Outlander Star Joins Disney's Live-Action Tangled Cast

Something familiar just turned up on a Tangled set. A tearful family reunion. A crown. A queen who looks unmistakably like an Outlander star.

On-set video and photos circulating online show Caitriona Balfe pictured as Queen Arianna in Disney's live-action retelling of Tangled. The footage captures an emotional moment — Rapunzel facing her parents again — and Balfe stands beside the figure playing King Frederic. The identity of the actor in the king's role remains unclear; onlookers and local reports have tossed around names, including Diego Luna, but those claims are tentative at best.

Neither Balfe nor Disney has issued a formal casting announcement. That matters. It keeps the moment deliciously in the realm of rumor and revelation. Still, the visuals are persuasive: period costumes, a coronation-caliber set, and a performance that reads like someone who knows how to hold a scene.

Other faces have been linked to the project, some seen in background shots and some already reported in earlier casting news. Milo Manheim is set to play Flynn Rider, Tegan Croft appears to be stepping into Rapunzel's shoes, and Kathryn Hahn is attached as Mother Gothel. Brothers Patrick and Hugo McPherson were also spotted near the production, sparking speculation they may portray the Stabbington twins, though nothing has been confirmed by studio press yet.

Filming seems to be largely complete. Disney has not locked down a release date, but trade whispers point to a possible 2028 window. That gives the remake time to find its tone — will it echo the 2010 animated film, or will it reimagine key beats for a modern audience? That question is now part of the fun.

For fans of the animated original, and for viewers curious about how Disney translates its 2D hits to live action, the Balfe sighting is a strong early indicator of the film's direction: lavish, character-driven, and anchored by performers known for dramatic chops as much as for charm.

Expect more casting news in the coming months as Disney tightens its publicity machine. For now, the set photos do the talking: an iconic tale is getting stitched into flesh and bone, and the wardrobe looks gorgeous.

On-set images suggest Caitriona Balfe is playing Queen Arianna, though official confirmation is still pending.

Keep an eye out. This is one remake that already feels like an event.