, which shared the events post-Tangled through a condensed narrative and a new animation style. Tangled Ever After keeps its sights locked on Rapunzel’s life after she adjusted to her birthright of being viewed as a princess and was reunited with her family. Tangled 2 would have inserted itself as a transition between Tangled and the animated short that provided a fleeting glance at the film’s aftermath.
Tangled 2 could opt to follow a similar trend that previous Disney films have adopted and decided to altogether abandon the traditional sequel format and present a follow-up to the first through a new story. Rapunzel’s goal was met at the end of the first film, and the conclusion was complete enough that the core conflict cannot be continued, but still leaves fresh plotlines at bay. Because Tangled Ever After was focused on the main protagonists’ romantic relationship, there is enough room for the two to embark on their next adventure. The first Tangled was adventure-based and could easily cue in the same angle, holding onto that familiarity of the film’s tone without forcing itself into an awkward, ill-fitted continuation. Tangled provided a concrete foundation that could inspire a deeper look at the kingdom featured in the film through the first film without having to concern itself with keeping up with every event that came before it. Tangled 2 could have, by extension, acknowledged its history without attempting to muddle down and rehash the original.
Could Tangled 2 Still Happen?
Tangled 2 is worthy of speculation now just as it was when the demand was at an all-time high following the film’s release. In more recent years, the rumors around an animated sequel have transitioned into whispers that Disney is planning to develop a live-action interpretation of Tangled. The DisneyInsider exclusively broke the story and makes the claim that a creative team has been found for pre-production work. They add that they believe that a live-action Tangled, simply referred to as Rapunzel, is designed for a theatrical release in comparison to the Disney+ release method. It remains unconfirmed whether this Rapunzel project will follow the lead of Tangled’s storytelling, or opt to avoid the remake treatment altogether, as it has been stuck in “development hell” indefinitely.
The uncertain future for Rapunzel does not totally discard any ability for Tangled 2 to emerge. The launch of Disney+ has permitted the studio to unearth its aging projects while revitalizing them for the modern audience. Now, with the streaming platform releasing original TV series that are connected to some of its film catalogue, Tangled 2 doesn’t necessarily have to apply itself in the film format. Exclusive streaming services have reintroduced an excitement over televised series and expanded on how motion picture companies deliver new content to viewership. A Tangled sequel series could amplify the possibilities without having to trim a longer story into a fraction of itself. Disney has so far withheld any news surrounding a Tangled 2 or supplementary Tangled media since, though a sliver of hope can shine through.
