Disney plans to base production of its live-action adaptation of 'Enredados' at Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante, bringing more than €40 million directly into the Valencian economy in 2026. Generalitat president Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca highlighted the project's scale. It has made the region a focal point for international film production and sustained employment.
Filming for 'Enredados' (Tangled) began on June 29, with the production base in Alicante. Pre-production, including casting, set construction and location scouting, took place in the Valencian Community from February to June. The shoot spans several Spanish regions, but Alicante remains its operational heart. The production is scheduled to use the studios for 11 months, until the end of November.
During peak filming weeks, Ciudad de la Luz hosts up to 700 crew members a day. Since April, the average workforce has been around 200. Disney has leased four sound stages, exterior lots, workshops, warehouses and support buildings, maintaining a continuous presence and generating impressive local economic activity. The Generalitat supported the project with a €5 million grant, about 12.5% of anticipated local expenditure.
The production's projected direct impact of more than €40 million is separate from the wider economic figure reported for Ciudad de la Luz. In a July 22, 2026 report, Alicante Press said the complex had attracted 15 productions and its cumulative economic impact had topped €70 million. That broader figure covers activity at the facility beyond 'Enredados'.
The cast features Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel and Diego Luna as the new character Hawthorne. Supporting roles include Caitríona Balfe and Elliot Cowan, along with twins Patrick and Hugo McPherson. Michael Gracey is directing the film, produced by Kristin Burr, for a March 31, 2028, cinema release.
Filming began with three weeks in Alicante and Orihuela before moving to other Spanish locations. The production is expected back at Ciudad de la Luz in September for additional phases. Principal photography is due to wrap in October, with post-production continuing through November. Around seven weeks of filming will take place in the Valencian Community, spread across several stages.
Pérez Llorca said Disney's ongoing activity represents nearly a full year of work for the region, positioning Ciudad de la Luz as a major audiovisual production center. He reaffirmed the Generalitat's commitment to strengthening the local audiovisual sector and attracting more international projects. Large-scale productions, he noted, require tailored infrastructure and long-term support.
The final economic impact will be assessed at year-end, but current projections have already led the region to designate the project as strategically impressive. The original animated 'Enredados', released in 2010, grossed over $591 million worldwide and inspired a Disney Channel series.
Disney's interest in the Valencian region predates this production. In September 1985, company representatives considered potential sites in the then Valencian Community for a European theme park, including areas near Elche, Pego and Dénia, as well as Cabanes in Castellón. That proposal was for a theme park, not film production.
Spain's growing role as a filming destination has drawn international attention in recent years. Ciudad de la Luz's shift into a production hub reflects broader trends in the Spanish audiovisual sector, including the increased focus on infrastructure and ability to recover in response to changing demands. Disney's production is seen as a key stage for the local economy and Spain's position in the global film industry.
