Disney Taps Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim for Live-Action Tangled

Disney is charging ahead with its live-action adaptation of Tangled, and the studio has officially chosen Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim to step into the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder. After speculation that the project might be shelved due to the underwhelming performance of Snow White, the recent blockbuster success of Lilo & Stitch has reignited Disney’s enthusiasm for reimagining its animated hits.

Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman and Better Man, will helm the film. The screenplay comes from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Do Revenge and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The casting process for the leads was meticulous, with both Croft and Manheim reportedly screen testing in December, as Disney took its time to ensure the perfect fit for these iconic characters.

New Faces for Beloved Characters

Teagan Croft, recognized for her portrayal of Raven in the series Titans, secured the role of Rapunzel after a competitive audition process. She edged out contenders like Sarah Catherine Hook, Freya Skye, and Olivia-Mai Barrett for the part. Milo Manheim, already familiar to Disney fans from his role as Zed in the Zombies franchise, will play Flynn Ryder. While both actors have made their mark on television, this film could be their breakout moment on the big screen.

The original Tangled, released in 2010, featured Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi as the voices of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder. The animated film grossed $592.5 million worldwide and has since become a modern classic. Disney is well aware of the importance of casting for such beloved roles, and the studio’s careful approach reflects that.

Appealing to a New Generation

With this casting, Disney is clearly aiming to connect with Gen Z audiences, a demographic that has shown significant influence at the box office in recent years. More than 15 years have passed since Tangled first hit theaters, and a whole generation has grown up with the film as a childhood favorite. Now, nostalgia is fueling excitement for its return in a new form.

Unlike the quick turnaround for the Moana remake, which is arriving just a decade after the original, Tangled’s live-action version is on a similar timeline to How to Train Your Dragon, another 2010 release. Disney’s strategy seems to be tapping into the nostalgia of young adults who grew up with these stories.

What’s Next for the Remake

The next major casting decision will be for the film’s antagonist, Mother Gothel. Donna Murphy originally voiced the character, and there were reports that Scarlett Johansson was considered for the role. However, Johansson ultimately chose to pursue The Batman – Part II instead. As of now, no official release date has been announced, but Disney is reportedly eyeing a holiday 2027 or spring 2028 premiere.

Whether audiences will still be eager for live-action remakes by the time Tangled arrives remains to be seen, but with its fresh cast and creative team, the film is shaping up to be a potential star-making vehicle for its leads.