Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim have been cast as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively, in Walt Disney Pictures' upcoming live-action adaptation of its 2010 animated film, Tangled. The film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, with Kristin Burr producing and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the screenplay. The announcement follows a comprehensive search for the lead roles.
Lead Casting Announced
Walt Disney Pictures has announced Teagan Croft will portray Rapunzel and Milo Manheim will play Flynn Rider in the live-action version of Tangled. These roles were previously voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the original animated film. The search for the actor to play Mother Gothel is reported to be ongoing. The casting decisions followed a search conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom, which included screen tests for finalists in London during December.
Production Team
Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, is slated to direct the feature, which will include musical elements. Kristin Burr, who previously produced films such as Cruella, is producing the adaptation. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for screenplays including Do Revenge, wrote the script. Lucy Kitada is serving as an executive producer. Further production details and a release date have not been announced.
Actor Backgrounds
Teagan Croft (Rapunzel)
Australian actress Teagan Croft, born in Sydney in 2004, is 21 years old. Her previous work includes portraying Rachel Roth/Raven in the DC series Titans (2018-2023) and Jessica Watson in the 2023 Netflix film True Spirit. Other credits include a recurring role as Bella Loneragan in Home and Away in 2016 and an appearance in the science fiction movie The Osiris Child. As a child actor, Croft played Scout in a Sydney New Theatre production of To Kill a Mockingbird at age nine. Croft has also expressed interest in acting in additional biopics.
Milo Manheim (Flynn Rider)
American actor Milo Manheim is recognized for his roles in Disney Channel's Zombies film series. He has also appeared in the Paramount+ series School Spirits and a revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Manheim was the runner-up in season 27 of Dancing with the Stars and is the son of actress Camryn Manheim.
Original Film and Franchise Context
The 2010 animated film Tangled grossed over $591 million globally, with one report stating worldwide earnings exceeded $880 million. The film featured the voice talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. The franchise expanded with the 2012 short film Tangled Ever After and the Disney Channel series Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure. The original narrative involves a princess with long, magical hair confined in a tower, whose structured life changes after encountering a fugitive.
Live-Action Adaptation Strategy
This adaptation is part of Disney's ongoing initiative to convert its animated films into live-action versions. This strategy includes titles such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mulan, Dumbo, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White. Upcoming projects include a live-action Moana, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Australian actress Catherine Laga‘aia, which is scheduled for release on July 10. The live-action Lilo & Stitch film was reported to have been the first to gross $1 billion in 2025.
Project History
The live-action Tangled project was initially reported to be in early development in December 2024. The project had previously been placed on hold in April, following the box office performance of Snow White. The casting announcement was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.