The live‑action adaptation of Disney’s Tangled has now officially cast its leads: Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. Supporting rumors and fan theories are swirling—especially around Mother Gothel’s casting and the actors who nearly snagged the lead roles.
Lead Casting Confirmed: Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are confirmed to star as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively. Croft is best known for her role as Raven in Titans, while Manheim has starred in Disney’s Zombies franchise and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
Fans wasted no time reacting, with many expressing excitement and calling the duo a perfect fit. Comments like “Tangled grew up with us” and “those two actually look perfect” reflect how well-received the announcement has been.
Who Almost Played Rapunzel and Flynn?
Before the official casting, Disney held extensive screen tests. Four actresses—Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, Teagan Croft, and Olivia‑Mai Barrett—were among those in the running for Rapunzel. Actors tested for Flynn included Milo Manheim, Charlie Gillespie, and Gilli Jones.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter also reportedly met with Disney about the role, but insiders say she was ultimately passed over. Rumors even joked she was “too pretty” for the studio’s vision of Rapunzel.
And Gigi Hadid? She auditioned seriously—took singing lessons even—but didn’t land the part. She later reflected with pride on her audition, despite knowing Disney might prefer a professional singer.
Mother Gothel: The Villain’s Casting Drama
Mother Gothel attracted its own share of buzz. Scarlett Johansson was once in talks to play the iconic villain, but bowed out due to scheduling conflicts.
More recently, Kathryn Hahn entered talks for the role, prompting fan fervor. Many hailed her as “perfect,” and speculation continues to build around her portrayal.
Other whispered contenders include Demi Moore, though those ideas remain entirely speculative.
Development Timeline: Pause, Revival, Action
Disney’s Tangled live‑action journey has been rocky. Initially confirmed in December 2024, development was paused in April 2025 after the financial failure of Snow White.
By late 2025, the project was revived—spurred by the success of films like Lilo & Stitch. Filming is eyed for June 2026 in the UK.
On January 7, 2026, Disney confirmed its leads. Shortly after, Kathryn Hahn’s involvement in talks was reported.
Why This Recasting Matters
Disney’s live‑action remakes are under scrutiny. Hits like The Little Mermaid show the potential when handled well. But flops like Snow White serve as caution—a reminder that nostalgia isn’t enough without creativity.
Picking Croft and Manheim signals Disney’s shift toward youthful, expressive actors—ones who can act, sing, and connect emotionally.
From speculation to screen test buzz, this journey underscores how fan engagement and public chatter shape modern casting narratives.
“Choosing Croft and Manheim isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a signal that Disney wants fresh energy, musical talent, and emotional resonance,” says one industry observer.
Conclusion
Disney has formally cast Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider in its live‑action Tangled, with Kathryn Hahn in early talks to play Mother Gothel. The road here was marked by intense speculation, intense fancasting, and corporate pauses and revivals. The actors nearly chosen—Carpenter, Gigi Hadid, Freya Skye—paint a picture of a public casting narrative as dramatic as any musical reprise. As production gears up for filming mid‑2026, fans and critics alike are primed to see whether this remake restores the magic of the original—better-than-ever, imperfect and unpredictable in all the right ways.
