The Golden Locks Race: 5 Shocking New Updates On Disney's Live-Action Rapunzel (Tangled Remake)
The highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney's Tangled, which brings the beloved story of Rapunzel to life, is finally moving forward with significant developments. As of December 2025, the project has officially entered the crucial casting phase, with a shortlist of actresses vying for the iconic role of the princess with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. This article breaks down the freshest details, from the director steering the ship to the front-runners in the most talked-about casting search in Hollywood.
The original 2010 animated film, featuring the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, remains one of Disney's most cherished modern classics, making the pressure to find the perfect live-action Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert) immense. Fans can expect a faithful yet fresh take on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, complete with the dazzling "I See the Light" lantern sequence and the charming Pascal and Maximus.
The Rapunzel Casting Shortlist: Who Will Inherit the Golden Hair?
The biggest news surrounding the Tangled live-action film is the intense casting process currently underway. Disney has confirmed that they have narrowed down the search for both Rapunzel and her dashing rogue, Flynn Rider. The casting team is reportedly holding extensive screen tests in London, searching for actors who possess both the vocal talent and the undeniable chemistry needed to recreate the magic of the animated classic.
The Four Leading Contenders for Rapunzel
The race for Rapunzel’s role is incredibly competitive, with a few names consistently emerging as the top contenders. These actresses represent a mix of rising stars and established talent, each bringing a unique quality to the potential role.
- Freya Skye: A prominent name on the shortlist, Freya Skye is a strong front-runner. Her background and look reportedly align well with the vision Disney has for the character.
- Sarah Catherine Hook: Known for her work in *The White Lotus* and other projects, Hook is another actress reportedly in the running. Her versatility makes her a compelling choice to capture Rapunzel's adventurous yet sheltered nature.
- Teagan Croft: Having gained recognition for her roles in fantasy and action genres, Teagan Croft is also part of the final considerations. Her experience could lend itself well to the physical demands of the role.
- Olivia-Mai Barrett: The fourth actress frequently mentioned as a top contender, Olivia-Mai Barrett rounds out the current shortlist for the coveted princess role.
It is worth noting that previous fan-favorite rumors, such as Lola Tung, have reportedly been ruled out, focusing the spotlight entirely on this new group of actresses.
The Hunt for Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert)
The search for the perfect Flynn Rider is just as critical, requiring an actor with charm, wit, and a heroic edge. While the list is less publicized than Rapunzel's, one name has emerged as a top contender: Milo Manheim. Manheim is a well-known Disney Channel star, and his potential casting would align with Disney's history of utilizing their in-house talent for major live-action roles. The chemistry between Rapunzel and Flynn is the heart of the story, making this pairing vital to the film's success.
The original voice actors, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, have expressed support for the remake, but they will not be reprising their roles, giving the new cast a massive legacy to live up to.
Production Timeline, Director, and Filming Location
While an official, locked-in release date remains unconfirmed, the production schedule is starting to take shape, giving fans a clearer idea of when they can expect to see the finished film.
The live-action *Tangled* is expected to begin principal photography in the UK in June 2026. This timeline suggests a release date sometime in late 2027 or 2028, though some speculative sources have mentioned a possible August 2026 release, which is likely an ambitious fan projection given the reported filming start.
The Director: Michael Gracey
Steering this massive production is director Michael Gracey, best known for his work on the hit musical film *The Greatest Showman*. Gracey's experience with large-scale musical numbers and visually stunning cinematography makes him an excellent choice to tackle the grand, theatrical elements of *Tangled*. His involvement suggests the live-action version will retain the beloved musical format of the original, which is a major relief for fans.
The project has seen a few changes in its early stages. Previously, there were rumors of former Avengers star Scarlett Johansson being involved, but that is no longer the case, confirming that the current creative team is moving in a new direction.
The Topical Authority of Disney's Live-Action Remakes
The *Rapunzel* live-action film is part of Disney's ongoing and highly successful strategy of reimagining its animated classics for a new generation. This trend, which includes blockbusters like *The Lion King*, *Beauty and the Beast*, and *The Little Mermaid*, has solidified the topical authority of these remakes in the modern cinema landscape.
The challenge for the *Tangled* remake lies in translating Rapunzel's magical, 70-foot-long hair—a massive element of the original's visual identity—into a believable and beautiful live-action effect. This technical hurdle will be a key factor in the film's reception. The creative team will need to master CGI and practical effects to make Mother Gothel's tower and Rapunzel's journey feel grounded yet fantastical.
The story itself is a timeless tale of self-discovery, breaking free from confinement, and the power of light, all of which resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. By focusing on the core themes and ensuring a strong cast, Disney aims to make *Tangled* one of the most successful live-action adaptations to date. The final casting decisions for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the villainous Mother Gothel are expected to be announced in the coming months, officially kicking off the countdown to the film's long-awaited debut.
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