Disney Unveils First Look at Live-Action 'Tangled' at D23, Confirms 2028 Release with Star Cast

Disney's live-action remake of "Tangled" is headed to theaters on March 31, 2028, with the first footage revealed at the D23 fan event. Variety confirmed the release date and debut footage at the Disney Entertainment Showcase, giving fans their first real look at the beloved fairy tale reimagined.
Teagan Croft steps into the iconic role of Rapunzel, while Milo Manheim plays Flynn Rider. Kathryn Hahn takes on the role of the film's villain. Michael Gracey, known for directing "The Greatest Showman," is at the helm of the project, according to Deadline.
Disney unveiled its first look at "Tangled" during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23, its major fan convention. The footage gave audiences a glimpse of Croft as Rapunzel, complete with the character's signature long hair. Variety reported the reveal generated strong buzz at the event.
D23 has become Disney's go-to stage for major announcements. The showcase is where the studio rolls out its biggest upcoming projects. Dropping the "Tangled" footage there signals Disney is treating this film as a top priority release.
Teagan Croft, best known for playing Rachel Roth in DC's "Titans," takes on the role of Rapunzel. Milo Manheim, son of actress Camryn Manheim, plays the charming thief Flynn Rider. The casting pairs two young actors with strong genre television backgrounds, according to Deadline.
Kathryn Hahn plays the villain of the story. Hahn is no stranger to Disney, having played the fan-favorite Agatha Harkness in the Marvel series "WandaVision." Her casting adds a proven scene-stealer to what Disney hopes will be a blockbuster franchise, Yahoo News noted.
Director Michael Gracey made his name with "The Greatest Showman" in 2017. That film starred Hugh Jackman and became a massive musical hit, earning over $435 million worldwide. His background in big, emotional musical storytelling makes him a natural fit for "Tangled," which features beloved songs like "I See the Light."
The original 2010 animated film grossed over $590 million globally and remains one of Disney's most beloved modern classics. The live-action version faces high expectations. Disney will be hoping Gracey can deliver the same magic he brought to "The Greatest Showman," according to Variety.
Disney has made live-action remakes a core part of its movie strategy. Films like "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Cinderella" have all followed this path. The March 31, 2028 release date slots "Tangled" into a strong spring window, according to Deadline.
March has proven to be a winning time slot for family films. A 2028 release gives the studio roughly three years to complete production and marketing. Disney is clearly betting that "Tangled" — with its popular music, beloved characters, and star-powered cast — can deliver at the box office.
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