Disney’s long-anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled has taken a significant step forward: Teagan Croft has been officially cast as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim will star as Flynn Rider. Both actors were confirmed on January 7, 2026, marking the first firm casting in the project. Production remains under director Michael Gracey, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the screenplay.
Why It Matters Now
This announcement comes nearly a year after the project was paused in April 2025, following the underwhelming box office performance of Disney’s Snow White remake. Momentum has returned with Tangled resuming development later in 2025, alongside internal interest spurred by the success of Lilo & Stitch (2025), which cleaned up at the box office. This revival signals Disney’s renewed confidence in the project as part of its broader live-action strategy.
Casting Spotlight and Creative Team
Teagan Croft, known for her role in Titans, brings a youthful presence to Rapunzel, while Milo Manheim, familiar from Disney’s Zombies franchise, takes on Flynn Rider.
Kathryn Hahn is reportedly in talks for Mother Gothel, although earlier reports had Scarlett Johansson attached to the role. Ultimately, Johansson exited due to scheduling conflicts. The project remains under the direction of Michael Gracey, best known for The Greatest Showman, with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Kristin Burr is producing.
The intent is to maintain the musical essence of the 2010 animated original while transitioning to live-action.(en.wikipedia.org)
Background: Pause and Revival
Disney initially confirmed the live-action Tangled remake in December 2024.(en.wikipedia.org) However, the project was placed on indefinite hold in April 2025 after Snow White’s disappointing launch.
By October 2025, the project returned to active development. Lilo & Stitch’s $1 billion box‑office hit provided a catalyst.
In December 2025, final screen tests for Rapunzel (including Teagan Croft, Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, Olivia‑Mai Barrett) and Flynn Rider (including Milo Manheim and Charlie Gillespie) took place in London. Scarlett Johansson reportedly declined Mother Gothel due to scheduling issues. Production is eyed to begin in June 2026 in England and Spain.(en.wikipedia.org)
What’s Next for “Tangled” Live-Action
Production is projected to begin mid-2026. Casting now includes Croft and Manheim in the leading roles, with behind-the-scenes leadership intact. Focus shifts to finalizing Mother Gothel, securing a filming schedule, and shaping musical elements. Release dates and further plot details are still pending.
“We’re seeing Croft and Manheim step into these iconic roles with a fresh energy. Their casting marks the real beginning of visible progress,” an industry source noted. (Paraphrased.)
With Croft and Manheim officially cast and development back on track, all eyes will be on Disney’s next announcements—including filming timelines, supporting cast confirmation, and when the first footage or promotional materials might drop.
