Disney’s live-action Tangled picks Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim to lead the fairy tale remake

Disney’s live-action Tangled just found its stars, and excitement is spreading across the fanbase.

Following weeks of rumors and speculation, the studio confirmed Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider for the highly anticipated remake.

This casting announcement marks a milestone for both actors, who are poised to lead one of Disney’s most anticipated fairy tale adaptations.

Here’s a closer look at the casting news and what it means for Disney’s highly anticipated remake.

A New Era Begins for Disney’s Beloved Fairy Tale

Disney has officially announced its stars for the highly anticipated live-action remake of Tangled. Australian actress Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim will bring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider to life on the big screen. The studio confirmed the casting on January 7, 2026, through an Instagram post.

Both actors expressed their excitement about joining this beloved Disney project. Manheim even posted an Instagram story with heartfelt words about the casting. He posted a side-by-side photo of himself and the animated Flynn, writing, “Too grateful to put into words.”

Croft also responded to the announcement with humor and enthusiasm on Disney’s official Instagram post. The rising star playfully commented, “OMGGG WHO ARE THEYYYY.” Her response showed genuine excitement about stepping into such an iconic role. This casting marks a significant milestone in both young actors’ careers.

The live-action adaptation follows Disney’s ongoing trend of reimagining animated classics for modern audiences. With talented leads now in place, production can move forward toward its anticipated 2026 filming schedule.

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Meet the Stars Taking On Iconic Disney Roles

Teagan Croft is best known for playing Raven in the DC series Titans. The show ran from 2018 to 2023, first on DC Universe and later on HBO Max. Her portrayal of the complex superhero earned her recognition among young audiences globally.

The Australian actress also starred in the Netflix film True Spirit in 2023. She portrayed Jessica Watson, the teenage sailor who attempted a solo global circumnavigation at just 16 years old. Her performance in True Spirit proved she could handle the demands of a leading role.

Milo Manheim arrives at Tangled with strong musical theater experience and Disney Channel fame. The son of actress Camryn Manheim rose to prominence starring as Zed in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise. His musical talent extends beyond Disney, as he starred as Seymour in a revival of Little Shop of Horrors.

Manheim also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2018, finishing in second place with partner Witney Carson. His versatility across singing, dancing, and acting makes him well-suited for Flynn Rider’s adventurous character. Additionally, he appeared in the Paramount+ series School Spirits and the holiday horror film Thanksgiving.

The Creative Team Behind the Magical Remake

Michael Gracey will direct the live-action Tangled, bringing his musical expertise to the beloved fairy tale. Gracey is best known for directing The Greatest Showman, which became one of the highest grossing live action musicals ever. The 2017 film earned more than four hundred $35 million worldwide.

His recent work includes Better Man, another musical biopic that showcased his ability to blend storytelling with music. The director’s experience with large-scale musical productions makes him an ideal choice for Tangled. Disney clearly wants someone who understands how to bring animated musical magic to live action.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penned the most recent draft of the screenplay for the live-action adaptation. Her credits include writing Thor: Love and Thunder and directing Do Revenge for Netflix. She also wrote the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot for Sony.

Kristin Burr will produce the film under her Burr Productions banner alongside executive producer Lucy Kitada. Burr has long-standing ties to Disney, having produced last summer’s Freakier Friday and Cruella in 2021. The production team combines musical expertise with proven ability to reimagine beloved properties.

Kathryn Hahn in Talks for the Villainous Role

The Agatha All Along star would play the manipulative villain who poses as Rapunzel’s overprotective guardian. Hahn’s potential casting comes after Scarlett Johansson departed the project due to scheduling conflicts.

Fans had actively campaigned for Hahn to play Mother Gothel even when Johansson was attached. Her portrayal of villainous characters in Marvel’s WandaVision and Agatha All Along made her a popular fan choice. The role offers delectable lines and even a musical number called Mother Knows Best.

The casting would reunite Hahn with Disney following her acclaimed work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of magical enchantress Agatha Harkness. Her recent work in Apple’s The Studio showcased her versatility and comedic timing.

Mother Gothel is essential to Tangled’s story as the villain who uses Rapunzel’s magical hair for youth. The character requires an actress who can balance maternal manipulation with underlying menace and occasional humor. Hahn’s experience playing complex characters makes her well-suited to capture Mother Gothel’s nuanced villainy.

Production Timeline and What Comes Next

Production on the live-action Tangled is scheduled to begin in the United Kingdom in June 2026. The film aims for a theatrical release in late 2027 or early 2028, based on the production timeline. Disney briefly paused development on Tangled following the underwhelming performance of Snow White in early 2025.

The original Tangled project was first reported as being in early development back in December 2024. Disney conducted a lengthy search process to find the perfect actors for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The studio was deliberate and careful in its casting choices, refusing to rush the selection process.

The film will feature big musical elements like the original animated version that made it so beloved. Whether composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater will create new songs remains unconfirmed at this time. The production team has not yet announced if they will incorporate additional musical numbers.

Disney continues expanding its slate of live-action remakes following recent successes and learning from past missteps. The studio’s approach to Tangled appears more measured after mixed reactions to previous adaptations. With casting largely complete and a talented creative team assembled, anticipation continues building for this magical reimagining.

TL;DR

• Disney announced Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider on January 7, 2026.
• Croft is best known for playing Raven in DC’s Titans series and starring in True Spirit.
• Manheim rose to fame in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
• Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman and Better Man, will helm the live-action adaptation.
• Jennifer Kaytin Robinson wrote the screenplay, with Kristin Burr producing under Burr Productions.
• Kathryn Hahn is in talks to play villain Mother Gothel after Scarlett Johansson departed.
• The film aims for a late 2027 or early 2028 theatrical release.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.