Corey Mylchreest recently spoke candidly about his attempt to land the role of Flynn Rider in Disney’s planned live-action adaptation of Tangled, a part originally voiced by Zachary Levi in the 2010 animated classic. His audition, which took place before the film was put on indefinite hold, did not go as hoped.
In an interview with Seventeen Magazine, Mylchreest described his audition as a complete disaster, joking that the tapes, the device used to record it, and even the room were metaphorically burnt during the process. He revealed that Disney was looking specifically for someone with singing ability, which contributed to his rejection.
“I think I can say this now because I don’t think it’s happening anymore, but I auditioned for Tangled. No, it wasn’t very good. They then told me that they wanted someone with singing experience.”
—Corey Mylchreest, Actor
Despite the unsuccessful tryout, Mylchreest expressed confidence that he was born to play Flynn Rider. However, with Disney’s decision not to move forward with him or the project, Tangled’s live-action adaptation has been placed on indefinite hold.
Early Suspension of Tangled’s Production Despite Extensive Preparations
It is uncommon for a major studio like Disney to stall production on a film before finalizing its cast, yet that is the case with Tangled. Although Corey Mylchreest auditioned for Flynn Rider, no actor—including himself—was selected before the project was halted.
Deadline reported earlier in 2024 that Jennifer Kaytin Robinson was in charge of the script, with producers Kristen Burr and Lucy Kitada attached. Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, was also involved in negotiations to direct the live-action version. Despite these developments and ongoing auditions, the project lost momentum and was effectively shelved.
This unexpected pause in production has been linked to the negative fallout from another recent Disney live-action movie, Snow White, which faced considerable backlash upon release.
Snow White’s Failure Impacting Disney’s Live-Action Projects Like Tangled
Disney’s Snow White adaptation, featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, suffered a poor reception that extended beyond box office failure to becoming a public relations disaster. The film diverged sharply from the beloved original story, with controversial creative choices and negative commentary clouding its launch.
The backlash against Snow White reportedly fueled Disney’s hesitancy to proceed with other live-action remakes, including Tangled. The studio’s tarnished reputation in handling these projects has led to several cancellations or indefinite delays, with Tangled caught in the fallout.
Many viewers and industry watchers speculate that despite Michael Gracey’s promising direction, the timing and circumstances surrounding Tangled’s production made it especially vulnerable to cancellation. The live-action film intended to bring Rapunzel’s iconic story and Flynn Rider’s character back to the screen in a new form, but this vision now remains uncertain.
Snow White is currently available for streaming on Disney+ in the USA, continuing to stir debate about Disney’s approach to reimagining its animated classics.
The Future of Tangled’s Live-Action Adaptation Remains Unclear
With the film on indefinite hold and no official statements about resuming, Tangled’s live-action remake faces an uncertain future. Corey Mylchreest’s honest reflections on his audition highlight the challenges actors encounter in such high-profile projects, compounded by the industry’s shifting strategies after a series of disappointing releases from Disney.
The decision to delay Tangled signals a cautious approach by Disney in light of recent setbacks. Fans of the original film and its characters, including Flynn Rider as voiced by Zachary Levi, may have to wait longer or possibly never see a live-action version come to life. Meanwhile, the lessons from Snow White’s failure might influence how Disney manages or reinvents future adaptations.
