The lead actors for Disney's Rapunzel film have been announced
Disney Studios has officially cast the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider for their upcoming live-action remake of the beloved animated classic.
After months of speculation, the highly anticipated adaptation of the animated feature Tangled has reentered production with confirmed casting and fresh updates about the creative team behind the project.
Meet the New Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
The iconic character of Rapunzel will be portrayed by Australian actress Teagan Croft, recognized for her role as Rachel Roth in the hit series Titans. Opposite her, Milo Manheim, known for starring in Disney’s Zombies franchise, has been selected to bring the charming adventurer Flynn Rider to life.
In the original 2010 animated film, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi provided the voices for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider respectively. For this live-action rendition, Disney is opting for a younger duo, aiming to appeal to a fresh generation of fans.
Mother Gothel Casting Still Pending
The pivotal role of the antagonist, Mother Gothel, remains uncast. Although there were rumors linking Scarlett Johansson to the part, no official confirmation has been made by the studio. Disney has yet to announce who will take on this iconic villainess role.
Project Revival Following Previous Delay
Production on the Tangled live-action adaptation experienced a temporary halt after the underwhelming box office results of Disney’s Snow White remake in early 2025. This setback prompted Disney to reevaluate its approach to adapting its animated classics. Nevertheless, by the fall of 2025, work on Tangled resumed, and in December, casting was officially launched, signaling Disney’s commitment to the project.
Creative Team and Direction
The film will be directed by Michael Gracey, who gained acclaim for directing the musical sensation The Greatest Showman. The screenplay is based on a draft penned by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. While plot specifics are being closely guarded, the adaptation is expected to stay true to the essence of the original story.
The production team includes producer Kristen Burr and executive producer Lucy Kitada.
Celebrating the Original Animated Success
The original Tangled film, inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale and directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, stands as one of Disney’s standout successes of the 2010s. It grossed over $590 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for its memorable song I See the Light.
While the original score was composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater, it remains unconfirmed whether they will participate in crafting the soundtrack for this new live-action version.
