Walt Disney Pictures is weaving a tangled web of talent as it embarks on the live-action adaptation of its 2010 animated classic, Tangled. The studio quietly conducted screen tests and chemistry readings in London last week, sifting through a who's who of potential actors to inhabit the roles of Rapunzel, the curious and plucky would-be princess with magical hair, and Flynn Rider, the cocky outlaw thief who helps her escape her tower prison.
The list of contenders, though not exhaustive, offers a glimpse into the future of Hollywood, or at least the industry's vision of who could grow into thriving leads. Freya Skye, who made her feature debut with Disney's Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires earlier this year, was in the mix for Rapunzel, alongside Sarah Catherine Hook from the recent season of White Lotus, Australian Teagan Croft (best known for playing Raven in the DC series Titans), and Olivia-Mai Barrett from Apple+'s Invasion. The Summer I Turned Pretty star Lola Tung was also considered but had a scheduling conflict.
For Flynn Rider, Milo Manheim, the male lead of Disney's Zombies franchise, as well as Charlie Gillespie, who has credits ranging from this year's comedy Splitsville to Netflix series Julie and the Phantoms, were known to have tested. Both showcased their musical chops in their respective oeuvres, along with Scottish thespian Gilli Jones.
A decision could be imminent, according to sources. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi respectively voiced the parts in the original movie, now regarded as a modern classic and part of Disney Animation's second renaissance.
The other big role is that of Mother Gothel, the witch mother who keeps Rapunzel locked up in the tower in order to use her magical hair to stay forever young. Originally attached to bring the role to life was Scarlett Johansson, but that is no longer the case. The actress will now be shooting a reboot of The Exorcist as well as The Batman Part II next year.
Michael Gracey, who counts the musical biopics Better Man and The Greatest Showman among his credits, is directing the feature, which will have big musical elements like the original. Disney is eyeing to shoot Tangled in the UK beginning in June, although scheduling could change depending on the casting.
