Walt Disney Pictures has announced the leads for its live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film Tangled, originally released in 2010. The studio has selected rising Aussie actress Teagan Croft to portray Rapunzel and Milo Manheim, known for his role in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, to play Flynn Rider.
Croft’s portrayal of Rapunzel, a curious young princess with magical hair, alongside Manheim as the charming outlaw thief, marks a new chapter for the characters previously brought to life by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the animated classic. Michael Gracey, who directed notable musical biopics including The Greatest Showman, will helm the project, with a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for works like Do Revenge and Thor: Love and Thunder. Kristin Burr, who has collaborated with Disney on projects such as Freaky Friday and Cruella, is producing the film, indicating a strong creative backing for this adaptation.
The casting follows a unique quest where Disney illuminated the night skies with lanterns across the U.S. and the U.K. to seek out talent for the lead roles. Screen tests for the finalists took place in London last December, leading to the finalized casting.
The stakes are high for Croft and Manheim, as taking on these iconic roles can significantly impact their careers. Disney live-action films often achieve massive box office success — the live-action Lilo & Stitch became a billion-dollar hit, setting a precedent for future adaptations. However, the actors will face the challenge of meeting the expectations of fans who grew up with the original film, which grossed $591 million worldwide and inspired a popular spin-off series on Disney Channel.
Disney’s careful approach in the casting process showcases their commitment to honoring the legacy of Tangled. The next major casting highlight will be the villainous Mother Gothel, a role that once considered Scarlett Johansson. Lucy Kitada is on board as an executive producer for the project.
Teagan Croft is recognized for her role as Raven in the DC series Titans and her performance in the Netflix film True Spirit, while Milo Manheim, the son of actress Camryn Manheim, displayed his musical abilities in the Zombies franchise and has also appeared in the series School Spirits and a revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
The anticipation surrounding Tangled’s live-action adaptation is building, with fans eager to see how these new portrayals will resonate with the established characters.