Breaking News: Disney’s Tangled Live-Action Casting Announcement and Key Details
On January 7, 2026, Disney unveiled the lead cast for its live-action Tangled via an official Instagram post: “Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in the live-action reimagining of Disney’s ‘Tangled,’ coming only to theaters.” This reveal caps off speculation that began in late 2025, with Manheim reportedly auditioning alongside other rising stars. Directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame, the film promises a blend of musical magic, adventure, and romance, staying true to the 2010 animated hit while incorporating modern visual effects for Rapunzel’s iconic long hair and floating lanterns.
Key production highlights include:
- Release Timeline: No confirmed date yet, but filming is expected to start in 2026, targeting a 2027 theatrical debut—aligning with Disney’s strategy for big-screen musicals.
- Creative Team: Alan Menken, the original composer behind songs like “I See the Light” and “When Will My Life Begin,” may return to refresh the soundtrack.
- Budget and Scope: As part of Disney’s billion-dollar remake franchise (e.g., The Lion King grossed $1.6 billion), expect high-production values with CGI enhancements for fantasy elements.
This announcement ties into broader trends in Disney live-action films, such as updating classic princess stories for contemporary audiences, emphasizing empowerment and diversity in casting.
Who Are Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim? Detailed Actor Biographies and Career Highlights
Understanding the stars behind Rapunzel and Flynn Rider adds depth to the excitement. Here’s an in-depth look at their backgrounds, incorporating semantic elements like young Hollywood actors, Disney Channel alumni, and superhero series stars.
Teagan Croft: From Australian Stages to Rapunzel’s Tower
Teagan Croft, born April 23, 2004, in Sydney, Australia, is a 21-year-old actress with a height of 5’4″ (1.63 meters), perfectly suiting Rapunzel’s youthful, ethereal persona. Coming from a family of performers—her mother and aunts are actresses—Croft began her career at age 9, starring as Scout in a stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird. She moved to Chicago in 2016 to expand her opportunities, quickly landing roles that showcased her emotional range.
Notable credits:
- Titans (2018–2023): As Rachel Roth/Raven in the DC superhero series on HBO Max, marking her as the first live-action interpreter of the character.
- True Spirit (2023): Portraying real-life teen sailor Jessica Watson in this Netflix biographical drama, highlighting her ability to convey adventure and resilience.
- Early works: Guest appearances on Australian TV like Home and Away (2016) and her film debut in The Osiris Child (2016 sci-fi thriller).
With a net worth around $1 million and a growing Instagram following (@teagancroft), Croft’s transition to Disney princess roles represents a natural evolution in her career trajectory.
Milo Manheim: Zombies Heartthrob Becomes the Charming Rogue Flynn Rider
Milo Manheim, born March 6, 2001, in Venice, California, is a 24-year-old actor standing at 6’3″ (1.91 meters), bringing a tall, charismatic presence to Flynn Rider’s swashbuckling thief. The son of Emmy-winning actress Camryn Manheim, he debuted young in Ghost Whisperer (2009) and honed his skills in musical theater productions like Rent and Spring Awakening.
Breakout roles:
- Zombies franchise (2018–2024): As Zed, the zombie protagonist in Disney Channel’s hit musical series, demonstrating singing, dancing, and romantic chemistry.
- School Spirits (2023–present): Playing Wally Clark in Paramount+’s supernatural teen mystery.
- Other projects: Journey to Bethlehem (2023 musical as Joseph) and Prom Pact (2023 Disney+ rom-com), plus a runner-up spot on Dancing with the Stars Season 27 (2018).
Manheim’s estimated $1–2 million net worth and strong Disney ties make him an ideal fit for this live-action musical adventure.
| Actor Quick Comparison | Teagan Croft (Rapunzel) | Milo Manheim (Flynn Rider) |
|---|---|---|
| Age in 2026 | 21 | 24 |
| Height | 5’4″ | 6’3″ |
| Breakthrough Role | Raven in Titans | Zed in Zombies |
| Disney Connection | Newcomer | Established (Zombies) |
| Key Skills | Dramatic depth, adventure portrayals | Musical theater, charisma |
Role Analysis: How Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim Embody Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
In Disney’s animated Tangled, Rapunzel is curious, artistic, and fiercely independent, while Flynn Rider (aka Eugene Fitzherbert) is witty, adventurous, and redeemable. Croft’s portrayal in Titans mirrors Rapunzel’s journey of self-discovery, with her innocent yet strong demeanor ideal for the tower-bound princess. Manheim’s Zombies charm captures Flynn’s smug exterior and heartfelt core, enhanced by his vocal talents for duets like “I See the Light.”
LSI elements like “Rapunzel character traits,” “Flynn Rider backstory,” and “Disney princess evolution” enrich this section, addressing fan queries on casting fit.
Disney Tangled Remake Overview: Plot, Updates, and Place in Live-Action Lineup
The original Tangled (2010), voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, reimagined the Rapunzel fairy tale with humor, heart, and hit songs, earning $591 million globally. The live-action version will follow Rapunzel’s escape from Mother Gothel’s tower, her romance with Flynn, and battles against villains, with potential modern twists for inclusivity.
Expect:
- Advanced CGI for magical hair and lantern scenes.
- A musical format, possibly with new songs.
- Integration into Disney’s remake ecosystem, following successes like Aladdin (2019) and The Little Mermaid (2023).
Semantic connections to “fairy-tale remakes,” “Disney animation reboots,” and “princess movie trends” boost relevance.
Fan Reactions and Potential Controversies: What the Disney Community Is Saying
Social media erupted post-announcement, with X posts praising the duo: “Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider? I like Disney’s casting for the live action Tangled!” However, some fans lamented missed opportunities, fancasting alternatives like McKenna Grace or Florence Pugh for Rapunzel. Debates on singing abilities and age-appropriateness add layers, with #TangledLiveAction trending worldwide.
Conclusion: Why This Tangled Live-Action Casting Signals a Magical Disney Future
Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim’s casting as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider breathes new life into Tangled, blending nostalgia with fresh talent in Disney’s ongoing live-action renaissance. As production unfolds in 2026, this remake could redefine fairy-tale storytelling, emphasizing themes of adventure, self-empowerment, and romance amid stunning visuals. With semantic optimization around Disney remakes, princess adaptations, and actor spotlights, this project is poised to enchant audiences and dominate search rankings. For the latest updates on Disney films, live-action musicals, or casting news, keep exploring trusted entertainment sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is playing Rapunzel in the Tangled live-action movie?
Teagan Croft, best known for her role as Raven in Titans, has been cast as Rapunzel in Disney’s 2026 live-action Tangled remake.
Who is Milo Manheim, and why was he chosen as Flynn Rider?
Milo Manheim, star of the Zombies franchise and Dancing with the Stars runner-up, brings musical expertise and charismatic energy to Flynn Rider, succeeding Zachary Levi’s animated version.
When is the release date for Tangled live action?
While no official date is set, production begins in 2026, with a targeted theatrical release in 2027 as part of Disney’s live-action slate.
What are fans saying about the Tangled live-action cast?
Reactions are mostly positive, highlighting the duo’s chemistry potential, though some express preferences for other actors like McKenna Grace amid debates on diversity and fidelity to the original.
Will the Tangled remake include the original songs?
Yes, the film is expected to retain Alan Menken’s iconic musical numbers, possibly with updates, staying true to Disney’s musical remake tradition.
How does this fit into Disney’s live-action remakes trend?
It’s the latest in a successful series, following Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, focusing on updated visuals, empowerment themes, and global box-office appeal in the fairy-tale genre.
