Disney's Live-Action Tangled: All the Latest Casting Buzz & Production Updates!

Get ready to let down your hair! Disney's highly anticipated live-action Tangled is officially back in active development, and we've got the juicy scoop on potential stars, creative minds, and what the journey to bringing Rapunzel to life has looked like so far.

TL;DR: The Top Three Things You Need to Know About the Live-Action Tangled!

• Disney's live-action Tangled remake, initially paused, has been revived and is now in active early development with Michael Gracey directing and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the script.
• Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to play the iconic villain Mother Gothel, and she's openly expressed her excitement to collaborate with director Michael Gracey.
• The search for Rapunzel is still ongoing with no official announcement, but a "White Lotus actress" is rumored to be a frontrunner, alongside other popular names like Sydney Sweeney and Florence Pugh.

The Long and Winding Road to the Lantern Festival: Understanding the Tangled Live-Action Delay and Revival

If you've been eagerly awaiting news on Disney's live-action Tangled, you might have noticed some starts and stops along the way. It turns out, bringing our favorite long-haired princess to the big screen hasn't been a straight shot, and it all has to do with how some other recent remakes performed at the box office.

Initially, Disney had put the brakes on Tangled's development. Why? Well, it seems the studio took a bit of a hit after their live-action Snow White remake didn't quite enchant audiences or critics as much as hoped, grossing only $205.7 million worldwide against a rather hefty $270 million budget. This prompted Disney to reportedly reassess its strategy for live-action remakes, causing a temporary pause in several projects, including Rapunzel's tale.

But fear not, the lanterns are shining again! The project has been revived, seemingly thanks to a different Disney live-action story that absolutely crushed it. The live-action Lilo & Stitch became a massive success, reportedly grossing a whopping $1 billion worldwide in 2025. This huge win gave Disney the "renewed confidence" to move forward with its slate of modern adaptations, and Tangled was among the first to get back on track. So, while it faced a brief setback, the path to seeing Rapunzel's tower in live-action is now clearer than ever.

Behind the Magic: The Talented Visionaries Bringing Rapunzel's Tale to Life

Every great film starts with a strong creative team, and Disney has lined up some exciting names to steer the live-action Tangled ship. The director attached to the project is Michael Gracey, a name many will recognize from his dazzling work on The Greatest Showman (2017). Gracey is renowned for his innovative visual style and ability to weave musical elements seamlessly into his storytelling. Given that the original Tangled is a beloved musical, his background in projects like the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, Pink's documentary All I Know So Far, and even his executive producer role on Elton John's Rocket Man, makes him a particularly fitting choice to helm this fairytale remake.

Penning the script is Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who has a knack for both big-budget blockbusters and impactful stories. You might know her work from co-writing Marvel Studios' Thor: Love and Thunder alongside Taika Waititi, or from her contributions to the recent legacy sequel I Know What You Did Last Summer. Her blend of superhero action and dramatic storytelling suggests that while the live-action Tangled is expected to stay true to the original's beloved story, it might also bring a fresh, dynamic energy to Rapunzel's adventure.

Does Mother Know Best? Scarlett Johansson Reportedly Eyes the Iconic Villain Role in Live-Action Tangled

One of the most exciting pieces of casting buzz revolves around the film's central antagonist, Mother Gothel. Reports have been swirling that none other than Marvel Cinematic Universe star Scarlett Johansson is in talks to portray the manipulative matriarch. This would be a fascinating turn for Johansson, known for heroic roles like Black Widow, to step into the shoes of one of Disney's more complex villains.

Mother Gothel is far from a simple bad guy; she's driven by vanity and a desperate need to retain her youth, which leads her to kidnap baby Rapunzel and exploit the healing, anti-aging properties of her magical hair. Her iconic song, "Mother Knows Best," perfectly encapsulates her controlling and gaslighting nature. If Johansson takes on the role, she'd be joining an impressive roster of A-list actresses who've embodied live-action Disney villains, including Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil and Angelina Jolie as Maleficent.

When asked directly about the rumors, Johansson offered a thoughtful response, acknowledging the possibility and expressing her enthusiasm for the project's director. She told People and ETOnline that while "anything is possible," her primary draw would be the chance to work with Michael Gracey. This statement, while not a confirmation, certainly adds fuel to the speculation fire and suggests a deep respect for Gracey's artistic vision.

"What would excite me about it would be the opportunity to work with Michael Gracey, who is attached to direct the film, because he is just absolutely an extraordinary visionary, and any actor would love to have that collaboration with him."

— Scarlett Johansson on potentially joining Tangled

While Johansson's potential casting has generated significant buzz, it's also sparked conversations among fans about who else might be a great fit. Social media has seen a flurry of alternate suggestions, from the original voice actress Donna Murphy, whose performance was a highlight of the animated film, to other acclaimed actresses like Kathryn Hahn (who's already proven her musical villain chops with "Agatha All Along"), Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Demi Moore. Some fans have even pitched Lisa Edelstein for her striking visual resemblance to the animated character. Ultimately, if Johansson does sign on, her interpretation of this iconic villain will undoubtedly be one to watch.

