Disney's 'Tangled' Live-Action Filming in Alicante Generates 40 Million Euros

The production at Ciudad de la Luz will extend until November, significantly boosting the Valencian Community's economy.

Generic image of the City of Arts and Sciences in Alicante with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
IA

Generic image of the City of Arts and Sciences in Alicante with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.

The live-action adaptation of Disney's 'Tangled', filmed at Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante, has become a significant economic driver for the Valencian Community, generating over 40 million euros in direct impact.

The production of the live-action film Tangled, based on Disney's 2010 animated classic inspired by the 'Rapunzel' fairy tale, has established its main base at the Ciudad de la Luz studios in Alicante. Principal photography, which began on June 29th, is expected to conclude in October, with logistical and technical tasks extending until November. Disney has slated the film's theatrical release for March 31, 2028.
The President of the Generalitat, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, highlighted Disney's ongoing commitment to the Valencian Community, emphasizing that the filming of Tangled exemplifies this bond and acts as a catalyst for the audiovisual sector and associated services. The film is directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, and produced by Kristin Burr.
The international cast includes Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel, and Diego Luna in a new character named Hawthorne. Also featured are Caitríona Balfe as Queen Ariana and Elliot Cowan as King Frederic, along with brothers Patrick and Hugo McPherson.
Pre-production, which involved location scouting, casting, and set construction, took place entirely in the Valencian Community between February and June. Filming has occurred in various locations across Spain, including the Valencian Community, the Basque Country, and Catalonia. Within the Valencian region, shooting days have taken place at Ciudad de la Luz and the Colegio Diocesano Santo Domingo in Orihuela.
It is estimated that the project will involve approximately seven weeks of actual shooting in the Valencian Community, spread across different phases. This prolonged presence has generated significant local spending on accommodation, catering, transportation, and specialized personnel. The crew has numbered up to 700 people during peak intensity weeks.
The direct economic impact estimated by the Generalitat exceeds 40 million euros, covering personnel hiring, rentals, and supplies. The Generalitat has granted a subsidy of 5 million euros, approximately 12.5% of the projected investment in the region, deeming it a strategic initiative for the Valencian audiovisual industry.
President Pérez Llorca emphasized that such productions place the Valencian Community on the international audiovisual map, establishing Ciudad de la Luz as a central hub for international productions. The Generalitat reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the region as a global film destination.
The success of the original 2010 animated film, which grossed over 591 million dollars worldwide and won a GRAMMY Award, strengthens expectations for this new live-action version, both artistically and commercially.