The Ultimate Guide To Disney's Live-Action 'Tangled': Cast Rumors, Director, And Release Date Updates

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Disney's *Tangled* is officially moving forward, and the project is generating immense buzz across Hollywood and the global fanbase. As of December 15, 2025, the film has resumed development after a brief pause, with a top-tier creative team now attached and a flurry of major casting rumors swirling around the roles of Rapunzel, Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert), and the villainous Mother Gothel. This deep dive covers everything you need to know, from the confirmed director and writer to the latest frontrunners for the iconic characters.

The original 2010 animated feature, which revitalized the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel, remains one of the most beloved Disney films of the modern era, setting a high bar for this new cinematic endeavor. With production expected to ramp up in the coming year, the live-action remake is poised to be one of the most talked-about projects on Disney's slate, promising a fresh, visually stunning take on the story of the lost princess and her 70 feet of magical, golden hair.

The Creative Team: Director, Writer, and Producers Bringing the Tower to Life

A successful live-action adaptation hinges on the vision of its creative leadership, and Disney has tapped a team with a strong background in musical spectacle and blockbuster filmmaking. This ensures the film can honor the original's spirit while delivering a fresh, cinematic experience for a new generation.

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Director Michael Gracey and the Vision for the Remake

• Director: Michael Gracey is officially in talks to helm the project. Gracey is best known for directing the critically and commercially successful musical, *The Greatest Showman*. His experience with large-scale musical numbers and vibrant visual storytelling makes him a compelling choice to handle the musical elements and grand scope of the *Tangled* narrative.
• Writer: The script is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Robinson's previous work includes writing and directing Netflix's *Do Revenge* and co-writing *Thor: Love and Thunder*, demonstrating versatility across comedy, drama, and action, which are all key components of the *Tangled* story.
• Producers: The live-action *Tangled* is being produced by Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada. Burr has a history with Disney live-action remakes, having produced *Christopher Robin* and the live-action *Lilo & Stitch* remake, bringing valuable experience to the production.

The attachment of this team signals that the film is moving beyond the conceptual stage and into active development, focusing on the core challenge: translating the charm of the animated world, including characters like the chameleon Pascal and the horse Maximus, into a photorealistic setting.

The Battle for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider: Top Casting Rumors

The most intense speculation surrounds the casting of the two leads, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (whose real name is Eugene Fitzherbert). Fans have been vocal with their dream casting choices, and recent industry rumors have narrowed the field down to a few major young stars. Disney is reportedly in the "final stages of casting" for the leads.

Rapunzel: The Golden-Haired Frontrunners

The role of Rapunzel requires an actress who can convey innocence, resilience, and a powerful singing voice. Several young actresses have been heavily rumored as Disney's top choices for the coveted role:

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• Sadie Sink: Known for her role as Max Mayfield in *Stranger Things*, Sink is one of the most frequently mentioned names.
• McKenna Grace: The star of *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* and *The Handmaid's Tale* has been rumored, with some reports even linking her with a co-star for Flynn Rider.
• Emma Myers: The actress who rose to fame as Enid Sinclair in *Wednesday* is also reportedly on Disney's shortlist.
• Isabel May: Known for her lead role in the *Yellowstone* prequel *1883*, May is another strong contender being considered.
• Florence Pugh: While a popular fan-cast for a long time, Pugh remains a name frequently associated with the role, though more recent rumors favor the younger actresses.
• Freya Skye: The director, Michael Gracey, has potentially hinted at Skye being a choice, adding a new name to the mix.

Flynn Rider / Eugene Fitzherbert: Who Will Steal Rapunzel's Heart?

The charming rogue, Eugene Fitzherbert (better known as Flynn Rider), needs an actor with a blend of roguish charm, comedic timing, and vulnerability, much like the original voice actor, Zachary Levi. While official casting is not confirmed, fan discussion and industry whispers point to several popular choices:

• Mason Thames: Thames has been linked to McKenna Grace in a rumored pairing for the leads.
• Fan Favorites and Suggestions: Prominent fan-casts and suggestions from the industry include Taylor Zakhar Perez (*Red, White & Royal Blue*), Jacob Elordi (*Euphoria*), Penn Badgley (*You*), and Diego Luna (*Andor*).
• Zachary Levi's Suggestion: The original Flynn Rider, Zachary Levi, once suggested Timothée Chalamet for the part, though Chalamet’s busy schedule makes this unlikely.

The Villain and Supporting Cast: Mother Gothel and the Men of the Snuggly Duckling

The casting of the villain, Mother Gothel, is just as crucial as the leads, as she is the core dramatic anchor of the story. The supporting cast, including the Stabbington Brothers and the fan-favorite animal companions, Pascal and Maximus, will also be key to the film's success.

Scarlett Johansson as Mother Gothel?

One of the most concrete and exciting casting rumors involves an A-list star for the villain. Scarlett Johansson is reportedly being eyed to star as Mother Gothel, the manipulative woman who kidnaps Rapunzel to exploit the magic of her hair. Johansson has reportedly addressed these reports, suggesting the possibility is real but not yet finalized. The original character was voiced by Donna Murphy, who delivered one of Disney's most iconic villain songs, "Mother Knows Best."

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The Stabbington Brothers and Other Key Entities

The film will, of course, feature other essential characters that help shape Rapunzel’s journey outside the tower:

• The Stabbington Brothers: The formidable twin thieves who partner with Flynn Rider. The original voice actor, Ron Perlman, has expressed interest in reprising his role in the live-action version.
• Pascal and Maximus: The beloved chameleon and the palace horse will be brought to life using cutting-edge CGI, similar to other Disney live-action remakes. Their comedic and emotional roles are non-negotiable for the film's success.
• The King and Queen of Corona: Rapunzel’s birth parents, whose silent grief and eventual reunion with their daughter are central to the film's emotional climax.

Production Status and Release Date Speculation

The live-action *Tangled* project has been in various stages of development for several years, but the latest updates confirm that it is officially moving forward and has resumed development.

• Current Status: The film is currently listed as being "In Development/Pre-Production."
• Production Timeline: While there is no official start date, production is expected to begin sometime next year (likely 2026, given the current timeline). The finalization of the lead cast will be the primary precursor to the start of principal photography.
• Release Date: There is currently no set release date for the *Tangled* live-action film. Given the complexity of the production—especially the visual effects required for the long, magical hair and the floating lantern sequence—a realistic release window would likely be late 2027 or 2028. This would place the film more than 17 years after the original animated movie premiered.

As Disney continues its strategy of adapting its animated classics, the live-action *Tangled* remains one of the most anticipated projects. With a talented director, a proven writer, and a host of young stars vying for the lead roles, the film is set to be a major cinematic event, finally bringing Rapunzel's enchanting story out of the tower and onto the big screen in a whole new way.