Disney unveils live-action Rapunzel and Flynn Rider for Tangled remake
TOI GLOBAL | Jan 13, 2026, 21:37 IST
Disney has officially cast Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider in its upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled. Directed by The Greatest Showman filmmaker Michael Gracey, the film aims to stay faithful to the beloved 2010 animated classic while introducing a fresh cinematic take. With production back on track after a brief pause, excitement is growing as Disney’s next major live-action fairy-tale remake begins to take shape.
Disney has officially unveiled its new Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, and fans of Tangled are getting their first look at how the live-action leads compare to the beloved animated characters.
On January 7, Disney confirmed that Teagan Croft will star as Rapunzel opposite Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated hit. The announcement marks a major milestone for the long-anticipated project, which has been quietly back in development after a brief pause last year.
Croft, an Australian actress best known for her role as Rachel Roth (White Raven) on DC’s Titans, takes on the role of the long-lost princess with magical golden hair. With her expressive features and commanding screen presence, Croft already bears a striking resemblance to Rapunzel’s animated look—wide-eyed innocence paired with quiet strength. Disney confirmed she will lead the film, signaling confidence in her ability to carry both the emotional and musical weight of the role.
Manheim, a familiar face to Disney audiences, will portray the charming rogue Flynn Rider. The actor rose to prominence as Zed in the wildly successful Zombies franchise and has since expanded into film, television, and musical theater. Following the casting announcement, Manheim shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “Too grateful to put into words. I will do him justice, I promise.”
The live-action Tangled will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, with reports indicating that music will play a central role—staying true to the spirit of the original film. Kristin Burr, who previously produced Cruella, is on board as producer, while Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penned the script.
Originally released in 2010, Tangled starred Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and went on to become a major box office success, earning more than $592 million worldwide. Its blend of romance, humor, and unforgettable songs helped cement it as a modern Disney classic.
The live-action adaptation was first announced in December 2024 but temporarily halted in April 2025 amid broader studio restructuring. By October, Disney resumed development, holding final screen tests in London later that year. While Scarlett Johansson was previously rumored to be in talks to play Mother Gothel, she has since exited the project, and casting for the villain has yet to be announced.
Side-by-side comparisons of Croft and Manheim with their animated counterparts highlight Disney’s continued effort to stay visually faithful while offering a fresh take for a new generation. With casting now confirmed and production moving forward, anticipation is building for Disney’s next leap into live-action fairy tales.
On January 7, Disney confirmed that Teagan Croft will star as Rapunzel opposite Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated hit. The announcement marks a major milestone for the long-anticipated project, which has been quietly back in development after a brief pause last year.
Croft, an Australian actress best known for her role as Rachel Roth (White Raven) on DC’s Titans, takes on the role of the long-lost princess with magical golden hair. With her expressive features and commanding screen presence, Croft already bears a striking resemblance to Rapunzel’s animated look—wide-eyed innocence paired with quiet strength. Disney confirmed she will lead the film, signaling confidence in her ability to carry both the emotional and musical weight of the role.
Manheim, a familiar face to Disney audiences, will portray the charming rogue Flynn Rider. The actor rose to prominence as Zed in the wildly successful Zombies franchise and has since expanded into film, television, and musical theater. Following the casting announcement, Manheim shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “Too grateful to put into words. I will do him justice, I promise.”
The live-action Tangled will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, with reports indicating that music will play a central role—staying true to the spirit of the original film. Kristin Burr, who previously produced Cruella, is on board as producer, while Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penned the script.
Originally released in 2010, Tangled starred Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and went on to become a major box office success, earning more than $592 million worldwide. Its blend of romance, humor, and unforgettable songs helped cement it as a modern Disney classic.
The live-action adaptation was first announced in December 2024 but temporarily halted in April 2025 amid broader studio restructuring. By October, Disney resumed development, holding final screen tests in London later that year. While Scarlett Johansson was previously rumored to be in talks to play Mother Gothel, she has since exited the project, and casting for the villain has yet to be announced.
Side-by-side comparisons of Croft and Manheim with their animated counterparts highlight Disney’s continued effort to stay visually faithful while offering a fresh take for a new generation. With casting now confirmed and production moving forward, anticipation is building for Disney’s next leap into live-action fairy tales.