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Disney’s live action remake of Tangled has officially found its leads — and fans are buzzing.
After months of speculation and a high-profile search for the actors who could step out of the animated world and into real-world screens, Disney has confirmed that Milo Manheim will play Flynn Rider, one of the two central characters in its Tangled live action movie. Alongside him, Teagan Croft has been cast as Rapunzel, the spirited princess with magical hair. People.com+1
This casting decision marks a major milestone for the project. The live action Tangled cast announcement was made by Walt Disney Pictures in early January 2026, ending months of industry chatter and speculation. AP News
Let’s break down what this means, who these actors are, and the broader context of Disney’s ongoing ambition to reimagine its animated classics.
A Fresh Face for Flynn Rider — milo manheim
Most people will recognize Milo Manheim from Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, where he played Zed — a role that showcased his musical chops and screen presence. Geo News
He’s also gained attention outside Disney through television and stage work, including performances such as Dancing With the Stars and Little Shop of Horrors. Geo News
Casting him as Flynn Rider — the charming, roguish partner to Rapunzel’s innocence and curiosity — signals that Disney is leaning into his blend of charisma, musical talent, and youth appeal. It’s a choice that spots him somewhere between an established star and an emerging talent that mainstream audiences can grow into. People.com
This also means Disney is continuing a modern trend: picking actors who can sing, act, and connect with young audiences — especially in stories with both emotional depth and big musical moments. Flynn is more than comic relief; he’s a pivotal figure in Tangled’s heart and humor. EW.com
Rapunzel Reimagined — teagan croft
Teagan Croft may be a name new to some audiences, but her resume speaks to range and intensity. Before landing the role of Rapunzel, she was best known for playing Rachel “Raven” Roth in the Titans series — a performance that balanced vulnerability with strength. HELLO!
Croft also starred in True Spirit, where she played a real-life sailor on a global adventure, demonstrating she can carry emotionally rich, complex parts. HELLO!
Her casting signals Disney’s desire to blend fresh talent with a deep understanding of what makes Rapunzel compelling: curiosity, wit, and emotional resilience. In the live action tangled cast, she joins a beloved roster of Disney Princess portrayals that aim to feel real without losing the fairy-tale magic. Hollywood Reporter
What We Know About the Movie So Far
Disney’s tangled live action film is part of a long slate of animated-to-live-action remakes. After hits like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Lilo & Stitch, the studio continues to tap into nostalgia while modernizing its properties for a new generation of moviegoers. The Economic Times
Here’s a snapshot of what’s been confirmed so far:
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Director: Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman. People.com
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Screenwriter: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Thor: Love and Thunder. Cinema Express
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Production Timeline: The project entered development in late 2024, went through casting refinements in 2025, and has now locked in its leading duo in early 2026. Wikipedia
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Plot Basis: Like the original 2010 film, the story centers on Rapunzel — a princess with healing magical hair who escapes her hidden tower with the help of Flynn Rider. Cinema Express
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No Official Release Date Yet: Disney has not announced when the movie will hit theaters, though production is expected to begin in 2026, possibly in England. Wikipedia
Importantly, while the original animated Tangled was a musical, it’s not yet confirmed how many — if any — of the original songs will return in the live action. That’s a big question for fans of Tangled’s soundtrack, especially because songs like “I See the Light” are so closely tied to the story’s emotional core. Playbill
Why Casting Matters
When audiences hear live action tangled, they immediately think of the original voices — Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider. That animated version was a massive success, grossing more than $590 million worldwide and earning award recognition. The Economic Times
Replacing cartoon voices with real actors is always tricky. You’re not just choosing people who look the part — they need to embody it with depth, chemistry, and vocal power. For Disney, that casting process was intense, involving numerous tests before landing on Croft and Manheim. Cinemablend
More importantly, their chemistry will be under heavy scrutiny. Fans of the original Tangled love the playful, sometimes snarky rapport between Rapunzel and Flynn. If the live action tangled cast captures that spark, the movie could become another Disney classic in its own right. If it doesn’t, comparisons to the 2010 film could dominate reception.
Broader Live Action Trends at Disney
Disney’s experiment with live action tangled is just one piece of a much larger strategy. Over the past decade, the studio has been turning its animated hits into real-world films — some wildly successful, others more mixed.
Titles like The Lion King and Aladdin proved massive at the box office, while others struggled to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling. No matter how you feel about these remakes, they’re part of Disney’s core plan to keep its catalog alive and profitable in a crowded streaming and theatrical landscape. The Economic Times
In that sense, Tangled isn’t just a movie — it’s a test of whether Disney’s approach still resonates with audiences who grew up on the animated version, as well as new viewers discovering Rapunzel live action for the first time.
Expectations From Fans
As with any beloved property, fans have opinions.
On social platforms, reaction to Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft has been mixed but passionate. Some are thrilled by manheim’s energy and musical background, seeing him as a perfect match for Flynn Rider. Others worry about how closely the real actors can capture the animated magic. Reddit
Pretty much every speculative casting debate — whether about age, look, or performance style — bubbles up quickly when something like live action tangled cast is announced. But that’s also part of the excitement: people care deeply about these characters and want them done right.
Looking Ahead
Disney hasn’t revealed a release date, or how deeply this version will lean into the original’s musical roots. But now that the leads — including milo manheim — are in place, we’re getting closer to seeing production kick off in earnest. Wikipedia
Expect more announcements in the coming months: supporting cast, production design glimpses, and eventually trailers that will offer the first real look at this new take on Rapunzel’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is starring in the Tangled live-action movie?
Disney has cast Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider and Teagan Croft as Rapunzel for its live action remake. People.com
2. What’s live action Tangled about?
Like the original, it follows Rapunzel — a princess with magical hair — who leaves her locked tower with Flynn Rider to explore the world beyond. Cinema Express
3. Has Disney announced a live action Tangled release date?
No official release date has been confirmed yet. Wikipedia
4. Who are Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft?
Milo Manheim is known for Disney’s Zombies series, and Teagan Croft starred in Titans and True Spirit. Geo News
5. Is the Tangled live action cast confirmed?
Yes — Disney officially announced the leads in early January 2026. Hollywood Reporter
6. Will the live action film include the original songs?
Disney has not yet confirmed whether songs from the animated Tangled will appear in the live action. Playbill
7. Who is directing the live action Tangled remake?
Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman, is attached as director. People.com
References
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Disney’s Live-Action “Tangled” Casts Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn – People.com Read More
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Tangled Live-Action Movie Finds Its Leads – Hollywood Reporter (via news) Read More
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Disney’s Live-Action Tangled Movie Finds Its Rapunzel and Flynn – Entertainment Weekly Read More
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Walt Disney Pictures Confirms Live-Action Casting – AP News Read More
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Tangled Live-Action Remake Casts Leads – Variety Read More
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Disney’s Live-Action Tangled — Context and Casting Details – Hello! Magazine HELLO!
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Live-Action Tangled Movie Development and History – Wikipedia Wikipedia
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Disney’s Live-Action Tangled Cast and Production Details – Cinema Express Cinema Express
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