Disney casts Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in its live-action Tangled movie after an extensive international search for the leads.
Disney has officially let down its hair. Walt Disney Pictures has found the stars of its long-awaited live-action adaptation of Tangled, casting Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively, bringing an end to an extensive global search for the beloved characters.
Croft, a rising Australian actress, will step into the role of Rapunzel, the curious and spirited young woman with magical hair who dreams of a life beyond her tower. Manheim, best known for Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, will portray Flynn Rider, the charming outlaw who becomes Rapunzel’s unlikely ally and partner on her journey to freedom.
The casting process was a lengthy and deliberate one. Disney conducted an international search across the United States and the United Kingdom, culminating in screen tests held in London in December before the winter holidays. According to the studio, the process was not rushed, reflecting the significance of reimagining characters that have become deeply embedded in Disney’s modern legacy.
The live-action Tangled will be directed by Michael Gracey, whose credits include The Greatest Showman and Better Man. Like the original 2010 animated film, the adaptation is expected to lean heavily into musical storytelling. Producing the feature is Kristin Burr, who previously worked on Cruella and last summer’s Freakier Friday. The screenplay was written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for Do Revenge and Thor: Love and Thunder. Lucy Kitada is serving as executive producer.
Croft and Manheim inherit roles originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the animated film, which is now widely regarded as a modern Disney classic and part of Disney Animation’s second renaissance. The original Tangled grossed $591 million worldwide and later inspired a successful Disney Channel series, cementing its place in the studio’s canon.
The opportunity comes with enormous potential — and equally high expectations. Disney live-action adaptations have proven capable of becoming billion-dollar global hits, but they also face intense scrutiny from audiences who grew up with the animated originals. Fans of Tangled, many of whom know the film’s songs by heart, will be watching closely as Croft and Manheim bring new interpretations to these iconic roles.
Croft is best known for her portrayal of Raven in the DC series Titans, which ran from 2018 to 2023 across DC Universe and later HBO Max. She also starred in the Australian film True Spirit, playing teenage sailor Jessica Watson, a role that introduced her to a global audience when the film streamed on Netflix in 2023.
Manheim has showcased his musical talents across four films in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise and currently stars in the Paramount+ series School Spirits. He also appeared on stage as Seymour in a revival of Little Shop of Horrors. The actor is the son of actress Camryn Manheim.
With its leads now in place, Tangled continues to take shape, with the role of the villainous Mother Gothel still to be cast with discussions reportedly in talks Kathryn Hahn. For Croft and Manheim, the film represents a career-defining moment — and for Disney, another major step in reimagining a treasured story for a new generation.
