Walt Disney Pictures has officially confirmed the two lead roles for its long-awaited live-action adaptation of Tangled, the beloved 2010 animated film that became a modern Disney classic.
After an extensive casting search, Disney has selected Teagan Croft to play Rapunzel, the fearless princess with magical hair, while Milo Manheim has been cast as Flynn Rider, the charming thief who draws her out of the tower and into a life-changing adventure.
The studio described the casting process as careful and deliberate, emphasizing that the decision was not rushed. Disney representatives noted that the search focused on finding performers who could honor the original characters while bringing something fresh to the live-action retelling.
A New Rapunzel for a Global Audience
Croft, an Australian actress, is best known internationally for her role as Raven in DC’s Titans and for her performance in the Netflix survival drama True Spirit. Her casting positions her as one of Disney’s next potential breakout stars.
Manheim, meanwhile, rose to prominence through Disney Channel’s hugely popular Zombies franchise and has also demonstrated his stage credentials in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors. His combination of screen presence and musical ability made him a strong fit for the role of Flynn Rider.
A Musical Vision Led by Michael Gracey
The live-action Tangled will be directed by Michael Gracey, whose previous work includes The Greatest Showman and the biographical drama Better Man. According to production sources, the film is expected to lean heavily into musical storytelling, preserving the emotional scale and spectacle that defined the animated original.
Producing duties are being handled by Kristin Burr, whose credits include Cruella, while the screenplay is written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for Thor: Love and Thunder.
Big Expectations After Disney’s Live-Action Successes
The original Tangled featured voice performances by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Disney Animation’s modern era.
Industry expectations are high, particularly after Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch surpassed $1 billion at the global box office. Observers believe Tangled has similar blockbuster potential, though the new cast will face intense scrutiny from longtime fans who grew up with the original soundtrack and characters.
Attention Turns to the Villain Casting
With the leads now confirmed, attention has shifted to casting the film’s central antagonist, Mother Gothel. At one point, speculation linked Scarlett Johansson to the role, though no official announcement has been made.
As production moves forward, global anticipation continues to build over how this new creative team will recreate the iconic lantern scene and reintroduce Rapunzel’s story to a new generation of audiences.
