Disney begins London screen tests for live-action ‘Tangled’ amid new casting updates

Disney has begun the casting process for its live-action adaptation of Tangled, holding screen tests and chemistry readings in London last week for the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.

The project adapts the studio’s 2010 animated feature, which has since become one of Disney Animation’s most recognised modern titles. Sources indicate that several young actors were tested for Rapunzel, the princess with magical hair who has spent her life isolated in a tower.

Those known to have read for the role include Freya Skye, who recently made her feature debut in Disney’s Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires; Sarah Catherine Hook, seen in the latest season of White Lotus; Australian actor Teagan Croft, known for her role as Raven in the DC series Titans; and Olivia-Mai Barrett from Apple TV+ series Invasion. Lola Tung, the lead of The Summer I Turned Pretty, was also said to be under consideration but did not test, reportedly due to a potential scheduling conflict.

For the role of Flynn Rider, the charming outlaw who helps Rapunzel escape, Disney is understood to have tested Milo Manheim, a leading figure in the Zombies franchise, and Charlie Gillespie, whose credits include Splitsville and Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms. Scottish actor Gilli Jones also tested for the part. Musical ability is said to be a key consideration, reflecting the importance of songs in the original film.

Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi voiced Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in the animated version. The role of Mother Gothel will also be recast, with Scarlett Johansson no longer attached due to other commitments.

Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, is set to direct. Disney is currently aiming to begin filming in the UK in June, subject to final casting decisions.