Disney is actively pursuing the casting process for its highly anticipated live-action remake of the beloved 2010 animated film, "Tangled." The search is intensifying for young performers to take on what could be career-defining roles, specifically for the iconic characters of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder, originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a diverse group of emerging talent from various platforms, including Disney, DC, Netflix, and Apple TV shows, has undergone screen tests for these in-demand roles. For the central character of Rapunzel, the long-haired heroine, four actresses have notably tested: Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, Olivia-Mai Barrett, and Teagan Croft. Freya Skye, if cast, would make a return to the Disney fold after her feature debut in "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires." Sarah Catherine Hook brings recent television experience from "The White Lotus," "First Kill," and "Cruel Intentions." Olivia-Mai Barrett is recognized for her work in the Apple TV sci-fi series "Invasion." Australian actress Teagan Croft previously made a name for herself in Hollywood with her breakout role as Raven in DC's "Titans." Lola Tung, known for "The Summer I Turned Pretty," was also under consideration but was unable to proceed due to scheduling conflicts.

The role of Flynn Ryder, Rapunzel's charming co-star, has three contenders: Milo Manheim, Charlie Gillespie, and Gilli Jones. Milo Manheim is a familiar face at Disney, having led the "Zombies" musical franchise for seven years, and also stars in Paramount+'s "School Spirits." Charlie Gillespie is best known for his roles in the Netflix musical-drama "Julie and the Phantoms" and the comedy film "Splitsville." Gilli Jones, a rising Scottish musical theatre actor, is also in the running.

The development of the live-action "Tangled" has not been without its challenges. The project experienced a pause at one point when Disney temporarily halted live-action remakes following negative public reception to its "Snow White" remake. Production officially restarted a few months ago, and initially, Scarlett Johansson was attached to portray Mother Gothel, the film's primary antagonist. However, Johansson recently withdrew from the project to prioritize commitments to "The Exorcist" reboot and "The Batman Part II."

Filming for "Tangled" is currently slated to commence in the UK in June, though this timeline remains dependent on the finalization of the cast. Michael Gracey is confirmed to direct the film. While Disney has yet to announce its final decisions for the lead roles, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates.

The original animated "Tangled," released on November 24, 2010, had a runtime of 100 minutes. It was directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, with a screenplay by Dan Fogelman. The movie is categorized under genres such as Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Musical, Family, Animation, and Romance, and starred Donna Murphy and Ron Perlman in its voice cast.