Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the animated hit «Tangled» has begun production, and fresh set photos provide a long-awaited glimpse at the film’s leading duo. Images circulating online show Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim stepping into the iconic roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as filming gets underway in northern Spain.
Directed by Michael Gracey, the filmmaker behind «The Greatest Showman», the project is currently shooting on location in Valdegovia. The ambitious eight-month production schedule will span both Spain and the United Kingdom, making it the longest live-action shoot in Disney’s modern history. Croft, best known for her work in the DC television series «Titans», and Manheim, a breakout star from the «Zombies» franchise, were confirmed as the leads earlier this year.
Practical sets and physical transformations
The leaked images showcase an impressive commitment to practical effects rather than relying entirely on digital environments. Construction crews have built a massive stone tower complete with medieval architecture and creeping green moss. This towering structure serves as Rapunzel’s secluded lifelong home where she lives under the watchful eye of Mother Gothel, portrayed in the remake by Kathryn Hahn.
Adding to the excitement, actress Camryn Manheim visited her son on the Spanish set and shared several candid photographs on Instagram. One notable image featured Croft sporting a short brunette pixie cut rather than the character’s signature blonde locks. This particular hairstyle holds significant narrative weight for fans of the original 2010 animated feature, indicating the live-action remake will remain faithful to Rapunzel’s climactic physical transformation.
Behind-the-scenes footage also confirms the inclusion of Maximus, the beloved palace horse who serves as Flynn Rider’s initial adversary. Production crews appear to be using a combination of trained live animals and practical puppetry to bring the expressive animated equine into the real world.
Expanding a beloved fairy tale universe
The original animated feature revitalised the studio’s fairy tale formula, grossing more than $591 mln worldwide and establishing a massive cultural footprint. This live-action retelling features a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and introduces new elements to the established lore. «Andor» star Diego Luna recently joined the ensemble cast in a newly created role that was not featured in the animated source material.
Disney has tentatively scheduled the theatrical release for 2028. This extended post-production timeline will provide the visual effects team with ample opportunity to polish the complex computer-generated imagery required to animate Rapunzel’s 70 feet of magical glowing hair.
