Walt Disney Pictures is moving forward with its live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film, Tangled, originally released in 2010. The studio conducted a series of screen tests and chemistry readings in London last week, focusing on the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. This new adaptation aims to bring fresh talent to the forefront while reviving a story that has enchanted audiences for over a decade.
Among the contenders for the leading role of Rapunzel are Freya Skye, who made her feature debut this year in Disney’s Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires; Sarah Catherine Hook, known for her appearance in the recent season of The White Lotus; Teagan Croft, recognized for her portrayal of Raven in the DC series Titans; and Olivia-Mai Barrett, who stars in the Apple+ series Invasion.
Additional sources indicate that Lola Tung, the headliner of The Summer I Turned Pretty, was also considered for the role but may have a scheduling conflict due to commitments to the series’ film continuation.
For the role of Flynn Rider, Milo Manheim, the male lead from Disney’s Zombies franchise, and Charlie Gillespie, known for his roles in this year’s Splitsville and the Netflix series Julie and the Phantoms, have both tested for the role. Their musical backgrounds could play a significant role in their suitability for the character. Additionally, Scottish actor Gilli Jones was also part of the auditions.
As the casting process continues, a decision regarding the final selections could be announced soon. The original Tangled featured the vocal talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, whose performances contributed to making the film a modern classic and an integral part of Disney’s animation renaissance.
Another pivotal role in the live-action adaptation is that of Mother Gothel, the witch who keeps Rapunzel confined in her tower to harness her magical hair for eternal youth. Scarlett Johansson was initially attached to this role, but she is now committed to filming a reboot of The Exorcist as well as The Batman Part II next year.
The project is under the direction of Michael Gracey, who is known for his work on musical biopics such as Rocketman and Better Man. Like the original film, this adaptation of Tangled will feature significant musical elements, promising to delight audiences with its enchanting score.
Disney plans to commence filming in the UK starting in June, although the timeline may shift depending on final casting decisions. As the studio seeks to blend new talent with its established legacy, fans eagerly await further announcements about this much-anticipated project.
