Disney’s Live-Action ‘Tangled’ Is Finally Happening And They’re Building Rapunzel’s Tower
After years of development challenges, false starts, and one notable public pause, Disney’s live-action reimagining of ‘Tangled’ has officially begun production.
This confirmation didn’t come from a studio press release but rather from something more tangible: aerial images of Rapunzel’s iconic stone tower being constructed on location in Spain. These photos have been circulating widely online since late June, generating excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting this moment.
The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. The live-action ‘Tangled’ was first reported to be in development in 2020, formally announced in December 2024, and then put on indefinite hold in April 2025 due to the disappointing performance of the live-action ‘Snow White.’ Production resumed in October 2025 after the blockbuster success of ‘Lilo and Stitch’ restored the studio’s confidence in this format.
Given this context, the current footage of a tower rising from Spanish soil feels like a significant milestone rather than just routine production news.
Filming is taking place at Ciudad de la Luz studios in Alicante, with production expected to last around eight months starting in late June. The aerial photographs of the tower construction, showcasing wooden flats designed to resemble brick walls, have been widely shared and compared to the original animated design, highlighting how closely the production is adhering to the spirit of the source material.
Director Michael Gracey, returning to the musical genre after directing ‘The Greatest Showman,’ expressed his excitement about filming in Spain, stating it provides the perfect creative backdrop to bring the story of ‘Tangled’ to life. Lead actor Milo Manheim has already arrived in Alicante, with social media posts from his mother confirming his presence in both Barcelona and Alicante, teasing his Flynn Rider hairstyle.
The cast assembled for this live-action adaptation signals Disney’s serious commitment to the project. Australian actress Teagan Croft stars as Rapunzel, alongside Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, the charming outlaw who helps the princess escape her tower. Their casting followed an extensive search across both sides of the Atlantic.
Kathryn Hahn, known for her recent work on ‘Agatha All Along’ and ‘The Studio,’ completes the central trio as the duplicitous Mother Gothel. This casting choice has been met with enthusiasm, and Hahn confirmed her involvement through a playful Instagram video in March.
Also joining the cast is Diego Luna, who takes on a brand-new role created specifically for the live-action adaptation. This creative decision indicates that the film aims to expand the original story rather than simply recreate it. Luna’s impressive work in ‘Andor’ has solidified his reputation as a compelling dramatic actor, adding prestige to an already well-crafted production.
The screenplay is penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Michael Montemayor, with production overseen by Jessica Virtue as EVP of Production for Disney Live Action. Gracey, whose credits include the musical biopic ‘Better Man’ in addition to ‘The Greatest Showman,’ brings a proven ability to balance spectacle with emotional storytelling, essential for a film that must honor the original’s beloved musical elements while delivering a fresh cinematic experience.
The animated classic grossed over $592 million worldwide, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for “I See the Light,” and inspired a Disney Channel series that ran for three seasons. The cultural significance of that legacy makes the 2025 production halt feel particularly impactful, and the sight of the tower under construction resonates deeply with those who have been anticipating it.
While no release date has been announced yet, with eight months of filming ahead in Spain, Disney’s live-action ‘Tangled’ seems to be gaining real momentum for the first time.
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