Get ready to let your hair down because Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled has finally found its stars, and the casting is as magical as Rapunzel’s hair itself! But here’s where it gets controversial: will Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim live up to the legacy of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, who voiced the iconic roles in the 2010 animated classic? Only time will tell.**
In a move that has fans both excited and curious, Walt Disney Pictures has tapped rising Australian actress Teagan Croft to play Rapunzel, the adventurous and spirited princess with enchanted locks. Alongside her, Milo Manheim, best known for his role in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, will step into the boots of Flynn Rider, the charming and roguish thief who helps Rapunzel break free from her tower. Together, they’re set to bring this beloved tale to life in a whole new way.
Directed by Michael Gracey, whose credits include the dazzling musicals The Greatest Showman and Better Man, the film promises to retain the original’s big musical elements. Kristin Burr, a seasoned Disney producer behind hits like Cruella and Freaky Friday, is at the helm, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder) penning the script. And this is the part most people miss: the stakes are sky-high for Croft and Manheim. A Disney live-action feature can catapult unknown actors into superstardom—just look at the success of Lilo & Stitch—but it also invites intense scrutiny from die-hard fans who’ve grown up singing ‘I’ve Got a Dream’ on repeat.
The casting process was no small feat. Disney launched a massive search across the U.S. and U.K., with finalists screen-testing in London last December. Now, Croft and Manheim are stepping into roles that could redefine their careers. For Croft, best known for her role as Raven in DC’s Titans and her portrayal of sailor Jessica Watson in True Spirit, this marks a major leap into the Disney spotlight. Manheim, meanwhile, has already proven his musical prowess in the Zombies franchise and his star turn in Little Shop of Horrors.
Here’s the kicker: the role of Mother Gothel, the villainous enchantress, is still up for grabs. At one point, Scarlett Johansson was rumored to take on the part, but now the search continues. Who do you think should play the cunning sorceress? Let us know in the comments!
As Disney moves forward with this ambitious project, one thing is clear: Tangled isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The original grossed $591 million worldwide and inspired a successful Disney Channel series. Now, the live-action adaptation has the potential to become a billion-dollar hit, but it also carries the weight of fan expectations. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this is one tangled tale we can’t wait to see unfold. What are your thoughts on the casting? Do you think Croft and Manheim will do justice to Rapunzel and Flynn? Share your opinions below—we’re all ears!
