New: Live-Action ‘Tangled’ Confirmed, Who Is Playing Rapunzel?

As the countdown to Snow White (2025) narrows to just three months, the entertainment giant has confirmed another exciting project: a live-action remake of 2010’s Tangled. This announcement has fans buzzing with speculation—who will portray the beloved characters of Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel in this reimagined classic?

When Tangled premiered in 2010, it quickly became a crown jewel in Disney’s animated lineup. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the film brought a fresh, modern twist to the age-old fairy tale of Rapunzel. With its heartfelt narrative, sharp humor, and dazzling animation, Tangled earned critical and commercial acclaim, solidifying itself as a modern classic.

The voice cast delivered performances that elevated the film’s emotional depth and charm. Mandy Moore (This Is Us) brought warmth and vulnerability to Rapunzel, while Zachary Levi (Shazam!) infused Flynn Rider with roguish charisma and wit. Meanwhile, Donna Murphy’s chilling portrayal of Mother Gothel added a compelling layer of complexity to the story’s villainy.

Boasting a production budget of $260 million—one of the highest for an animated film—Tangled was a financial gamble for Disney that paid off handsomely, grossing over $592 million worldwide. Its music also played a key role in its success, with Alan Menken and Glenn Slater’s “I See the Light” receiving an Academy Award nomination and securing its place as a Disney classic.

Beyond its box office triumph, Tangled ushered in a new era for Disney Animation. The film set the stage for groundbreaking hits like Frozen (2013), Moana (2016), and Zootopia (2016) while also inspiring the spinoff TV series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, which further explored the beloved characters and their stories.

Now, over a decade later, Disney has confirmed a live-action adaptation of Tangled. Michael Gracey will helm the project, celebrated for his work on 2017’s The Greatest Showman, with a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for Do Revenge and Thor: Love and Thunder, according to Variety.

Casting remains under wraps, but fans and former cast members are already speculating about who will take on the iconic roles. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi have both expressed interest in being part of the remake. Levi even suggested they could play Rapunzel’s parents, stating, “I think it’d be fun if [Mandy and I] got to be Rapunzel’s parents.” Moore added her own creative spin, suggesting a mother-daughter duet for the film: “Let’s have someone write an original song so we can talk about our differences and how hard it is to be a young person in this world,” she told Elite Daily.

The actors have also shared thoughts on potential leads. Levi floated the idea of Timothée Chalamet as Flynn Rider, who showcased his versatility in acting and singing in Wonka (2023) and The Complete Unknown (2024). Moore, meanwhile, suggested Sabrina Carpenter for Rapunzel, saying, “She looks like a Disney princess in real life. I could see her with 50 feet of hair or something.” Fans have also pointed to Florence Pugh (We Live in Time) as a top contender to bring Rapunzel’s spirited personality to life.

This announcement comes at a challenging time for Disney’s live-action division. The studio’s upcoming Snow White adaptation, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has faced considerable backlash due to production delays, budget overruns, and public controversy. Recent trailers have met with mixed reactions, and Forbes reports that the film’s estimated budget of $270 million will require it to earn over $400 million to avoid severe financial losses.

Despite these challenges, Disney remains committed to its live-action strategy. Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) will debut ahead of Snow White, while adaptations of Lilo & Stitch (2002) and Moana (2016) are scheduled for 2025 and 2026 releases. Other projects, including Bambi, Hercules, and The Aristocats, are also in development.

With Tangled poised to join this growing slate, excitement and anticipation are building. Will this live-action remake capture the magic of the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below!