Disney begins casting for the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.

Disney is actively casting lead roles for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled.

Following the official announcement in December last year, Disney has entered a crucial casting phase for its full-length live-action remake of the beloved animated classic Tangled. This project continues Disney’s trend of reimagining its iconic animated films for the big screen.

Recent reports reveal that initial auditions and chemistry reads, featuring both established talents and emerging young actors, were held last week in London.

Actresses in the Running for Rapunzel

The search for the actress to portray Rapunzel, the princess known for her magical hair, has attracted several notable contenders. Among those auditioning are Freya Skye, recognized for her role in Disney’s Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (2025); Sarah Catherine Hook, who gained acclaim in the series The White Lotus; and Australian talent Teagan Croft, known from the show Titans.

Additionally, Olivia-Mae Barrett, who appeared in the series Invasion, was part of the casting process. Industry insiders also mention Lola Tung from The Summer I Turned Pretty as a potential candidate, though scheduling conflicts may have hindered her progress in the auditions.

Actors Competing for Flynn Rider

For the dashing role of Flynn Rider, the charming thief and Rapunzel’s love interest, Disney is focusing on young actors with strong musical backgrounds. Leading candidates include Milo Manheim, known for the Zombies film series, and Charles Gillespie, who starred in the television series The Wilds.

Both performers have demonstrated notable singing talents, a key requirement given the film’s musical format. Scottish actor Gilly Jones was also invited to audition, adding to the competitive pool.

Musical Production and Filming Schedule

Helming the live-action Tangled is director Michael Gracey, acclaimed for his work on The Greatest Showman. Staying true to the spirit of the original 2010 animated feature, the adaptation will feature elaborate musical sequences.

Disney aims to commence filming in the United Kingdom by June 2026. However, insiders caution that the timeline could shift depending on how quickly casting concludes and the final lead selections are confirmed.