Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled has officially entered a new chapter. On January 7, 2026, the studio announced that Teagan Croft will star as Rapunzel, while Milo Manheim will take on the role of Flynn Rider (apnews.com). This marks a significant milestone after a period of development pauses and creative recalibrations.
Why the Casting Matters Now
This casting announcement matters because it signals Disney’s renewed commitment to reimagining Tangled as a live-action musical. The studio had paused the project in April 2025 due to the underwhelming performance of Snow White (2025), which raised concerns about the viability of adapting another animated classic (gamesradar.com). Now, with Croft and Manheim onboard, the project has regained momentum.
Who Are the Leads?
- Teagan Croft is best known for her role as Rachel Roth (Raven) in Titans and her appearance in True Spirit (apnews.com).
- Milo Manheim gained recognition from Disney’s Zombies franchise and as a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars (ew.com).
The pairing aims to evoke both the innocence and adventurous spirit central to Tangled’s core characters.
Production Status and Behind-the-Scenes Movements
Beyond the casting, Disney has started scouting locations. The city of Burgos, Spain, is under consideration due to its iconic cathedral and Gothic architecture—elements that could ground the film’s fairy-tale visuals in a tangible setting (los40.com). Production is expected to kick off in mid-2026, potentially placing filming in Spain or the UK (yahoo.com).
The project is helmed by Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder) (apnews.com). Disney initially announced the adaptation in December 2024 but paused development following mixed box office returns from other remakes. The resurgence of interest—fueled by Lilo & Stitch’s billion-dollar success—helped push Tangled back into active development by late 2025 (en.wikipedia.org).
What It Means for Disney’s Live-Action Strategy
Disney’s decision to move forward with Tangled reflects a broader shift in its live-action remake strategy. After the disappointing results of Snow White, the studio hesitated on similar projects. But the enormous box office win of Lilo & Stitch reopened the door to reviving beloved animated classics (gamesradar.com). Tangled now stands as a flagship project that could reshape how Disney approaches remakes in the years to come.
“This announcement shows Disney is betting on returning to its musical roots with a modern twist,” said one industry observer. “Casting up-and-coming talents suggests a more thoughtful approach than past spectacle-driven remakes.”
In Practice: Timeline at a Glance
- December 2024: Tangled adaptation announced (en.wikipedia.org).
- April 2025: Project placed on hold after Snow White underperforms (gamesradar.com).
- Late 2025: Development resumes amid renewed confidence in live-action remakes (the-independent.com).
- January 7, 2026: Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim cast (apnews.com).
- January 2026: Burgos scouts mentioned; filming tentatively scheduled for mid-2026 (los40.com).
What to Watch Next
Looking ahead, key items include:
– Finalizing additional cast members, particularly for Mother Gothel, currently rumored to include Kathryn Hahn (en.wikipedia.org).
– Confirming shooting schedule and locations—Burgos is under consideration, but the UK remains a strong contender (los40.com).
– Tracking any statements from Disney about the film’s tone, musical score, or release timeline.
Fans and industry watchers will keep a close eye on announcements this spring, especially as the project transitions from pre-production to active filming.
In sum, the live-action Tangled has reemerged from development limbo with its leads cast and creative vision intact. With Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim set to carry Rapunzel and Flynn Rider back to theaters, all eyes are now on where and when filming will begin—and how Disney plans to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
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