The highly anticipated live-action version of the beloved Disney animated movie Tangled has not yet begun production. However, Milo Manheim, who will portray Flynn Rider, has already mastered the character’s iconic smolder.
In January, Disney chose Manheim for the role after considering several actors. He is set to star alongside Teagan Croft, who will play Rapunzel.
Although the filming for Tangled is scheduled to start in June, Manheim took advantage of the 2026 Oscars to showcase a smolder that mirrors that of Flynn Rider from the original 2010 film.
At the Oscars, E! (via @MENin4K on X) captured footage of Manheim on the red carpet. The video featured him turning towards the camera and smoothly removing his sunglasses to reveal his smolder.
Manheim recently expressed his dedication to perfecting the smolder, a pivotal moment in the animated film where Flynn attempts to persuade Rapunzel to release him. He aims to faithfully represent this beloved character.
The decision to proceed with the live-action Tangled remake came after a brief pause in early 2025 when Snow White performed poorly at the box office. However, the subsequent success of Lilo & Stitch encouraged Disney to move forward with the project.
While Scarlett Johansson was initially considered for the role of the villain Mother Gothel, Kathryn Hahn was ultimately selected due to Johansson’s scheduling conflicts.
In the original 2010 animation, Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy lent their voices to Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel, respectively. The film was a commercial success, earning $592 million worldwide.
Both Manheim and Hahn had previous ties to Disney before joining the Tangled cast. Manheim starred in all four Zombies movies and the accompanying animated series, as well as Disney Channel’s Prom Pact and Disney+’s remake of Doogie Howser, M.D., titled Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.
Beyond his Disney roles, Manheim is known for his work on School Spirits on Paramount+, which recently concluded its third season. His filmography includes titles like Journey to Bethlehem and Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, Hahn first appeared as Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through WandaVision, later securing her own spinoff, Agatha All Along, and voicing the character in an episode of What If…?
Additionally, Hahn’s diverse career includes roles in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Anchorman, Bad Moms, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Transparent, The Studio, and the Spider-Verse films, among others.
The live-action Tangled remake is directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman and as an executive producer on Rocketman. Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada are producing, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson handling the screenplay.
A release date for the live-action Tangled has not yet been set.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
