First Look: Teagan Croft’s Rapunzel Just Got Her Hair Braided on the ‘Tangled’ Set, and Fans Are Losing It
Disney’s live-action remake machine has had a rocky few years, with recent reimaginings drawing everything from box office disappointment to fierce fan scrutiny over how faithfully they honor the animated originals. That mixed track record has made every new set photo from an upcoming remake feel like a referendum on whether the studio can still get it right.
That’s exactly the pressure surrounding the live-action ‘Tangled,’ which has been quietly filming in Spain for the past several weeks. Fans have been tracking the production closely, piecing together everything from costume choices to hairstyles in an effort to gauge how faithful this version will be to the beloved 2010 original.
The latest wave of set photos has given fans their clearest look yet at Teagan Croft in full costume as Rapunzel, capturing what appears to be the moment the character gets her signature hair braided by townspeople after finally escaping her tower. The scene closely mirrors one of the most cherished sequences from the animated film, right down to the colorful flowers woven into her long blonde hair.
Croft’s dress in these new images also echoes the pink-and-purple gown worn by Mandy Moore’s animated Rapunzel, suggesting Disney is leaning into a faithful recreation rather than a drastic reinvention. Earlier set photos had already offered glimpses of Croft from behind, but this latest batch marks one of the first times she’s been seen fully in character and facing the camera.
Milo Manheim has also been spotted on set as Flynn Rider, sporting the character’s signature blue vest and satchel along with a mustache not seen in the animated version. Together, the costuming choices suggest the production is aiming to stay visually close to its source material, a strategy that seems intentional given how past remakes have taken heat for straying too far from fan-favorite designs.
The cast surrounding Croft and Manheim continues to grow, with Kathryn Hahn joining as the villainous Mother Gothel and Diego Luna boarding the film in a role that remains under wraps. Behind the camera, Michael Gracey is directing from a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, with Kristin Burr recently coming on as producer.
Production hasn’t been without its bumps along the way, either. The project reportedly faced a near-shelving after the underwhelming box office performance of last year’s live-action ‘Snow White,’ with momentum only returning once Croft and Manheim’s casting was officially announced earlier this year.
What do you think of Teagan Croft’s first full look as Rapunzel?
That context makes these set photos feel like more than just casual fan service. With the recent live-action ‘Moana’ also struggling commercially, expected to lose well over $100 million by the end of its run, Disney has extra incentive to make sure ‘Tangled’ lands with both longtime fans and general audiences when it eventually hits theaters.
Beyond the hair-braiding sequence, other leaked footage from the Spain shoot has shown Croft’s Rapunzel moving through a bustling recreation of the kingdom of Corona, interacting with background extras in what looks like a festival-style scene. Additional set photos have also teased a possible coronation sequence, hinting the remake may expand on story beats that were only briefly touched on in the original film’s ending.
With ‘Tangled’ currently expected to arrive in theaters in 2028, fans still have a long wait ahead before they can judge the finished product for themselves. For now, though, these early glimpses of Croft fully in character are doing plenty to keep the hype alive.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