Who Will Be Our Rapunzel? Diving into the Latest Buzz and Rumors for the Coveted Lead Role

While the Mother Gothel casting seems to be heating up, the most crucial role of all—Rapunzel herself—is still officially up for grabs. Disney hasn't made any formal announcements, leaving fans and industry insiders to speculate wildly. However, a prominent entertainment scooper, @MyTimeToShineH, recently dropped a bombshell on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that "an actress from The White Lotus is the frontrunner to play Rapunzel in Tangled." This vague but exciting hint immediately sent fan circles into a frenzy trying to decipher which star from the popular HBO series might be getting the golden locks.

Beyond the "White Lotus" hint, several other talented actresses have found their names in the mix as leading contenders for Rapunzel. The list of rumored possibilities includes:

• Sarah Catherine Hook
• Lalisa Manobal
• Aimee Lou Wood
• Charlotte Le Bon
• Sydney Sweeney (also from Euphoria, which shares some cast with The White Lotus, adding to the speculation!)
• Florence Pugh (another Marvel connection, potentially setting up a Black Widow reunion if Scarlett Johansson also joins!)

It's also worth remembering that Gigi Hadid, the famous model, confirmed she auditioned for Rapunzel before the project's temporary delay, showing just how wide the net was cast initially for this highly sought-after role.

Amidst all this speculation, a viral wave took over social media earlier this week regarding American actress Avantika Vandanapu. Claims surfaced that the 19-year-old performer, known for Disney Channel's Spin, Netflix's Senior Year, and Mean Girls (2024), might be cast, with some users even asserting screen tests with actor Milo Manheim were underway. However, it's critical to note that the original post making these claims was later deleted, and there has been no official confirmation from Disney, Avantika, or her representatives. The rumor, though unconfirmed, did ignite a significant online debate about representation and unfortunately led to some racially charged comments, which were quickly countered by supporters celebrating diversity. This highlights the intense scrutiny and passion surrounding casting choices for beloved Disney characters.

As of now, the tower remains empty, and Rapunzel's official casting is still pending. We'll all be eagerly watching for Disney's announcement!

A Glimpse Back at the Golden Locks: What Made the Original Animated Tangled Shine?

Before we get too ahead of ourselves with live-action dreams, it's important to remember the magic of the original that started it all. The 2010 animated film Tangled quickly became a modern Disney classic, charming audiences worldwide and earning nearly $600 million globally. Loosely based on the Brothers Grimm's 19th-century "Rapunzel" fairy tale, it brought a fresh, vibrant take to the timeless story.

The film was celebrated for its stunning animation, catchy songs, and memorable characters. Mandy Moore voiced the adventurous Princess Rapunzel, bringing warmth and vulnerability to the role. Zachary Levi lent his charismatic voice to the charming thief Flynn Rider (also known as Eugene Fitzherbert), creating an undeniable chemistry with Rapunzel. And of course, Donna Murphy delivered a standout performance as the darkly witty and manipulative Mother Gothel, making her one of Disney's most iconic villains. Other notable voice talents included Ron Perlman, M.C. Gainey, and Jeffrey Tambor. Its success cemented its place as a fan-favorite, setting a high bar for any live-action adaptation that follows.

The Future of Tangled: What to Expect Next for Disney's Live-Action Princess

With the project now back in motion, and a director and writer firmly in place, it feels like the live-action Tangled is finally gaining momentum. While there's no confirmed release date yet, the active development and high-profile casting rumors suggest that Disney is serious about bringing this tale to life. The success of Lilo & Stitch seems to have given the studio renewed confidence, and the potential involvement of stars like Scarlett Johansson could signal a major step forward.

Fans can expect the film to closely follow the original's heartwarming story of Rapunzel's quest for freedom and self-discovery, with Flynn Rider by her side. As casting discussions continue and production moves forward, we'll undoubtedly see more official announcements about who will play our beloved characters and when we can expect to finally see them on the big screen. Keep your eyes peeled and your frying pans ready!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Live-Action Tangled Remake When will the live-action Tangled be released? As of now, there is no confirmed release date for Disney's live-action Tangled. The project is currently in active early development, with casting still underway. Where will the live-action Tangled be available to watch? While not confirmed, Disney's live-action remakes typically receive a theatrical release first. Following its theatrical run, it would likely be available for streaming on Disney+, consistent with the studio's other major film releases. What is the estimated runtime of the new Tangled movie? The runtime for the live-action remake has not been announced. The original 2010 animated film ran for 100 minutes. Live-action adaptations can vary, but it's likely to be in a similar ballpark. Will the live-action Tangled be a musical? Given director Michael Gracey's background with successful movie musicals like The Greatest Showman and the original animated film's beloved musical numbers, it is highly anticipated that the live-action Tangled will also feature musical elements and songs. Sources

• Yahoo News/IBTimes
• MovieWeb
• ScreenRant
• FandomWire
• ANI News/People
• Devdiscourse News Desk
• Geo News Digital Desk
• @MyTimeToShineH on X (formerly Twitter)