ANIMATED feature “Tangled,” a modernization of the Rapunzel fable, is to be revisited as a television series scheduled for a 2017 debut.

    Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and Zachary Levi (Eugene/Flynn Rider) will reprise their roles as the lead characters from the 2010 film and the 2012 short “Tangled Ever After.”

    “The genius of the original movie was its seamless blending of cinematic adventure, character-driven comedy and touching emotion,” said Disney Channels Worldwide president Gary Marsh.

    “And we are fortunate to have several of the creative talent from that movie on board with this new production. With the addition of Chris Sonnenburg and Shane Prigmore as executive producers, we have the perfect team in place to create a series worthy of the original film.”

    Set between the events of the film and the short, the TV series will follow Rapunzel as she gets to know her newfound parents, her kingdom and the people of Corona.

    “Her irrepressible spirit and natural curiosity about the world drives her to the realization that there is so much more she needs to learn before she can truly accept her royal destiny. She boldly puts her crown and impending marriage on hold to seek out epic adventures, much to the dismay of the king who, after missing out on Rapunzel’s youth, must accept that his daughter is now an independent young woman,” Disney Channel announced in their press release.

    “Accompanying Rapunzel on her journey will be Eugene; the plucky chameleon sidekick, Pascal; the no-nonsense horse, Maximus; the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs; and newcomer Cassandra, a tough-as-nails handmaiden, who becomes Rapunzel’s confidant.”

    A first image released by Disney indicates a change for the films’ 3-D look, with both Rapunzel and Flynn Rider sporting a more hand-drawn style. Following its November 2010 debut, “Tangled” went on to generate US$591.8 million on its US$260 million budget. The Disney Channel will carry the new show.(SD-Agencies)