Tangled: Disney Announces Lead Duo for Live-Action Adaptation

The "Tangled" live-action remake finally has its lead cast: Disney has announced the actors playing Rapunzel and Flynn Rider! Rapunzel will be portrayed by Australian actress Teagan Croft. DC fans will know her best as Raven in the series "Titans". At her side, we will see Milo Manheim in the role of Flynn Rider. Singing should be no issue for him, as he is the star of Disney's musical film series "Zombies".

The role of the villain Gothel is still being cast. Rumor has it that Scarlett Johansson was considered for the role, but apparently no final decision has been made yet.

The project had been noticeably quiet for some time – and not without reason. Deadline recently reported that the financial failure of "Snow White" had put the "Tangled" remake on hold for the time being. However, other successes such as "Lilo & Stitch" or, most recently, "Zootopia 2" have proven this: Live-action remakes of Disney classics can continue to enjoy great commercial success. With the casting of the two main actors, the production is now picking up speed again.

The movie will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for "The Greatest Showman". This fits perfectly, since the live-action adaptation of "Tangled" will also feature musical elements. A start date for filming has not been announced.

The phenomenon of Tangled

Disney enjoyed great success in 2010 with "Tangled". The film, which is loosely based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, is still one of the most popular Disney animated films of the 21st century and enjoys a good reputation among fans and critics alike. It not only marked a creative revival of classic fairy tale material, but also a stylistic turning point for Disney Animation.

Why is the movie so popular?

A key reason for the film's enduring popularity lies in its successful reinterpretation of a well-known story. "Tangled" retells the classic fairy tale with plenty of humor, pace and emotional depth, without losing its fairy-tale roots. The title character is not a passive princess, but a curious, self-determined young woman with dreams, doubts and the courage to change. This modern characterization struck a chord with younger viewers in particular, but also appealed to an adult audience.

Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

The constellation of characters also contributed significantly to the success. The dynamic relationship between Rapunzel and the charmingly ironic thief Flynn Rider provided humor, romance and emotional development at eye level. Flynn Rider deliberately broke with the classic prince ideal and became one of the most popular male Disney characters as a result. The ensemble was complemented by memorable supporting characters such as the chameleon Pascal, the horse Maximus and the manipulative villainess Mother Gothel.

The music of the movie

The musical quality of the film should also not be underestimated. The songs have long been part of the canon of modern Disney classics. The music conveys emotions, drives the plot forward and is still a key factor in the film's enduring popularity today.

The modern look

Visually, "Tangled" also set new standards. The innovative mix of 3D animation and a painterly look gave the film a new aesthetic that deliberately stood out from realistic animation. Among other things, the famous scene with the floating lanterns remains in the memories of many Disney fans.

All of these elements made "Tangled" a film that had an impact far beyond its theatrical release in 2010. It influenced later Disney productions, contributed to the realignment of female lead characters and became an integral part of pop culture. Merchandising and a loyal fan base attest to the film's lasting success.

The challenge of the live-action adaptation

It is hardly surprising that Disney is now venturing into a live-action adaptation of the material. The high profile, the emotional attachment of many fans and the timeless quality of the story make "Tangled" a typical candidate for a live-action adaptation. But it is also clear that the bar for the remake is set high.