Get ready for a magical makeover! Disney’s beloved animated hit Tangled is leaping off the screen and into the real world with a live-action adaptation, and the casting news has fans buzzing with excitement. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are set to lead the film, bringing the iconic characters of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider to life in a whole new way. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Croft, best known for her role as Rachel Roth/Raven in DC’s Titans, will step into Rapunzel’s golden-haired shoes, while Manheim, a standout from Zombies, will charm audiences as the roguish Flynn. And this is the part most people miss—both actors were part of a star-studded shortlist that included names like Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Olivia-Mai Barrett, making their selection all the more thrilling.
Behind the camera, filmmaker Michael Gracey, the visionary behind The Greatest Showman and Better Man, will direct the project, ensuring a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. The script, penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder, Do Revenge), promises to breathe fresh life into the classic tale while staying true to its heart. While no additional casting details have been revealed, fans are already speculating about who might play the villainous Mother Gothel—Scarlett Johansson was once in talks, but she’s no longer attached, leaving the role wide open for another powerhouse performer. And let’s not forget the music! Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the geniuses behind the original film’s unforgettable score, are expected to return, though no official confirmation has been made.
But here’s where it gets controversial: how will the live-action adaptation balance staying faithful to the animated classic while offering something new? Will it modernize the story, or stick closely to the 2010 version? And what about those fan-favorite songs—will they be reimagined or left untouched? These questions have sparked lively debates among fans, and it’s clear that expectations are sky-high. After all, Tangled isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon that earned over $200 million domestically, scored an Oscar nomination for ‘I See the Light,’ and inspired a spin-off TV series and a stage musical.
Speaking of the stars, Croft and Manheim bring impressive resumes to the table. Beyond Titans, Croft has shone in Home and Away and the 2023 film True Spirit, even tackling the role of Scout Finch in a theatrical production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Manheim, meanwhile, wowed audiences as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors and in the Hollywood Bowl’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Their chemistry and talent make them a dream duo for this project.
As we eagerly await more updates, one thing’s for sure: this live-action Tangled is shaping up to be a must-see event. But we want to hear from you—are you excited about the casting choices? What changes would you like to see in the adaptation? And most importantly, do you think a live-action remake can ever truly capture the magic of the original? Let us know in the comments below!
