Disney’s Live-Action Tangled Casts Australian Rising Star Teagan Croft Opposite Milo Manheim
Darlings, Disney has finally let down its hair—quite literally—and revealed the stars who will bring Tangled back to life. After an exhaustive international search that saw lanterns metaphorically floating across the U.S. and U.K., Walt Disney Pictures has tapped rising Australian actress Teagan Croft and Disney Channel’s Milo Manheim to embody Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved 2010 animated classic.
This is no small undertaking. The original Tangled, voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, has achieved modern classic status as a cornerstone of Disney Animation’s second renaissance, grossing $591 million worldwide and spawning a successful Disney Channel series. Now, Croft and Manheim must fill those considerable shoes—or rather, those impossibly long locks—knowing full well that a generation grew up belting “I’ve Got a Dream” in living rooms across the globe.
The stakes? Astronomical. A Disney live-action feature carries billion-dollar potential—just look at Lilo & Stitch, which dominated the box office before Zootopia 2 arrived. These roles could catapult both actors into stratospheric fame, opening doors that only Disney magic can unlock. Yet with opportunity comes scrutiny from devoted fans who’ve watched Tangled on perpetual repeat since childhood.
According to insiders, Disney approached this decision with exceptional deliberation, refusing to rush the process. Finalists screen-tested in London this past December before the holidays, and the studio’s measured consideration shows its commitment to honoring the source material while crafting something fresh.
Michael Gracey—the visionary behind The Greatest Showman and the audacious Better Man—will direct this musical-heavy feature. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder) penned the script, while veteran producer Kristin Burr (Freakier Friday, Cruella) oversees production alongside executive producer Lucy Kitada. The creative pedigree alone suggests Disney isn’t playing it safe.
Croft brings compelling credentials, most notably her five-season run as Raven in DC’s Titans (2018-2023), which aired on DC Universe before migrating to HBO Max. She also portrayed teenage sailor Jessica Watson in Netflix’s 2023 Australian film True Spirit, demonstrating her capacity for carrying emotionally complex narratives.
Manheim, son of actress Camryn Manheim, proved his musical prowess across four Zombies films—Disney Channel’s wildly popular franchise blending undead romance with infectious choreography. He’s also starred in Paramount+’s School Spirits and took on Seymour in a Little Shop of Horrors revival, showcasing genuine theatrical range.
The next major casting consideration? The deliciously villainous Mother Gothel, previously attached to Scarlett Johansson before circumstances shifted. One can only imagine who’ll ultimately claim that scene-stealing role.
Production details remain under wraps, but one thing’s certain: Disney is treating this adaptation with the reverence and spectacle it deserves.
