The glowing lanterns of the Kingdom of Corona are ready to fly once again. In a move that has set social media ablaze, Disney has officially confirmed the lead casting for its highly anticipated live-action Tangled movie. After months of feverish speculation, “dream cast” lists, and viral fan theories, the wait is finally over: Milo Manheim is set to step into the boots of the charming thief Flynn Rider, while Teagan Croft will take on the iconic role of the long-haired princess, Rapunzel.
The announcement, which dropped on January 7, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the project. For years, the 2010 animated classic has remained a crown jewel of the Disney Revival era, making the search for its live-action counterparts one of the most high-pressure casting calls in Hollywood history.
The Perfect Flynn Rider: Why Milo Manheim?
For those who follow Disney’s recent successes, the name Milo Manheim is synonymous with charisma and musical talent. The 24-year-old actor first captured hearts as Zed in the hit Zombies franchise, demonstrating a natural ability to blend humor, romance, and high-energy performance.
A Fan-Favorite Choice
Long before the official confirmation, Manheim was the internet’s top pick for Flynn Rider. Social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with edits comparing Manheim’s smoldering “smoulder” to the animated character originally voiced by Zachary Levi.
Fans pointed to his recent work in Prom Pact and his critically acclaimed turn as Seymour in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors as proof that he possessed the vocal range and comedic timing necessary for Flynn. Upon the announcement, Manheim took to Instagram to share his joy, writing:
“Too grateful to put into words. I will do him justice, I promise. #tangled”
The post quickly garnered over 480k likes, with fans flooding the comments. One ecstatic user wrote, “One of the most flirtatious humans playing one of the most flirtatious characters? Makes sense.”
Meet Your Rapunzel: Teagan Croft
While Milo Manheim brings a familiar Disney face to the production, Teagan Croft represents a fresh and exciting choice for Rapunzel. The 21-year-old Australian actress is best known for her role as Raven in the DC superhero series Titans, where she displayed a profound emotional depth and screen presence.
Croft beat out several high-profile contenders during an extensive international casting search. Reports indicate that finalists including Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Olivia-Mai Barrett underwent rigorous screen tests and chemistry readings in London in late 2025. Ultimately, it was Croft’s “spirit and curiosity” that landed her the role of the princess who longs to see the world.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Powerhouse
Disney isn’t just betting on star power; they have assembled a “dream team” of creatives to bring the Tangled live-action cast to life.
Direction and Music
The film will be helmed by Michael Gracey, the visionary director behind The Greatest Showman and the musical biopic Better Man. Given Gracey’s background, fans can expect the live-action adaptation to lean heavily into its musical roots. The original film’s Oscar-nominated song, “I See the Light,” is expected to be a centerpiece of the new production.
The Script and Production
The screenplay is penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the creative mind behind Do Revenge and Thor: Love and Thunder. Producing the project is Kristin Burr, who previously oversaw successful Disney reimagining like Cruella and the upcoming Freakier Friday.
| Role | Talent | Previous Work |
| Rapunzel | Teagan Croft | Titans, True Spirit |
| Flynn Rider | Milo Manheim | Zombies, School Spirits |
| Director | Michael Gracey | The Greatest Showman |
| Writer | Jennifer Kaytin Robinson | Do Revenge |
| Producer | Kristin Burr | Cruella |
Production Details: Where and When?
While a formal release date has yet to be announced, insiders suggest that Disney’s live-action Tangled is on the fast track. Production is reportedly set to begin in June 2026, with filming taking place in the United Kingdom.
The production team plans to utilize historic European locations and sweeping natural landscapes to recreate the magical Kingdom of Corona. With filming starting this summer, industry experts project a theatrical release in late 2027.
Addressing the “Mother Gothel” Rumors
One major question remains: Who will play the villainous Mother Gothel? Earlier rumors linked Scarlett Johansson to the role, but recent reports suggest she has stepped away due to scheduling conflicts. Disney is currently conducting a search for an actress who can balance the character’s manipulative charm with her powerhouse vocal requirements.
Why ‘Tangled’ Remains a Modern Classic
Since its release in 2010, Tangled has grossed nearly $600 million worldwide and inspired a dedicated fanbase. The story of a young woman finding her voice and a charming thief finding his heart has resonated across generations.
With Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft at the helm, Disney aims to capture the same lightning in a bottle that made the original animated film a “modern classic.” As the studio continues its strategy of live-action reimagining—following the billion-dollar success of Lilo & Stitch in 2025—the stakes for Tangled have never been higher.
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