Disney Unveils Cast for Live-Action Tangled Remake

Disney is pressing ahead with its much-discussed live-action adaptation of Tangled, and the studio has now settled on its leads. Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim have been chosen to portray Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder, breathing new life into characters first brought to the screen by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in 2010. The decision comes after a period of uncertainty, with earlier reports suggesting the project might be shelved following the lukewarm reception of Snow White. However, the resounding box office triumph of Lilo & Stitch appears to have reinvigorated Disney’s confidence in reimagining its animated classics.

Fresh Faces for Familiar Roles

Michael Gracey, best known for his work on The Greatest Showman and Better Man, is set to direct, working from a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Do Revenge and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The casting process for Tangled’s central duo was anything but rushed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Croft and Manheim underwent screen tests in December, with Disney taking its time to ensure the right fit for these beloved roles.

Teagan Croft, recognised for her portrayal of Raven in the series Titans, reportedly edged out several contenders, including Sarah Catherine Hook, Freya Skye, and Olivia-Mai Barrett. Meanwhile, Milo Manheim, already a familiar face to Disney Channel viewers thanks to his role as Zed in the Zombies franchise, steps into the shoes of Flynn Ryder. Both actors have made their mark on television, but this project could well propel them into the cinematic spotlight.

Targeting a New Generation

Disney’s approach with Tangled is clear: appeal to a Gen-Z audience that has grown up with the original film and is now primed for a dose of nostalgia. It’s been over a decade and a half since Tangled first hit cinemas, and the studio is banking on the enduring affection for its story and characters. Unlike the rapid turnaround seen with the Moana remake, Tangled’s return aligns more closely with the timeline of How to Train Your Dragon, another 2010 release now set for a live-action revival.

The studio’s deliberate casting choices reflect an understanding of the film’s significance to a generation that holds the original close. There’s a sense that Disney is keen to strike the right balance between honouring the source material and offering something fresh for both old fans and newcomers.

Villainous Vacancy and Release Speculation

Attention now turns to the casting of the film’s antagonist, Mother Gothel. The original voice, Donna Murphy, set a high bar, and while Scarlett Johansson was reportedly considered for the role, she has opted instead to pursue a part in The Batman – Part II. The search for the perfect villain continues, with no official word yet on who will take up the mantle.

As for when audiences can expect to see Tangled’s new incarnation, Disney has yet to confirm a release date. Speculation points to a possible holiday 2027 or spring 2028 premiere, though nothing is set in stone. Whether the appetite for live-action remakes will hold steady remains to be seen, but with its promising cast and creative team, Tangled is poised to capture attention when it finally arrives.