Disney’s Live Action ‘Tangled’ Reveals Its Villains with Stunning First Look
Disney’s live-action remake initiative has faced its share of criticism recently, particularly after the underwhelming box office performance of ‘Moana’. Nevertheless, the studio is pressing ahead with its next adaptation, and this week brought fans an exciting casting revelation.
This surprise came via new set photos and footage from the Spanish set of Disney’s live-action ‘Tangled’, showcasing the film’s main villains for the first time. The Stabbington Brothers, the thieving duo who previously collaborated with Flynn Rider before his betrayal, will be portrayed by real-life identical twins Patrick and Hugo McPherson, who were seen climbing a wall during filming.
The casting is particularly notable due to the twins’ impressive height, both standing at six feet seven inches tall. In the original 2010 animated film, the characters known as Sideburns and Patch were voiced by Ron Perlman and John DiMaggio, which is a rarity in a franchise where actors from animated versions often do not reprise their roles in live-action adaptations.
The same set of photos also provided fans with a first look at a mural featuring Corona’s King and Queen alongside a baby Rapunzel, which serves as a meaningful visual callback to the film’s opening backstory. Additionally, new footage showcased Milo Manheim in action as Flynn Rider, giving audiences an early glimpse of how the film will capture the adventurous spirit of the animated original.
Teagan Croft, recognized for her role in ‘Titans’, stars as Rapunzel, while Manheim portrays Flynn Rider. Kathryn Hahn joins the cast as the villainous Mother Gothel, marking her second portrayal of an ageless witch, following her acclaimed performance as Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Diego Luna has also been cast in a yet undisclosed role created specifically for this adaptation.
Michael Gracey, known for directing ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Better Man’, is at the helm of the project, with a screenplay penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Michael Montemayor. Filming is taking place across various locations in Spain, including Alicante, Tarragona, and Girona, with additional shoots in Burgos and Álava, following a production schedule that began in late June and is set to continue for several months.
Fans have already noted some subtle changes from the animated source material in the early set photos. Rapunzel’s dress appears to be a deeper shade of purple compared to the lighter hue she wore in the original film, while her extensive braid is expected to rely heavily on visual effects for the film’s more complex stunt sequences rather than just practical styling.
The film also has an interesting behind-the-scenes history, having initially been rumored to attract filmmaker Baz Luhrmann as director before Gracey ultimately took over. Speculation has circulated among fans about the potential return of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, who voiced Rapunzel and Flynn in the original animated film, in supporting roles as King Frederic and Queen Arianna, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
As production progresses steadily across Spain and a growing collection of set photos provides fresh insights into the cast, excitement continues to build regarding how faithfully this adaptation will honor the beloved 2010 original. With the impressive physical presence the McPherson twins bring to their roles, the Stabbington Brothers are already poised to be one of the film’s most visually striking additions.
What are your thoughts on the first look at the Stabbington Brothers in Disney’s live-action ‘Tangled’? Share your opinions in the comments.