Disney has officially cast the leads for its upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled. On January 7, 2026, Teagan Croft was announced as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, reigniting momentum for the project after an earlier pause in development. This matters because the roles breathe new life into a beloved Disney animated classic for modern audiences. (people.com)
Why the Casting Matters Now
This casting news matters because it marks the first major update since Disney paused the project in April 2025 following the underperformance of its live‑action Snow White remake. (gamesradar.com) The revival of the Tangled remake signals renewed confidence in Disney’s live-action remakes strategy, and the choice of relatively fresh faces may reflect a deliberate shift in casting approach. (people.com)
Details on the Cast and Creative Team
Teagan Croft, known for her role as White Raven in DC’s Titans, steps into the iconic role of Rapunzel. (en.wikipedia.org) Milo Manheim, familiar to Disney audiences through the Zombies franchise and Dancing with the Stars, will play Flynn Rider. (people.com) The film is directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder), and Kristin Burr producing. (people.com)
Beyond this, screen tests were reportedly held in London in December 2025 after the project quietly resumed development late that year. (people.com) Scarlett Johansson was once linked to Mother Gothel but she’s no longer attached. (people.com) As of now, Kathryn Hahn is reported to be in talks for that role. (en.wikipedia.org)
Audition Insights and Casting Process
Several high-profile names were considered before the final cast. Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, and others tested for Rapunzel—Milo Manheim, Charlie Gillespie among those testing for Flynn. (en.wikipedia.org) Gigi Hadid has revealed she auditioned for Rapunzel and felt proud of her performance, even though she didn’t land the part. (elle.com) This points to a competitive casting process weighing both acting and musical ability. (capitalfm.com)
Production and Financial Context
Disney first announced the live-action Tangled project in December 2024. (gamesradar.com) Development was paused in April 2025 after Snow White performed poorly at the box office. (gamesradar.com) The revival in late 2025 suggests that shifting strategy or improved market expectations encouraged the studio to proceed. (people.com) The original 2010 Tangled grossed approximately $592 million and earned critical acclaim, setting high expectations for the remake. (en.wikipedia.org)
What’s Next
At this stage, no release date has been announced. Filming is expected to begin mid‑2026, possibly in England and Spain. (en.wikipedia.org) Disney’s next steps likely include finalizing the Mother Gothel casting, ramping up production design, and scheduling a release window. Interest will remain high in how the live-action version compares to the beloved animated original.
“Disney appears to be moving cautiously but purposefully, balancing nostalgia with fresh talent.”
Key takeaways:
– Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are confirmed as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
– The project was revived after a pause following a disappointing prior remake.
– Screen tests were conducted in London in late 2025.
– Scarlett Johansson is no longer involved; Kathryn Hahn is now in talks for Mother Gothel.
– No official release date yet, with filming likely mid-2026.
We’ll watch for Disney’s next announcement, including filming start dates and additional casting.
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