https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tangled-live-action-movie-teagan-croft-milo-manheim-1236466753/

  The famous Tangled live-action adaptation was released earlier this month, on January 7th, and is becoming a reality. The wild-hearted and spirited Rapunzel is making an appearance on the screen for a second time. The chosen main characters are Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim. Disney is approaching a more accurate portrayal of Tangled that many love and hold dear from their childhood.

  In December of 2024, Disney announced that Tangled would be remade as a live-action film. Due to long lead times for other productions, the movie’s main cast has been announced. With actors Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft as the iconic characters, Rapunzel and Eugene. 

Cast

The known cast for the film so far is the Australian actress Teagan Croft as Rapunzel. Playing the beloved Rapunzel, Teagan Croft appears in Titans (2018-2023) and True Spirit (2023).  Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. Milo Manheim is well-known for his debut in the film series Zombies, which began in 2018 and is still in production. ABC News explains the casting, “Croft and Manheim will take on the characters originated by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the 2010 animated feature”(Thompson). A consideration for the villain, Mother Gothel, is Kathryn Hahn. She is known for Agatha All Along (2024). She appeared in the romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) and is rumored to have been considered for the role of Mother Gothel, but this has not been confirmed by Disney. It was rumored that Scarlett Johansson was strongly considered for the villain role of Mother Gothel, but she dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with other films. Overall, the casting choices lately have stayed true to the characters’ looks in the cartoon. Giving hope that this may be a rebound for Disney’s last live-action productions.

Directors and Writers

 Mainly known for directing The Greatest Showman, Michael Gracey will be the main director for this live-action film. Alongside Gracey, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson will be the movie’s writer. She is best known for co-writing and directing I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). Kathryn Burr will produce the film from Cruella (2021) and Freakier Friday (2025).

Filming

 The filming of the movie will take place at the Burgos Cathedral in Spain, Cosmic Marvel posted on X. The filming is “expected to take place in the cathedral and the surrounding area for 1-3 weeks”(Cosmic Marvel). The intricate designs of the over 800-year-old building will represent the Kingdom of Corona. While the film is still in pre-production, Deadline reported that Disney began assembling its creative team in 2024. Expected to begin filming later this year, Disney’s remake of the iconic cartoon is set for release in 2027.

Fans’ Reactions

  Tangled fans’ reactions are mostly positive, and there’s little to complain about. Immediately, fans showed support for Milo Manheim in the role of Flynn Rider. Many were very happy with the choice, commenting on the Disney Instagram post, “I manifested for Milo!! He is perfect for it!” and others wrote, “This casting is chef’s kiss! Teagan’s got that ethereal Rapunzel glow, and Milo nails the smolder.” A local from Corona said the casting is accurate, but they are worried the storyline may be ruined. On the other hand, many Sabrina Carpenter fans were rooting for Carpenter as Rapunzel, but were disappointed with the ‘unknown’ casting of Croft. One fan said, “Congrats, but we wanted Sabrina,” and claimed the casting choice was a lost opportunity. Even though many expressed excitement about the casting decisions, a group claimed there were better options. 

 Overall, Croft and Manheim’s picks for these major roles give Disney fans hope for an accurate remake of the animated film Rapunzel. Will this film live up to the high bar that the original has set? For fans, it looks like it’s been a success so far. The ‘new faces’ of Croft and Manheim will hopefully do justice to the beloved characters. Nearly everyone has their fingers crossed for a film comparable to the 2010 original.