Disney has officially revealed the lead cast for its upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled, and the announcement has instantly set social media ablaze. Milo Manheim has been cast as Flynn Rider, while Teagan Croft will take on the iconic role of Rapunzel, marking the first major update on the project since it was initially reported to be in development. While no release date has been announced, the casting alone has reignited fierce debate about Disney’s live-action remake strategy.
Fans wasted no time weighing in, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic approval to outright skepticism. Much of the conversation centers on whether the actors can live up to the beloved animated characters—especially given Tangled’s strong musical identity and deeply ingrained fan expectations.
Manheim’s casting as Flynn Rider has been widely praised and quickly emerged as the most positively received choice. Many fans say his charm, comedic timing, and screen presence make him a natural fit for the roguish character. Some even claimed he feels tailor-made for the role, with comments suggesting Disney “got this one right” dominating online discussions.
The response to Croft’s casting as Rapunzel has been more cautious. While viewers acknowledge her acting background, particularly from her role in Titans, many fans have expressed concern about whether she can handle Rapunzel’s demanding vocal performances. Across social platforms, users emphasized that singing is central to the character and admitted uncertainty about Croft’s musical abilities, stopping short of rejecting the choice outright.
The casting news has also reopened broader debates about Disney’s approach to live-action remakes. Supporters argue that choosing relatively lesser-known actors allows audiences to focus on the story rather than celebrity star power. Critics, however, counter that iconic musical roles like Rapunzel require performers with proven vocal credentials, especially given the film’s legacy soundtrack.
Speculation has further intensified around the role of Mother Gothel. Early buzz suggested Scarlett Johansson had been in talks to play the villain, but later reports indicated she exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. Since then, fans have flooded social media with their own casting wishes, with Kathryn Hahn emerging as a popular favorite thanks to her ability to balance humor and menace.
Beyond individual casting choices, the reaction reflects a growing sense of remake fatigue among audiences. While Disney’s live-action adaptations have historically performed well at the box office, fans are increasingly questioning whether animated classics need to be reimagined at all. The passionate response to Tangled shows that nostalgia alone may no longer guarantee goodwill.
Still, the intense scrutiny also highlights how deeply Tangled continues to resonate more than a decade after its release. Fans are engaging earlier than ever, treating casting announcements as signals of whether an adaptation will honor the heart of the original. Long before filming begins, public opinion is already shaping the narrative around Disney’s latest remake.
