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Disney's Tangled Live-Action Casting: Meet Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft as the New Flynn and Rapunzel

The magic of the Kingdom of Corona is officially returning to the big screen, and Disney has found its leading lady and her charming rogue. In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the entertainment world, the studio has cast Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim to lead its upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled. This casting decision marks a pivotal moment for the Disney live-action machine, promising to bring a fresh, youthful energy to one of the most beloved animated classics of the modern era.

The buzz surrounding this production is palpable, as fans eagerly await more details on the project. The selection of Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft is more than just a casting announcement; it is a strategic move by Disney to bridge the gap between its legacy animation library and a new generation of moviegoers. As the project moves forward, all eyes are on this dynamic duo to see how they will embody the iconic roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.

The New Faces of Corona: What We Know So Far

The core of the news comes directly from the industry's most trusted sources. According to exclusive reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline, Disney has officially cast its leads for the Tangled live-action movie. Teagan Croft, known for her role as Raven in the HBO Max series Titans, will step into the golden, magical hair of Rapunzel. Meanwhile, Milo Manheim, who rose to fame in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise and impressed audiences in the horror hit Wicked City, has been tapped to play the charismatic Flynn Rider.

These reports, published in late January 2026, confirm that the studio has been searching for its new stars for some time. The casting of Croft and Manheim suggests a focus on actors who can capture the youthful spirit, comedic timing, and emotional depth that made the 2010 animated film a global phenomenon. While details regarding the plot and supporting cast remain under wraps, the confirmation of these two leads solidifies the production's momentum and sets the stage for what is sure to be a high-profile Hollywood project.

A New Generation Takes the Lead

The casting of Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim is significant for several reasons. Both actors are part of a rising generation of young talent who have already built impressive resumes. Croft’s performance as Raven, a character defined by her quiet strength and complex inner world, demonstrates her ability to handle the emotional weight and isolation that defines Rapunzel's early life. Her portrayal will likely bring a grounded, perhaps more somber and resilient edge to the character, which could offer a fresh interpretation of the "lost princess" narrative.

Milo Manheim’s selection as Flynn Rider is equally intriguing. While the Zombies movies showcase his musical and lighthearted abilities, his role in Wicked City highlighted a grittier, more dramatic side. This range is crucial for Flynn Rider, a character who must navigate a transformation from a self-serving thief to a genuine hero. Manheim has the charm and good looks to pull off the "most wanted" persona, but his challenge will be to capture the vulnerability and wit that made the animated Flynn a fan favorite. Together, their on-screen chemistry will be the cornerstone of the entire film.

Why This Casting Matters for Disney's Strategy

This announcement is a key piece in Disney's ongoing strategy of adapting its animated classics into live-action blockbusters. After the massive successes of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, Disney has been methodically working through its vault. Tangled was always a logical next step, given its blend of adventure, romance, and fantasy. However, the choice of relatively young, up-and-coming stars instead of A-list superstars is a notable trend. It allows the studio to build a franchise around new faces while keeping production costs manageable and ensuring the actors closely match the age and energy of their animated counterparts.

This approach also helps the films feel distinct from their predecessors. By casting Croft and Manheim, Disney signals that this won't be a shot-for-shot remake but a re-imagining that relies on the talent and charisma of its leads to drive the story forward. It places the weight of the film squarely on their shoulders, a challenge that could launch them into the stratosphere of stardom.

The Long Road to a Live-Action Rapunzel

While the recent casting news is fresh, the journey to this point has been years in the making. Reports of a live-action Tangled have circulated in Hollywood for nearly a decade. For a long time, the project was rumored to be a stage musical or even a straight-to-streaming release. The official confirmation, accompanied by these specific casting choices, confirms that Disney is moving forward with a full-fledged theatrical production.

The 2010 animated Tangled was a watershed moment for Disney Animation. It marked the studio's successful transition to computer-generated imagery and revitalized the "Princess" genre with a modern sensibility, a healthy dose of self-aware humor, and a compelling, action-oriented story. Its box office success ($592 million worldwide) and enduring popularity on streaming platforms made it a prime candidate for the live-action treatment. The fact that it took Disney over 15 years to pull the trigger suggests they were waiting for the right script, the right director, and, most importantly, the right Rapunzel and Flynn.

What to Expect From the Film's Tone and Style

While no director has been officially attached in the initial casting reports, industry insiders speculate that the film will aim for a tone similar to Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book or The Lion King—leaning heavily on photorealistic CGI to bring the world and its characters to life. However, unlike those films, Tangled features a human protagonist, which presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

The film will need to find a balance between fantasy and realism. How will they handle Rapunzel's 70 feet of magical hair? Will Pascal and Maximus be CGI creations? These are questions that the production team will have to answer. The involvement of Croft and Manheim suggests a focus on character-driven storytelling, ensuring that the spectacle doesn't overshadow the emotional core of the narrative—a young woman discovering the world for the first time and a man discovering his own capacity for selflessness.

The Broader Impact: What This Means for Hollywood

The Tangled casting is a significant development not just for Disney, but for the wider entertainment landscape. It highlights the continued demand for young actors who can anchor major blockbuster franchises. For Milo Manheim, this role is a huge step up from his Disney Channel roots, positioning him as a potential leading man for years to come. For Teagan Croft, it solidifies her status as one of the most promising young actresses of her generation, moving from a popular superhero series to the heart of a Disney fairytale.

This project also reinforces the power of the Disney brand. Even in a crowded media landscape, the announcement of a live-action Tangled generates immense buzz. It taps into a powerful sense of nostalgia for millennials who grew up with the original film, while also being accessible and exciting for a new, younger audience. The film's success will likely influence how other studios approach their own classic IP, potentially leading to a new wave of live-action adaptations of beloved animated films from the 90s and 2000s.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Anticipation

As production gears up, the primary focus will be on building the world of Tangled. The original film's visual identity—the lantern scenes, the kingdom of Corona, the dark forest—is iconic. Recreating that magic in a live-action format will be a massive undertaking. Furthermore, the script will be under intense scrutiny. Fans will be hoping for a story that honors the spirit of the original while perhaps offering new insights into the characters or expanding on parts of the lore left unexplored.

For Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim, the immediate future involves intensive preparation. They will likely face singing coaching (assuming the film retains the musical numbers like "I See the Light" and "When Will My Life Begin"), sword-fighting training, and character workshops. Their performance will be the ultimate determinant of the film's success. The public and critical reception will hinge on whether they can make Rapunzel and Flynn Rider their own while still satisfying the deep-seated affection audiences have for the originals.

A Star is Born, Again

The casting of Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft in Disney's live-action Tangled is a definitive statement of intent. It sets the stage for a cinematic event that will blend nostalgia with new talent. As the project develops, the anticipation will only build. Will the film capture the same lightning-in-a-bottle magic as the original? Can Croft and Manheim live up to the legendary voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi?

While only time will tell, one thing is certain: the journey to see Rapunzel let down her hair in a live-action world is officially underway,