Disney Unveils Cast for Live-Action Tangled Remake

Disney is charging ahead with its much-anticipated live-action take on Tangled, and the studio has now locked in its leads. Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim have been tapped to step into the shoes of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder, bringing fresh faces to these beloved characters. This move comes after a period of uncertainty, with earlier talk suggesting the project might be shelved following the lukewarm reception of Snow White. However, the runaway success of Lilo & Stitch seems to have given Disney a renewed sense of purpose.

Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman and Better Man, will be at the helm, directing from a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who previously worked on Do Revenge and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The casting process for the leads was anything but rushed.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that the actors screen tested in December before the holidays, and the studio did not rush the process, opting to be deliberate in its choices.

Disney clearly recognises the weight these roles carry, given the original Tangled’s status as a modern classic and its impressive $592.5 million global box office haul.

Fresh Faces for Iconic Roles

Teagan Croft, who’s made a name for herself as Raven in Titans, reportedly edged out several contenders for the role of Rapunzel, including Sarah Catherine Hook, Freya Skye, and Olivia-Mai Barrett. Meanwhile, Milo Manheim, already familiar to Disney fans from his turn as Zed in the Zombies franchise, will take on Flynn Ryder. While both actors are best known for their television work, this film could be the launchpad that propels them into the Hollywood big league.

The original animated Tangled, released in 2010 with Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi voicing the leads, has become a staple for a generation of fans. Disney’s careful approach to casting suggests they’re keen to do right by those who grew up with the story, as well as attract a new wave of punters.

Appealing to a New Generation

Disney’s choice to go with a Gen-Z cast is no accident. The studio is clearly aiming to connect with younger audiences who have shown their box office clout in recent years. With more than 15 years since the original film hit cinemas, nostalgia is running high among those who watched it as kids, and Disney is banking on that sentiment to draw crowds.

Unlike the rapid turnaround seen with the Moana remake, Tangled’s live-action version is arriving on a timeline more in line with How to Train Your Dragon, which also debuted in 2010. The studio seems to be playing the long game, hoping to capture both old fans and a new generation keen for a fresh take.

What’s Next for the Remake?

The next big question is who will play the villainous Mother Gothel. Donna Murphy originally voiced the character, and there was talk of Scarlett Johansson being in the mix, but she’s reportedly passed in favour of another project. As for when the film will hit screens, there’s no official date yet, though a holiday 2027 or spring 2028 release is on the cards. Whether audiences will still be keen on Disney’s live-action remakes by then remains to be seen, but this project could be a real star-maker for its leads.