Tangled 2 (2025) – Detailed Review

Overview

Tangled 2 (2025) is the highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s beloved animated film Tangled (2010), which introduced audiences to the adventurous and spirited Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) and the charming thief Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi). The first film ended on a high note, with Rapunzel and Flynn falling in love, returning to the kingdom of Corona, and her reuniting with her parents. Ten years later, Tangled 2 promises to bring more adventures, laughter, and emotional depth to the story, following the now-married couple as they navigate their new lives together.

Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the creative team behind the original film, Tangled 2 will likely explore Rapunzel’s growth as a queen, Flynn’s adjustment to life in the palace, and the challenges of maintaining a sense of independence and adventure while embracing new responsibilities. The story is expected to combine elements of romance, humor, and action, along with the franchise’s signature themes of self-discovery, family, and empowerment.

Plot Summary (Speculation)

Set several years after the events of Tangled, Tangled 2 follows Rapunzel and Flynn as they adjust to life in the royal palace of Corona. While Rapunzel has embraced her role as queen, she struggles to balance her new duties with her love of adventure and freedom. The film will explore the tension between her responsibilities as a monarch and her desire to explore the world beyond the palace walls.

The plot kicks off when a mysterious new threat emerges—possibly an old foe or a new villain seeking revenge on the royal family. A magical artifact, tied to Rapunzel’s mysterious hair and its powers, is at the center of this conflict. Rapunzel discovers that her hair’s magic isn’t fully understood, and a new journey to unlock its secrets takes her beyond the kingdom of Corona. With Flynn by her side, and her trusted horse Maximus and chameleon companion Pascal, Rapunzel embarks on an adventure that could change the fate of her kingdom forever.

In addition to external threats, the film will delve into the couple’s evolving relationship. Flynn, once a rogue thief, now finds himself in a world of royal protocol, and will have to reconcile with his new responsibilities. Meanwhile, Rapunzel is forced to confront the legacy of her magical hair, its potential dangers, and its connection to her true idenтιтy.

Characters and Performances

• Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) – Rapunzel is no longer the lost, isolated girl she once was. Now a queen, she has grown more confident and capable, but still retains her adventurous spirit. Her character arc in Tangled 2 will likely involve her reconciling the tension between her royal duties and her yearning for freedom. Mandy Moore will bring her signature warmth, charm, and emotional depth to Rapunzel’s journey as she faces new challenges.
• Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) – Flynn has gone from a charming thief to a devoted husband and supportive partner. His journey in Tangled 2 will explore his adjustment to life in the palace, as he navigates the transition from his carefree, roguish past to being a part of the royal family. Expect Flynn to bring his usual wit, humor, and loyalty to the role, with more moments of vulnerability as he supports Rapunzel in her quest for independence.
• Maximus (TBD) – The royal horse Maximus, who became Rapunzel and Flynn’s loyal companion, will continue to provide comic relief and be a key part of the duo’s adventures. Expect Maximus to have a more prominent role in Tangled 2, offering his strength and loyalty during moments of danger and adventure.
• Pascal (TBD) – Rapunzel’s tiny, yet mighty, chameleon companion Pascal will continue to be her constant sidekick. While his role may remain humorous, expect him to add heart to the emotional moments, as he provides moral support during Rapunzel’s journey.
• Supporting Characters –
  • King Frederic and Queen Arianna (Ron Perlman and Joanne Worley) – Rapunzel’s parents, who will likely have more screen time as they adjust to the changes in Rapunzel’s life and reign. They may offer wisdom and support, but also play a role in the political intrigue and royal conflicts that arise.
  • The Stabbington Brothers (TBD) – If the Stabbington brothers from the first movie return as antagonists, they could be seeking revenge or playing a more substantial role in the new threat facing the royal family.
  • New Allies and Villains – Expect new characters, possibly magical beings or adventurers, who may either ᴀssist Rapunzel and Flynn in their quest or present challenges for the kingdom.

Themes and Direction

• Self-Discovery and Independence – A central theme of Tangled 2 will be Rapunzel’s journey of discovering who she is as a ruler, wife, and individual. While she has embraced her royal duties, her longing for adventure and independence will challenge her idenтιтy as queen. The film will explore the balance between embracing her destiny and following her heart.
• Love and Partnership – The film will continue to explore Rapunzel and Flynn’s evolving relationship. Their love, built on trust and mutual respect, will be tested as they face new obstacles. Their partnership will be central to the film, showing how they work together to face challenges, both internal and external.
• Family and Legacy – Rapunzel’s bond with her family, both biological and chosen, will continue to be a key focus. The film will likely delve into the legacy of her magical hair and the mysterious history surrounding it. Family dynamics, including Rapunzel’s role as queen, will be explored as the kingdom faces new threats.
• Adventure and Empowerment – As in the first film, Tangled 2 will feature plenty of thrilling action sequences and daring escapes. The film will emphasize empowerment, particularly through Rapunzel’s growth as a leader who must navigate both her royal duties and her thirst for adventure.

Animation and Visuals

The animation in Tangled 2 will likely build on the lush, detailed world established in the first film. Expect sweeping landscapes, magical forests, and vibrant cityscapes. The visual style will continue to feature the detailed textures and stunning use of light that made the first Tangled film so visually impressive. The magic in the film, particularly surrounding Rapunzel’s hair, will be brought to life with dynamic effects and intricate animation.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack will be another key component of Tangled 2. Alan Menken (who composed the music for the original film) is expected to return, bringing his signature blend of whimsical, emotional, and adventurous scores. Fans can likely expect new original songs for Rapunzel and Flynn, including potential duets that showcase their partnership. The soundtrack will likely continue the tradition of heartwarming, inspiring tunes with a mix of emotional ballads and adventurous anthems.

Conclusion

Tangeld 2 (2025) will continue the story of Rapunzel, Flynn, and their world with new adventures, emotional depth, and themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment. By exploring Rapunzel’s evolution as a leader and partner, the film will offer a fresh perspective on the classic characters, while maintaining the charm, humor, and heart that made the original such a hit. With stunning animation, an exciting new story, and a beautiful soundtrack, Tangled 2 is sure to delight fans of all ages.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

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November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.