Imagine being 5-years-old, and your favorite movie is “Moana” or  “Tangled.”

You’re watching TV and see previews for a live action version of these movies coming out.

Rapunzel has this gorgeous glowing long hair that you wish you had. Moana is sailing on the ocean and knows how to do everything on her own.

You want to be just like them. You watch and are fascinated. You get so excited you feel butterflies in your stomach. You beg your parents to go watch the movies when they come out, and they say, “Yes!” You are counting down the days; you can’t hardly contain yourself.

The “Tangled” film is planned to be released in 2027, and “Moana” the live action will be released on July 10, 2026.

“Tangled”

The “Tangled” live action movie has been in the making since December of 2024. This musical is directed by Michael Gracey who also directed the well known movie, “The Greatest Showman,” along with writer Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and producers Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada. The movie doesn’t have a set release date yet.

The “Tangled” main character actors and actresses were recently released. Milo Manheim will portray Flynn Rider. Milo Manheim is best known as Zed from “ZOMBIES,” but the question remains if he will live up to the expectations of taking on the “charming bad boy” role of Flynn Rider. Teagan Croft is cast as the main character, Rapunzel. We know her from the series, Titans where she plays Rachel Roth, also known as Raven. Some question if she will be able to play the innocent but fierce Rapunzel. Kathryn Hahn will play the role of Mother Gothel, the passive aggressive villain. We know her from many movies such as “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Mother Gothel is a much different role we’re used to seeing her in.

Freshman Natalie Hrebik has her doubts about the live remake overall.

“I feel like it’s really hard to outdo the original,” Hrebik said. “And I feel like the original, they’re animated, so they have that whimsy feeling which is hard to replicate in real life.”

“Moana”

The “Moana” live action movie has been in the making since around April of 2023. This movie is directed by Thomas Kail, along with writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller and producers Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is planned to be released on July 10, 2026 after it was put on hold to accommodate the “Moana 2” launching.

Freshman Ava Wood has high hopes and expectations for the live action Moana.

“I am really hoping they stick to the original, and they don’t go off,” Wood said.” but… I expect it to be good.”

The live action “Moana” cast was released in 2024. Catherine Lagaʻaia, who is making her first major movie starring role, will portray the role of Moana. Many wonder if she will live up to the expectations of being the ocean loving passionate teenager? The very well known Dwayne Johnson, also known as “the Rock,” will star as Maui. He is also the voice of Maui in the animated series. The actress Rena Owen from New Zealand is cast as Gramma Tala, aiming to portray the spiritual role. John Tui and Frankie Adams will also join the cast playing the roles of Moana’s parents.

Freshman Ava O’Connor has fond memories with both movies’ characters.

“I loved both of them,” O’Connor said. “’Moana,’ I really like how it reminds me of summer, and it’s so aesthetic. They both have a really good storyline. They just make me feel like I’m living in a fantasy.”

The “Moana” live action will be released on July 10, 2026, and the “Tangled” live action is hoping to be released in 2027.