Walt Disney's Rapunzel to Disney's Tangled?

Back in February, Disney announced that they would be changing the title to their upcoming film Rapunzel to the new title Tangled. The company has released several statements concerning the film, "Some people might assume it's a fairy tale for girls when it's not. We make movies to be appreciated and loved by everybody," explained Ed Catmull president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. I can't help but feel that the lukewarm box-office performance of Disney's prior animated film, The Princess and the Frog may have influenced this decision.

As of now it seems the changes in the film are not just cosmetic, but rather drastic changes. It seems Disney may be changing the film's story in order to emphasize the male lead, Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) and downsize the lovable princess Rapunzel (Mandy Moore).

Whatever the true reason behind he name change, it has definitely struck a chord with the Disney fan base. Many fans have criticized the new title negatively, having already fallen in love with the film's previous title. Even some of the former animators of Disney have stated dislike of the new title. "The idea of changing the title of a classic like 'Rapunzel' to 'Tangled' is beyond stupid," said Floyd Norman a retired Disney and Pixar animator.

The film Tangled is now slated for a release date, November 24, 2010. The film will be the first of its kind, combining CGI-animation and traditional animation.