Remember the magic of floating lanterns and a charming rogue finding love with a lost princess? Disney is bringing Tangled back to the big screen with a live-action remake, and the leads have just been announced! After months of fan theories and speculation, we finally know who will be bringing Rapunzel and Flynn Rider to life.
As an SEO content strategist and storyteller, I’ve seen how beloved these stories are, and I’m excited to share what we know so far about this new adaptation.
1. Who Are the New Rapunzel and Flynn Rider?
Teagan Croft, known for her role in the DC series Titans, will play Rapunzel. Opposite her, Milo Manheim, famous for Disney’s Zombies, will take on the role of Flynn Rider. This casting news comes directly from The Hollywood Reporter.
Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in the live-action reimagining of Disney’s Tangled. Coming only to theaters. pic.twitter.com/YKaK1BM5Sd
— Disney (@Disney) January 7, 2026
2. Who Is Directing the Live-Action Tangled?
Michael Gracey, the director behind the musicals Better Man and The Greatest Showman, is set to direct. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is writing the script. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi voiced Rapunzel and Flynn in the 2010 animated movie, setting a high bar for the new leads.
3. Why Is Disney Making So Many Live-Action Remakes?
Disney has found a successful formula. Retelling familiar stories like Rapunzel, about a young woman with magical hair locked in a tower, brings a built-in audience. Last year, Lilo & Stitch made over $1 billion (EUR 920 million) for the studio. The upcoming Moana remake is expected to do similarly well. These movies rely on stories, songs, and established name recognition.
4. What Other Disney Animated Films Have Been Remade?
The trend started almost 30 years ago with Glenn Close’s 101 Dalmatians. Since then, we’ve seen live-action versions of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and many others. Now, Disney is bringing these stories to a new generation.
5. Who Will Play Mother Gothel in the Tangled Remake?
Casting for Mother Gothel is underway. Scarlett Johansson was reportedly in talks before taking a role in a new Exorcist movie. Following Disney’s pattern, expect a well-known actress to take on the role of the villainous Mother Gothel.
Will the live-action Tangled be a musical?
Given Michael Gracey’s background directing musicals, it’s highly likely the live-action *Tangled* will incorporate the original songs, alongside potentially new musical numbers.
When will the live-action Tangled movie be released?
An exact release date hasn’t been announced, but based on the casting news, it’s likely the movie is in pre-production and will be released sometime in 2026 or 2027.
Will the live-action Tangled movie be released in theaters or on Disney+?
The official announcement specifies a theatrical release, meaning it will be shown in cinemas first.
6. What Are the Expectations for the Live-Action Remake?
Audiences will likely show up simply to experience the songs and moments from Tangled again. Whether the movie will be exceptional remains to be seen. Many fans will be happy if Croft and Manheim capture the magic of the lantern scene.
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Ultimately, revisiting a beloved fairytale with fresh faces and modern technology can be exciting. Will this new *Tangled* capture the charm and heart of the original, or will it offer something entirely new? Let me know what you think in the comments below!