There’s been lots of talk recently about the changes being made to Disney’s computer-animated “Rapunzel” movie, including it’s title change to “Tangled.”
The LA Times thinks this is because Disney’s trying to ensure that the film doesn’t appear too “girly.”
Thanks to the relatively low box office return of The Princess and the Frog, and to counteract it’s princess-heavy stereotype, Disney’s stepping up its marketing to the male gender in its parks (Pirate’s League in Disney World), resorts (pirate rooms in Disney World), television (Disney XD), and, of course, movies.
The makeover of “Rapunzel” is more than cosmetic. Disney can ill afford a moniker that alienates half the potential audience, young boys… .
“We did not want to be put in a box,” said Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios, explaining the reason for the name change. “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.”
So Disney is taking no chances with “Tangled,” … Hints of swashbuckling action are already being leaked online.
“In our film, the infamous bandit Flynn Rider meets his match in the girl with the 70 feet of magical golden hair,” wrote the film’s producer, Roy Conli, on Disney Animation’s Facebook page.
The film will debut in theaters in November 2010.
