Disney reveals main cast for live-action Tangled with stars from Titans and Zombies
The Disney cinematic universe takes on new contours with the confirmation of the main cast for the long-awaited live-action remake of “Tangled”. Após a period of strategic reevaluation, the project resumes its course with the choice of emerging talents to bring to life the iconic characters that captivated global audiences.
Production, which had been discussed since the end of 2024, had been temporarily suspended by the studio. The break occurred to analyze the public’s receptivity to previous remakes, especially after the performance of “Branca de Neve” at the global box office, which recorded a more modest collection.
Now, the company is showing confidence in the new creative direction, revealing Teagan Croft, known for her role in “Titans”, in the role of Rapunzel, and Milo Manheim, star of Disney’s “Zombies” franchise, as Flynn Ryder. The news, released at the beginning of the year, marks a significant step forward in the film’s development.
New cast and the challenge of Mãe Gothel
Selection of actors for the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder was a rigorous process, including chemistry tests that took place in mid-December. The search focused on young Hollywood talent capable of capturing the essence of the characters. Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim were among the finalists.
Still according to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney now focuses its efforts on choosing the antagonist Mãe Gothel. The role, which was previously listed for Scarlett Johansson, became vacant after the actress dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, representing a new challenge for the production.
Disney’s strategy for live-action remakes
Disney has experienced considerable ups and downs at the box office in recent times, with the performance of its most recent live-action remakes serving as a barometer. “Branca de Neve”, released in 2025, had a collection below expectations on a global scale.
This initial result indicated a possible decrease in public interest in the studio’s live-action remake initiative. Disney came to recognize this perception by pausing production on “Tangled” for a few months, using the time to reevaluate the investment and direction of the project.
However, the reception of “Lilo & Stitch”, which also hit theaters in 2025, was diametrically opposite, demonstrating a resounding success at the global box office. Este made proved that there is still a significant audience for live-action remakes of Disney.
The success of “Lilo & Stitch” suggests the studio needs to be more selective about which titles get the live-action treatment. Refazer films with strong appeal to a younger, more modern audience, rather than revisiting classics from past decades, seems to be the most promising path.
Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim in lead roles
The choice of Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim for “Tangled” is strategic. Manheim, with his experience in Disney musicals, notably his performances in the series “Zombies”, has a history that prepares him for the musical and performance demands of Flynn Ryder, a character known for his charisma and wit.
Croft, meanwhile, has a history of playing strong, determined characters, as seen in “True Spirit.” Essa’s versatility will allow her to explore the different layers of Rapunzel, a princess from Disney who stands out for being adventurous and pragmatic, breaking away from the traditional archetype.
Expectations for the success of “Tangled”
With the new approach and promising cast, “Tangled” has a favorable path to becoming a huge success. The original animated film, released in 2010, has an appeal that could resonate with a similar audience as “Lilo & Stitch,” tapping into both the nostalgia of young adults and the curiosity of children. The combination of a beloved story with a fresh creative team and actors who demonstrate an aptitude for the lead roles creates an optimistic scenario for the film’s box office performance. The chemistry between Croft and Manheim will be a decisive factor in public acceptance, potentially propelling the film to the top of productions of the genre.
“Moana” as an indicator of the future
Even before “Tangled” premieres, Disney’s live-action remakes will face another significant test with the arrival of “Moana” in theaters this summer. The production of “Moana”, based on the 2016 hit, is much more comparable to the successful “Lilo & Stitch” than the performance of “Branca de Neve”. The release should please modern audiences who have fond memories of the animated film.
It is unlikely that the performance of “Moana” will directly impact the already advanced production of “Tangled.” Contudo, a resounding success of “Moana” could reinforce Disney’s strategy of focusing on more recent animations for its live-action adaptations, further paving the way for “Tangled” to follow the same path of success and public receptivity.
The future of reimagined classics
The reinvention of Disney classics in live-action format continues to be a central focus of the studio. With each announcement and launch, the company adjusts its strategies, seeking to balance innovation with preserving the essence of the stories that marked generations.
The trajectory of “Tangled” demonstrates this adaptability, with strategic pauses and reformulations in the process. The focus on narratives with contemporary appeal and the careful selection of new talent underline a commitment to maintaining the relevance of its intellectual properties.
Production and next steps for the studio
With the confirmation of the actors for the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn, the production of “Tangled” enters a new phase. The team is now intensively dedicated to finalizing the cast, with the search for the actress who will play Mãe Gothel being the immediate priority for the studio.
The next few months will be crucial for the consolidation of the team. Detalhes about the filming schedule, production locations and official release date are expected to be announced soon, as the project progresses through its pre-production stages and begins the main filming phase.
