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Credit: DisneyDisney just dropped a casting update that has fans doing a double-take. A well-known face from the Star Wars universe is officially stepping into the studio’s upcoming live-action version of Tangled (2010). It’s the kind of crossover you don’t immediately expect, and that’s exactly why it’s getting so much attention.
At first glance, this project already felt like another entry in Disney’s long line of reimagined classics. But this latest addition suggests the studio may be aiming for something a little bigger—or at least a little different—than a straightforward remake.
For now, Disney is keeping a few key details under wraps, but one thing is clear: this casting move will shape how fans view the film moving forward.
Disney’s Ongoing Love for Live-Action Remakes
It’s no secret that Disney has leaned heavily into revisiting its animated library over the past decade. From The Lion King (1994) getting a photorealistic update to Beauty and the Beast (1991) returning with a new cast, the studio has found a formula that continues to draw audiences—even when reactions are mixed.
Tangled is one of the newer titles getting that treatment, and it’s arriving alongside another long-discussed remake: Hercules (1997). Both films are reportedly targeting a 2027 release window, suggesting Disney is clearly planning a big year centered on nostalgia.
What makes Tangled an interesting choice is how modern the original already feels. Released in 2010, it still holds up visually and emotionally for many fans. That raises the question: what exactly needs to change?
That’s where casting—and creative direction—start to matter a lot more.
The Core Cast Is Already Locked In
Before this latest announcement, Disney had already locked down its three most important roles, giving fans a clearer picture of what this film might look like.
Teagan Croft is set to take on the role of Rapunzel, bringing a fresh face to one of Disney’s most beloved modern princesses. Milo Mannheim, known for his work with Disney Channel, will step into Flynn Rider’s boots, taking on the charming rogue who helped make the original so memorable. And then there’s Kathryn Hahn, who will play Mother Gothel—a casting choice that immediately grabbed attention thanks to Hahn’s ability to balance humor and menace.
With those three roles filled, it felt like the film’s foundation was firmly in place. The story, at least on the surface, seemed to follow the same path audiences already knew.
But this newest casting update suggests Disney may have other plans.
Star Wars Actor Officially Joins the Project
Disney has now confirmed that Diego Luna is joining the live-action Tangled cast, and that’s where things start to get really interesting.
Luna is already closely tied to Disney thanks to his role as Cassian Andor in Andor (2022), one of the most well-received entries in the Star Wars franchise in recent years. His presence alone brings a different kind of energy to the project—one that leans a little more toward grounded drama than the traditional fairytale tone.
What makes this announcement even more intriguing is that his role hasn’t been revealed. Reports indicate that he will be playing a character created specifically for this adaptation, rather than someone pulled directly from the original animated film.
That detail alone changes the conversation. If Disney is introducing brand-new characters, it’s a strong sign that this won’t be a scene-for-scene remake. Instead, the studio may be expanding the world, adding new storylines, or reshaping the narrative to make it stand apart from the 2010 version.
And for a lot of fans, that’s both exciting—and a little nerve-wracking.
Fans Are Split on What This Means
Whenever Disney adds something new to a familiar story, reactions tend to be mixed. That’s exactly what’s happening here.
On the one hand, bringing in a recognizable actor like Diego Luna gives the film more star power and suggests that Disney is investing heavily to make this adaptation feel important. A new character could add depth, expand the story, and give longtime fans a reason to check it out instead of skipping what might otherwise feel like a repeat.
On the other hand, there’s a growing sense of fatigue around remakes in general. Some fans feel Disney keeps returning to the same well rather than creating new original stories. And when changes start to pile up—new characters, different plot points—it can make people wonder if the studio is drifting too far from what made the original special.
There’s also a more personal side to it. For many fans, Tangled sits near the top of their Disney favorites. It’s not just another animated movie—it’s one they’ve rewatched countless times, memorized songs from, and connected with on a deeper level.
That’s why this kind of update can feel a little unsettling. If you love the original, there’s always that lingering question: will the live-action version capture the same magic, or will it miss the mark?
Production Is Moving Ahead Quickly
Despite the mixed reactions, Disney isn’t slowing down. The live-action Tangled is set to begin filming in June 2026, with production taking place across Spain and the United Kingdom.
Those locations hint at a visually rich approach, potentially giving the film a more grounded, cinematic feel compared to the animated version’s stylized look. It also suggests Disney is aiming for scale—something that aligns with the addition of a high-profile actor like Diego Luna.
At this point, the project feels very real. Casting is coming together, filming dates are locked in, and the 2027 release window is starting to look more concrete.
A Big Step for Disney’s Next Wave of Remakes
Whether fans are fully on board or still skeptical, this casting announcement marks a turning point for the live-action Tangled.
Adding a major Star Wars name into the mix signals that Disney isn’t treating this as just another remake. Instead, it looks like the studio is trying to reshape the story in a way that feels new—while still leaning on the familiarity that made the original so successful.
That’s a tricky balance to strike. Go too far from the source material, and longtime fans push back. Stay too close, and it risks feeling unnecessary.
For now, all eyes are on how Diego Luna fits into the story and what his role reveals about Disney’s overall direction for the film.
Love it or hate it, the project is clearly moving forward—and with a recognizable face from a galaxy far, far away stepping into the kingdom of Corona, this version of Tangled is already shaping up to be something people will be talking about for a while.
