Diego Luna Joins Live-Action 'Tangled' in New Role as Filming Set for Spain

Key facts

• Diego Luna has joined the live-action 'Tangled' in a role created specifically for the film.
• Teagan Croft plays Rapunzel, Milo Manheim plays Flynn Rider, and Kathryn Hahn plays Mother Gothel.
• Michael Gracey, director of 'The Greatest Showman' and 'Better Man', is directing the feature.
• Filming is set to commence in Spain in June.
• The original 2010 animated film grossed over $591 million worldwide.
• Kristin Burr produces via Burr! Productions; Jessica Virtue oversees for Disney Live Action.
• The script is by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Michael Montemayor.

A New Role in a Classic Tale

Diego Luna, fresh off his acclaimed turn as Cassian Andor in the Star Wars series 'Andor', is trading the galaxy far, far away for the kingdom of Corona. The actor has joined Disney's live-action adaptation of 'Tangled', the studio's reimagining of its 2010 animated hit. Luna will appear in a role created specifically for the film, details of which are being kept under wraps. The project, which goes before cameras in Spain in June, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated live-action remakes in Disney's pipeline.

The Cast and Characters

Australian actress Teagan Croft, known for her role in 'Titans', will play Rapunzel, the curious and plucky would-be princess with magical hair. Milo Manheim, star of the 'Zombies' franchise, takes on the role of Flynn Rider, the cocky outlaw thief who helps her escape her tower prison. The two secured the parts after a transatlantic search in December. Kathryn Hahn, celebrated for her recent work in 'Agatha All Along' and 'The Studio', will portray the duplicitous Mother Gothel. Luna's character, while undisclosed, is expected to interact with these central figures in a story that remains faithful to the Brothers Grimm fairytale.

Creative Team Behind the Musical Adaptation

Michael Gracey, who directed the musical biopics 'Better Man' and 'The Greatest Showman', is at the helm, ensuring the live-action version will retain the big musical elements of the original. The screenplay is penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Thor: Love and Thunder', and Michael Montemayor, writer of 'Everyone I Know is Dead'. Kristin Burr, producer of last summer's 'Freakier Friday' and 2021's 'Cruella', is producing through her Burr! Productions banner. Jessica Virtue, executive vice president of production, is overseeing the project for Disney Live Action.

Luna's Expanding Disney Universe

Luna is no stranger to the Disney family, having earned Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award nominations for his starring role in 'Andor', the critically acclaimed Star Wars series created by Tony Gilroy. His work on the show, based on 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of anchoring a major franchise. Now, with 'Tangled', Luna moves from the gritty rebellion of the Star Wars universe to the whimsical world of a Disney princess, demonstrating his range within the same corporate family.

Upcoming Projects and Future Prospects

Luna's next major outing is 'Ashes' (Ceniza en la boca), a drama he directed and co-wrote, adapted from an acclaimed Spanish-language novel. The film will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13. He also stars in Netflix's 'Mexico 86', which tells the true story of Martin de la Torre, the bureaucrat who negotiated Mexico's hosting of the 1986 World Cup. Additionally, Luna recently wrapped production on 'Eleven Days', in which he stars. He co-founded the production company La Corriente del Golfo with Gael García Bernal.

What Lies Ahead for the Live-Action 'Tangled'

With filming set to begin in Spain this June, the live-action 'Tangled' is moving forward without an announced release date. The original animated film grossed over $591 million worldwide and spawned a popular Disney Channel series, setting high expectations for the remake. Whether Luna will be required to sing remains unclear, as details of his role are being kept closely guarded. As Disney continues to mine its animated catalog for live-action adaptations, 'Tangled' represents a bet on both nostalgia and fresh storytelling, with a cast that blends rising stars and established talent.

The bottom line

• Diego Luna joins live-action 'Tangled' in a new role, expanding his Disney portfolio beyond Star Wars.
• Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim lead as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, with Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel.
• Michael Gracey directs; filming begins in Spain in June.
• The original 'Tangled' grossed over $591 million worldwide, setting a high bar for the remake.
• Luna's upcoming projects include directing debut 'Ashes' at Cannes and Netflix's 'Mexico 86'.