After months of intense online speculation, Disney has officially announced the two stars who will lead its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film, Tangled.
The New Faces of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Stepping into the iconic tower as the long-haired heroine will be 21-year-old Australian actress Teagan Croft. Best known for her role as Raven in the series Titans, Croft has secured one of Disney's most coveted parts. Her counterpart, the charming rogue Flynn Rider, will be portrayed by 24-year-old Milo Manheim, recognised for his performances in Zombies and School Spirits.
This casting news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, ends a fervent fan campaign that saw names like singer-actress Sabrina Carpenter floated for the role of Rapunzel. It was also revealed that supermodel Gigi Hadid had previously auditioned for the part, highlighting the wide net cast by the studio.
Behind the Scenes of the Magical Project
The new film will adapt the cherished 2010 animation, which originally featured the voices of Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider. Disney first confirmed plans for the live-action version in December 2024, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation.
The project boasts significant creative talent. Michael Gracey, the director behind the global musical phenomenon The Greatest Showman, is set to helm the picture. The script has been penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Someone Great and Do Revenge.
What This Means for the Disney Remake Era
This announcement solidifies Disney's ongoing strategy of reimagining its classic animated catalogue for a new generation. The choice of two rising young stars, rather than established A-list names, suggests a focus on discovering fresh talent to embody these well-loved characters.
The pressure is now on Croft and Manheim to capture the magic, humour, and chemistry that made the original film a hit. With a proven director in Gracey and a clear roadmap from the source material, the live-action Tangled is poised to be one of the studio's most watched developments in the coming years.
