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Disney is officially moving ahead with its long anticipated live action adaptation of Tangled, with Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim cast in the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. After months of uncertainty surrounding the project, the announcement signals renewed confidence in bringing one of Disney’s most beloved modern animated films to life.
Originally released in 2010, Tangled reimagined the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel for a new generation. The story follows a sheltered princess with magically long hair who has spent her entire life locked away in a tower. Her world changes when she encounters Flynn Rider, a charming outlaw who stumbles into her life and ultimately helps her discover the truth about her past. The animated film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing more than 591 million dollars worldwide. It also led to the short film Tangled Ever After and the popular Disney Channel series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, cementing its place as a fan favorite within the Disney canon.
Teagan Croft steps into the role of Rapunzel following her breakout performance as Rachel Roth, also known as Raven, in the DC series Titans. The Australian actress further showcased her range in the Netflix film True Spirit, where she portrayed real life sailor Jessica Watson during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe solo at just sixteen years old. Croft’s experience playing strong yet emotionally complex characters makes her a natural fit for Rapunzel, a princess defined by both vulnerability and resilience.
Opposite her, Milo Manheim will portray Flynn Rider. Manheim is already well known to Disney audiences thanks to his starring role in the long running Zombies franchise. Beyond acting, he demonstrated his versatility by finishing second on season twenty seven of Dancing with the Stars. He is also the son of acclaimed actress Camryn Manheim, adding another layer of industry pedigree to the casting choice.
The live action Tangled will be directed by Michael Gracey, best known for helming The Greatest Showman. The screenplay was written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose recent credits include Do Revenge, Thor Love and Thunder, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Production duties fall to Kristin Burr, whose work includes Freakier Friday and Cruella, while Lucy Kitada serves as executive producer. At this time, Disney has not announced additional casting details or a release date.
The project was first reported to be in early development in December 2024 but was temporarily placed on hold in April following the underwhelming box office performance of Snow White. Its revival comes as Disney continues to expand its slate of live action adaptations, following titles such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mulan, Dumbo, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and Lilo and Stitch. The latter became the first film to gross one billion dollars in 2025. Meanwhile, the live action Moana starring Dwayne Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia is set to arrive in theaters on July 10.
The casting news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and has already sparked strong interest among fans eager to see how Disney reimagines Tangled for a new era.
