The Ultimate Guide To Disney's Live-Action Tangled: Rapunzel And Flynn Rider Casting Shortlist Revealed (2025 Update)
The long-awaited live-action remake of Disney's *Tangled* is officially moving forward, with the project now in the final stages of casting for its two lead roles, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. After a period of uncertainty and a temporary pause, the highly anticipated film is generating significant buzz, particularly as a shortlist of young Hollywood stars has emerged, indicating that an official announcement on the cast could be imminent in late 2025. This deep dive covers everything you need to know right now, from the top contenders for the iconic roles to the projected timeline for the film's release.
The original 2010 animated film, featuring the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, remains a modern Disney classic, and the pressure is high to find actors who can capture the adventurous spirit of Rapunzel and the roguish charm of Eugene Fitzherbert (Flynn Rider). The current date is December 24, 2025, and industry reports confirm that the search for the perfect pair is heating up, with screen tests completed and a final decision expected soon, marking a major step forward for the Corona Kingdom’s live-action debut.
The Rapunzel and Flynn Rider Casting Shortlist: Who Will Star?
After months of speculation and a wide-ranging search, Disney has reportedly narrowed down the field for both Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, focusing on actors who possess both vocal talent for the musical numbers and the necessary chemistry to bring the beloved fairy tale romance to life.
The Top Contenders for Rapunzel
The role of Rapunzel, the spirited princess with 70 feet of magical golden hair, requires a performer who can convey innocence, determination, and a powerful singing voice. The reported shortlist includes several rising stars who have screen-tested for the part:
- Freya Skye: A British singer and actress, Skye is a major contender. Her background in music and her look align closely with the animated princess, making her a strong fan favorite and a serious candidate.
- Sarah Catherine Hook: Known for her role in the Netflix series *First Kill*, Hook brings acting experience in the fantasy/supernatural genre, which could be an asset in a magical story like *Tangled*.
- Teagan Croft: The Australian actress, best known for playing Raven in the DC series *Titans*, offers a proven track record in action-oriented roles, suggesting a Rapunzel who can deftly wield a frying pan.
- Olivia-Mai Barrett: Another British actress, Barrett has a background in television and musical theater, which is crucial for a Disney live-action musical.
While previous fan discussions mentioned names like Lola Tung (*The Summer I Turned Pretty*) and Florence Pugh, the current focus appears to be on this younger group of actresses, suggesting Disney is aiming for a cast closer in age to the character's animated counterpart.
The Frontrunner for Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert)
The charismatic thief Flynn Rider, whose real name is Eugene Fitzherbert, requires an actor with comedic timing, leading-man looks, and a strong vocal performance. The search for the perfect rogue has also been intense, with one name frequently appearing at the top of the list:
- Milo Manheim: The star of Disney Channel's *Zombies* franchise and *Prom Pact* is reportedly a top choice for the role. Manheim’s established relationship with Disney, his musical experience, and his undeniable charm make him a compelling candidate to step into the role originally voiced by Zachary Levi.
The final casting decision for both roles will be pivotal, as their chemistry is the central foundation of the entire *Tangled* narrative. Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation, hoping the new actors can honor the legacy of the original voice cast.
Production Status and Projected Release Timeline
The journey to the live-action *Tangled* has been a winding one, but recent updates confirm the project is now firmly on track.
The Project is Officially Moving Forward
Earlier this year, the live-action *Tangled* was reportedly put on pause. This decision was speculated to be a strategic move by Disney, possibly in response to the mixed reception and box office performance of other live-action adaptations, such as *Snow White*. However, the project has since been reactivated and is now in the pre-production phase, with casting as the immediate priority.
A notable update is the confirmation that actress Scarlett Johansson, who was previously rumored to be involved in a producer or non-Rapunzel role, is no longer attached to the project.
When Can We Expect the Live-Action Tangled?
As of late 2025, Disney has not announced an official release date for the *Tangled* live-action film. Given that the movie is only now finalizing its lead cast, it is still in the very early stages of pre-production.
- No Official Date: Any dates circulating, such as August 14, 2026, or a 2028 window, are based on fan predictions, concept trailers, or unofficial fan wikis, and should not be considered confirmed.
- Realistic Timeline: Considering the extensive production time required for a major Disney live-action musical—which involves complex special effects for Rapunzel’s hair, the chameleon Pascal, and the horse Maximus, as well as the intricate set pieces for the tower and the Corona Kingdom—the film is unlikely to hit theaters before late 2027 or 2028.
The next major announcement, likely coming in early 2026, will be the official casting reveal, which will then pave the way for the selection of the director and the start of principal photography.
The Challenges and Expectations for the Adaptation
The live-action *Tangled* faces unique challenges compared to other Disney remakes, primarily due to the magical and physics-defying nature of Rapunzel’s long hair.
Bringing the Magic of the Hair to Life
The 70-foot-long, glowing golden hair is not just a prop; it is a central character and plot device. The visual effects (VFX) team will face the monumental task of rendering the hair to look realistic, manageable, and expressive, without crossing into the uncanny valley. This technical complexity is a major reason why the film's production timeline will be lengthy. The hair must be believable as a weapon, a lifeline, and a source of magic, all while interacting seamlessly with the environments and the actors.
The Importance of Mother Gothel and Pascal
The casting of Mother Gothel, the film’s iconic villain, is another crucial element. She is a complex character whose manipulation and theatrical flair require a powerhouse actress. Furthermore, the beloved sidekicks, the chameleon Pascal and the palace horse Maximus, will need state-of-the-art CGI to capture their personalities and comedic timing, ensuring they feel like living, breathing characters and not just animated props.
The live-action *Tangled* is set to be one of Disney’s most ambitious remakes yet. With the casting process nearing its conclusion, fans can finally look forward to the day they see the floating lanterns rise on the big screen once more, bringing the story of Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert to a new generation. The next few months promise to deliver the long-awaited answers regarding who will be climbing the tower and who will be wielding the frying pan.
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