Live-Action Tangled: Meet the A-List Contenders for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Disney is fast-tracking its live-action Tangled, with screen tests underway for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and a newly revealed shortlist teasing the frontrunners. Official casting announcements are expected imminently.
Disney is quietly speeding up its live-action Tangled plans. Screen tests have reportedly happened, and the studio is expected to lock in its Rapunzel and Flynn Rider soon. Yes, we are doing this.
Who tested (and where)
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Disney held screen tests in London for both leads. The lineup is a mix of Disney alums and rising names, with one notable near-miss thanks to scheduling.
- Rapunzel: Sarah Catherine Hook ('Cruel Intentions' at Prime Video; 'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'), Teagan Croft ('Titans' as Raven; 'True Spirit' as Jessica Watson), Freya Skye ('Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires' as Nova Bright), Olivia-Mai Barrett ('Penny on M.A.R.S.' as Penny Mendez). Lola Tung ('The Summer I Turned Pretty') was reportedly set to test but could not due to a scheduling conflict.
- Flynn Rider: Milo Manheim (Disney's 'Zombies' franchise) and Charlie Gillespie ('Splitsville'; 'Julie and the Phantoms') are said to have tested.
What about Mother Gothel?
Nothing concrete yet. Scarlett Johansson was floated in earlier chatter, but she is no longer involved.
The state of play
The 2010 animated hit had Mandy Moore voicing Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider. The live-action version is aiming to start filming in June 2026 with Michael Gracey directing. No casting is official yet, but with tests done, announcements should be coming sooner rather than later. Make of the shortlist what you will — it feels like Disney is looking for chemistry first, brand familiarity second.