Excitement swirls around Disney’s long-awaited live-action adaptation of Tangled, as it’s finally set to become a reality. Fans can mark their calendars for March 31, 2028, when Rapunzel will grace the big screen once again, this time in a vibrant reimagining.
The confirmation came directly from Disney on Friday, during the Disney Entertainment Showcase held at the D23 fan event in Anaheim. Attendees were treated to an exclusive sneak peek, offering the first glimpse of this highly-anticipated film.
Stepping into the spotlight as Rapunzel is Teagan Croft, while Milo Manheim takes on the charming role of Flynn Rider. In true faithful fashion, the film’s narrative mirrors the enchanting tale of the beloved 2010 animated classic, following the adventures of Rapunzel—a princess hidden away in a tower, her magical long hair playing a pivotal role. Her cloistered life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Flynn, the rogue thief whose entrance sparks their journey beyond the tower walls.
Adding depth to the cast, Kathryn Hahn embodies the character of Mother Gothel, the woman zealous about keeping Rapunzel hidden from the outside world. Meanwhile, Diego Luna joins the ensemble in a fresh role crafted exclusively for this live-action iteration. Rounding out the lineup, Patrick and Hugo McPherson appear as the notorious Stabbington brothers, who encounter Rapunzel and Flynn during their escapades.
Expressing her enthusiasm at the D23 stage, Hahn told Variety, “I love playing Mother Gothel. She’s stunning, hilarious, fab, kind, generous to a fault.” She also cheekily noted, “Might be overprotective but that’s because she cares so much.”
Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman, is behind the camera for Tangled. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Michael Montemayor wrote the screenplay, while Lucy Kitada and Jessica Virtue are executive producers. Kristin Burr is producing.
Filming started in Spain in June, giving the long-gestating project a much-needed step forward. Disney first announced plans for the live-action Tangled in December 2024, but the movie was reportedly put on hold the following April after Snow White struggled at the box office. The live-action remake of the 1937 Disney classic ultimately earned $69 million domestically and $145 million worldwide.
The original Tangled, meanwhile, was a considerably bigger hit. Released in 2010, the animated movie grossed $592 million worldwide, with Mandy Moore voicing Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider. It also proved to have plenty of staying power, spawning the short Tangled Ever After and the animated series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.
And then there’s “I See the Light,” which became one of the movie’s signature songs. The track earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song at the 2011 Academy Awards, while Tangled and the song also received Golden Globe nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Now, nearly two decades after the animated movie first hit theaters, Disney is taking another swing at Rapunzel’s story. The live-action Tangled arrives March 31, 2028.