The search for the perfect rogue with a heart of gold is heating up. Disney's long-anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled is back in active development, and the hunt for the actor to play the charming thief, Flynn Rider, is officially underway. After a period of being 'postponed indefinitely', the project has resumed, with key chemistry reads for the lead roles reportedly taking place in London.
Confirmed Contenders for the Coveted Role
According to industry reports, several actors have already tested for the part of Rapunzel's love interest. Milo Manheim, the 24-year-old Disney star known for the Zombies franchise and Dancing with the Stars, is among them, having reportedly done a chemistry read in London in December 2025.
He is joined by Charlie Gillespie, the 27-year-old actor and musician famed for his role in Netflix's Julie and the Phantoms. Gillespie's musical prowess, evidenced by his song 'Unsaid Emily' amassing over 100 million Spotify streams, makes him a strong candidate for the singing role.
A new name in the mix is Gilli Jones, a Scottish Indonesian student of Musical Theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His stage experience in productions like Les Misérables and Sweeney Todd showcases his performance pedigree.
Fan Favourites and Past Auditions
The casting speculation has been rampant for years, with fans passionately advocating for certain stars. While there is no official confirmation they have auditioned, names like Taylor Zakhar Perez (The Kissing Booth), Avan Jogia (Victorious), Fabien Frankel (House of the Dragon), and Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) remain popular fan-casts due to their look or musical talent.
One actor who has confirmed a past attempt is Corey Mylchreest of Queen Charlotte fame. He revealed in an August interview that he auditioned early in the process but believes his singing inexperience cost him the role, stating the producers wanted someone with a stronger musical background.
What Happens Next for the Tangled Remake?
With chemistry reads completed, the next step will be Disney's final decision. The studio will be looking for an actor who can not only capture Flynn Rider's wit and charm but also handle the character's musical numbers. The choice will be crucial for establishing on-screen chemistry with the eventual actress cast as Rapunzel.
The renewed development activity signals a firm commitment from Disney to bring the beloved fairy tale back to the big screen in a new form. As production moves forward, an official announcement on who will wield the frying pan and steal Rapunzel's heart is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.
