AceShowbiz - The eagerly awaited live-action remake of Tangled is still several months away from production, but actor Milo Manheim has already captured attention by showcasing Flynn Rider’s signature smolder. Manheim, who was cast as Flynn Rider in January after a competitive audition process, is set to star alongside Teagan Croft, who will portray Rapunzel. While filming is scheduled to begin in June 2026, Manheim previewed his take on the beloved character’s iconic expression during the 2026 Oscars red carpet.

During the event, E! (via @MENin4K on X) shared footage of Manheim turning dramatically on the red carpet, peeling off his sunglasses to reveal a smolder that fans of the original 2010 animated hit will instantly recognize. This moment provided a tantalizing glimpse of the actor’s commitment to embodying the charm and charisma of Flynn Rider, a role originally voiced by Zachary Levi.

Manheim has expressed his dedication to perfecting the smolder, an important part of Flynn Rider’s persona that plays a key role in the original film when the character attempts to persuade Rapunzel to free him. This facial expression has become a fan-favorite hallmark of the character, and Manheim hopes to honor that legacy in the new adaptation.

The production of the Tangled remake faced uncertainty in early 2025 after the disappointing box office results of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake. However, the strong performance of the Lilo & Stitch remake just two months later encouraged Disney to proceed with its planned slate of live-action remakes, including Tangled.

On the casting front, the role of villain Mother Gothel was initially linked to Scarlett Johansson, but scheduling conflicts reportedly prevented her involvement. Instead, Kathryn Hahn was cast in the role. Hahn’s Mother Gothel will follow the legacy of Donna Murphy, who provided the character’s voice in the original animated film. The 2010 version of Tangled was a major success, grossing $592 million worldwide.

Both Manheim and Hahn bring prior Disney experience to the project. Manheim is well known for his role as Zed in the four-part Zombies franchise and its animated series, as well as appearances in Disney Channel’s Prom Pact and Disney+’s remake of Doogie Howser, M.D. Hahn, meanwhile, gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s WandaVision, as well as her own spinoff series, Agatha All Along. She has also lent her voice to the character in the animated series What If...?

Outside Disney, Manheim stars in the recently concluded third season of School Spirits on Paramount+. His film credits include Journey to Bethlehem and Thanksgiving. Hahn has a diverse filmography, including roles in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Anchorman, Bad Moms, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and voice work in the Spider-Verse films.

The live-action Tangled remake is helmed by director Michael Gracey, known for directing the musical hit The Greatest Showman and executive producing the Elton John biopic Rocketman. Producers Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada are overseeing the project, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penning the screenplay. Despite the buzz building around the cast and crew, no official release date has been announced for the film.

Tangled originally debuted in 2010 under the direction of Byron Howard and Nathan Greno. The story, combining adventure, fantasy, comedy, musical, family, animation, and romance elements, has become a beloved Disney classic. The original film’s voice cast included Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider.

Fans of the franchise eagerly await how Tangled’s live-action iteration will bring the magic of the animated original to life, especially with fresh faces like Manheim and Croft leading the charge. As production gears up later this year, the recent red carpet moment offered an early taste of the energy and charm the new film aims to capture.

For those looking to stay updated on all things Tangled, newsletters offering behind-the-scenes insights, casting details, and curated news on Disney’s live-action remakes provide a deeper look into the development of this highly anticipated project.