Disney Goes Full Speed Ahead With Live-Action Remake, New Disney Princess Casting Confirmed
Sabrina Carpenter? Taylor Swift? Jojo Siwa? None of these names will be bringing Rapunzel to life in Disney’s upcoming Tangled live-action remake.
After years of speculation, Disney has officially announced the casting for its long-awaited live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated favorite. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Teagan Croft will step into the role of Rapunzel, with Milo Manheim taking on the part of Flynn Rider. The news marks a critical milestone for a project that at one point seemed to hang in limbo.
The Tangled reboot is part of Disney’s ongoing push to translate its animated hits into live-action spectacles, though this particular adaptation has faced more obstacles than most. Rumors about the actress portraying Rapunzel circulated widely, ranging from pop icons Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter to reality TV personality and singer Jojo Siwa.
Croft, recognized for her portrayal of Raven on HBO Max’s Titans, will embody the sheltered, long-haired princess whose magical hair is central to the story’s emotional heart. Manheim, who has become a familiar figure to Disney audiences through the Zombies films and Dancing With the Stars, will play Flynn Rider, the roguish thief who becomes Rapunzel’s trusted partner.
The characters were originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the animated version, which not only captured audiences worldwide but also earned an Oscar nomination for “I See the Light” and nearly $600 million in global box office revenue.
Behind the camera, Disney has tapped Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, to lead the project. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose recent work includes Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Do Revenge (2022), and I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025), is writing the screenplay. Kristin Burr, known for her producing work on Cruella (2021), will oversee production.
This casting update comes after a period of uncertainty for the film. Following the 2025 backlash against Disney’s live-action Snow White, the studio reportedly paused Tangled’s development amid concerns about fan fatigue, creative direction, and public perception. For a time, the live-action Rapunzel appeared in serious jeopardy.
Early casting speculation also included Scarlett Johansson as the villainous Mother Gothel. While Johansson’s involvement initially sparked excitement, those discussions have reportedly ended, leaving the role unfilled as Disney moves forward.
With Croft and Manheim now attached, the studio is signaling renewed momentum. No production start or release date has been announced, and additional casting announcements are expected.
For fans, the question remains whether this Tangled remake will recapture the magic of the original or stumble in a post-Snow White era. Still, Disney has recently proved its live-action strategy remains viable, as the billion-dollar Lilo & Stitch remake (2025) demonstrated.
How do you feel about the lead casting for Tangled‘s live-action remake? Let us know in the comments down below!
