The quietude of the Valdegovía valley, a hidden gem in the heart of Álava, is currently playing host to one of the most anticipated projects in the Disney machinery. In a move that signals a growing trend of major studios seeking authentic European landscapes to replace digital backdrops, the production of the live-action Tangled has descended upon the province, transforming the rugged terrain of San Martín de Valparaíso into a fairy-tale kingdom.
For years, Álava has existed in the shadow of the Basque Country’s more famous neighbors—the architectural marvel of the Guggenheim in Bilbao and the coastal allure of San Sebastián. However, the province’s diverse topography, ranging from deep forests to sheer limestone cliffs, has recently made it a magnet for location scouts. The arrival of Disney is the latest and most high-profile validation of the region’s cinematic potential.
The production, helmed by director Michael Gracey—whose vision brought The Greatest Showman to life—is utilizing the natural architecture of the “La Campa” area. This specific rocky enclave, long a favorite among climbers for its challenging walls and secluded atmosphere, provides the organic verticality required for the story of Rapunzel. By filming on location, the production aims to minimize the heavy reliance on CGI, opting instead for the tactile reality of the Basque landscape to ground the fantasy.
A New Chapter for the Disney Live-Action Strategy
Since the early 2010s, Disney has leaned heavily into reimagining its animated classics with human actors. While the results have been a subject of critical debate—ranging from the visual spectacle of The Lion King to the polarizing reception of The Little Mermaid—the studio continues to bet on the nostalgia and expanded world-building that live-action allows. Tangled, originally released as an animated hit in 2010, represents a shift toward a more “sprightly” and adventurous lead, moving away from the passive princess tropes of earlier eras.
The casting for this iteration brings in fresh talent capable of handling both the physical demands of the location and the tonal balance of the script. Teagan Croft has been tapped for the role of Rapunzel, while Milo Manheim will step into the boots of the charismatic rogue Flynn Rider. Their chemistry will be tested against the backdrop of Álava’s forests, which will serve as the lush perimeter of the tower’s isolation.
| Production Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Michael Gracey |
| Lead Cast | Teagan Croft, Milo Manheim |
| Primary Location | San Martín de Valparaíso, Álava |
| Key Site | La Campa (Rocky Zone) |
| Filming Window | Through late summer |
The Economic and Social Ripple Effect in Álava
The scale of a Disney production is immense, bringing not just a cast and crew, but a massive technical infrastructure to a region that usually sees only hikers and climbers. While the “magic” of cinema is the goal, the immediate reality for residents is a surge in noise, traffic and logistical coordination. The local administration and production team have coordinated the closure of access to the La Campa area to ensure safety and maintain the secrecy of the sets.
This closure is expected to remain in effect until September, effectively pausing the local climbing season in that specific sector. However, the trade-off is a significant economic injection into the local hospitality and service sectors. The “Disney effect” often leaves a lasting legacy in the form of “film tourism,” where fans travel to the real-world locations of their favorite movies long after the cameras have stopped rolling.
Álava: The Emerging Studio of the North
The choice of San Martín de Valparaíso is not an isolated incident. Álava has seen a record-breaking surge in production days over the last few years, establishing itself as a versatile “natural studio.” Recent data indicates that the province has hosted dozens of projects, including feature films like Sacamantecas, Gaua, and La Luz.
This trajectory follows a path blazed by other parts of the Basque Country. The cliffs of Zumaia in Guipúzcoa, for instance, became globally recognized after serving as the landing site for Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, while San Juan de Gaztelugatxe provided the iconic imagery of Dragonstone. Álava is now carving out its own niche, offering a different aesthetic—one of inland mysteries, alpine valleys, and ancient forests—that complements the coastal drama of the north.
- Visual Authenticity: The use of real rock formations reduces the “uncanny valley” effect often found in green-screen productions.
- Diversification: By moving away from the coast, the Basque Country is showcasing its interior beauty to a global audience.
- Infrastructure Growth: The success of these shoots encourages local governments to invest in “film-friendly” policies and infrastructure.
As the production moves through its summer schedule, the focus remains on the delicate balance between creating a cinematic masterpiece and respecting the environmental integrity of the Valdegovía valley. For the people of San Martín de Valparaíso, the sound of the clapperboard has replaced the silence of the woods, if only for a few months.
The production is scheduled to wrap its primary location shoots in Álava by September, after which the project will move into the extensive post-production phase. Official updates regarding the release date and the first teaser trailer are expected to be shared via Disney’s official press channels in the coming months.
Do you think Disney’s live-action remakes are improving, or should they leave the classics alone? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
