Disney's live-action 'Enredados' is driving a surge in economic activity in the Valencian Community. The Generalitat estimates a direct impact of over €40 million. Alicante's Ciudad de la Luz is at the center of this international production.
Disney's decision to anchor the production of its live-action adaptation of 'Enredados' at Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante is set to inject more than €40 million directly into the Valencian economy in 2026. The Generalitat's president, Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the project, which has turned the region into a focal point for international film production and sustained employment.
The main filming for 'Enredados' (Tangled) began on June 29, with the production base established in Alicante. Pre-production activities, including casting, set construction, and location scouting, were carried out entirely in the Valencian Community from February to June. The shoot itself spans multiple Spanish regions, but Alicante remains the operational heart, with the production 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 daily, while the average workforce since April has hovered around 200. Disney has leased four sound stages, exterior lots, workshops, warehouses, and support buildings, ensuring a continuous presence and significant local economic activity. The Generalitat has supported the project with a €5 million grant, representing about 12.5% of the anticipated local expenditure.
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, Elliot Cowan, and twins Patrick and Hugo McPherson. The film, directed by Michael Gracey and produced by Kristin Burr, is slated 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 to return to Ciudad de la Luz in September for additional phases, with principal photography wrapping up in October and post-production activities continuing through November. In total, around seven weeks of filming will take place in the Valencian Community, spread across several stages.
Pérez Llorca emphasized that Disney's ongoing activity represents nearly a full year of work for the region, positioning Ciudad de la Luz as a global reference point for audiovisual production. He reaffirmed the Generalitat's commitment to strengthening the local audiovisual sector and attracting further international projects, noting that large-scale productions require tailored infrastructure and long-term support.
While the final economic impact will be assessed at year-end, current projections already justify the project's designation as strategically important for the region. The original animated 'Enredados' film, released in 2010, grossed over $591 million worldwide and inspired a successful Disney Channel series.
Spain's growing role as a filming destination has drawn international attention in recent years. The transformation of Ciudad de la Luz into a production hub mirrors broader trends in the Spanish audiovisual sector, as highlighted in recent coverage of regional developments such as the increased focus on infrastructure and resilience in response to changing demands. The arrival of Disney's production is seen as a milestone for both the local economy and Spain's position in the global film industry.
