Disney has officially ended months of fan speculation by revealing the leads for its upcoming live-action Tangled, and the casting is already drawing strong reactions online. Rising Australian actress Teagan Croft has been tapped to play Rapunzel, while Disney Channel standout Milo Manheim will step into the role of Flynn Rider. Given Tangled’s status as one of Disney’s most beloved modern animated films, expectations were sky-high—and many fans believe the studio may have made the right call.
Released in 2010, the original Tangled grossed more than $590 million worldwide and became a fan favorite thanks to its humor, emotional storytelling, and iconic musical numbers. According to insiders, Disney treated the remake as a high-priority project, conducting an extensive international casting search that narrowed down to final contenders during screen tests in London last December. Chemistry between the leads, vocal ability, and long-term franchise appeal reportedly played a major role in the final decision.
Croft brings strong credentials to the role of Rapunzel. She gained widespread recognition portraying Raven in DC’s Titans, a role she carried across four seasons while showcasing emotional range and maturity beyond her years. She later led Netflix’s True Spirit, proving her ability to anchor a family-friendly story—an essential quality for a Disney princess stepping into such an iconic role.
Manheim, meanwhile, is already a familiar face to Disney audiences. He rose to fame through the Zombies franchise, where his musical talent, comedic timing, and charm made him a breakout star. Outside of Disney Channel, he’s continued to expand his résumé with a successful stage run in Little Shop of Horrors and a starring role in Paramount+’s supernatural drama School Spirits, positioning him as a well-rounded choice for Flynn Rider.
Behind the scenes, Disney is assembling a proven creative team. The film will be directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman, with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and production by longtime Disney collaborator Kristin Burr. Casting for Mother Gothel is still underway, but with its leads now locked in, Tangled is moving swiftly into pre-production. For Disney, the project is more than nostalgia—it’s a crucial test of its live-action strategy, and early buzz suggests optimism is building.
