Disney Confirms Milo Manheim for Major Live-Action
Walt Disney Pictures has announced the lead cast for its upcoming live-action remake of Tangled, drawing strong attention across Hollywood and international fan circles. Milo Manheim has been selected to play Flynn Rider, with Australian actress Teagan Croft stepping into the role of Rapunzel.
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Disney confirmed the casting this week, marking a key step forward for the project, which has been in early development since late 2024. The film will be directed by Michael Gracey, the filmmaker behind The Greatest Showman, and is expected to retain the musical scale and spirit that defined the original animated hit.
Development is currently underway in Los Angeles, as Disney continues to build its expanding lineup of live-action adaptations inspired by its animated classics.
Milo Manheim’s Casting Signals a Career Turning Point
For Milo Manheim, landing the role of Flynn Rider represents the biggest step yet in his acting career. Known primarily for leading Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, Manheim has steadily built a reputation as a performer with strong musical and comedic timing.
Industry observers note that moving from television musicals to a big-budget Disney theatrical release places Manheim in a new category of leading men. The role of Flynn Rider, a charming and witty outlaw, demands both acting depth and musical ability — a combination Manheim has already demonstrated on stage and screen.
Hollywood casting analysts say Disney’s decision reflects confidence in Manheim’s ability to carry a global franchise. With Disney’s live-action films often drawing international audiences, the exposure could significantly elevate his profile.
Teagan Croft Steps Into an Iconic Disney Role
Teagan Croft, best known for her role as Raven in DC’s Titans, will portray Rapunzel, the spirited princess with magically long hair. Croft’s casting brings an international dimension to the film, with the Australian actress already familiar to audiences in the United States, the U.K., and Australia.
Teagan Croft gained recognition for her role in Netflix’s True Spirit, filmed in Australia and released worldwide in 2023. Critics praised her performance for its emotional depth, a trait that is expected to influence her portrayal of Rapunzel.
Disney executives involved in the project have emphasized that the casting process was extensive, with screen tests held in London late last year before final decisions were made.
A Carefully Assembled Creative Team
The live-action Tangled is being directed by Michael Gracey, whose success with musical storytelling made him a natural choice for the project. The screenplay was written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose recent credits include Thor: Love and Thunder.
Production is being handled by Kristin Burr, a longtime Disney collaborator who previously worked on Cruella. According to studio sources, the film will retain the musical heart of the 2010 animated movie while introducing updated storytelling elements for modern audiences.
Lucy Kitada is attached as an executive producer, further strengthening the film’s experienced production lineup.
High Expectations From Fans and Industry
Released in 2010, the original Tangled earned over $590 million globally and became a key part of Disney Animation’s modern resurgence. The film also inspired a popular Disney Channel series and several short films.
Because of its popularity, the live-action remake carries high expectations. Fans who grew up watching the animated version have already begun reacting online, with early responses largely focused on curiosity rather than backlash.
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Film critics in Los Angeles say Disney’s deliberate casting process may help avoid the controversies that have surrounded some recent remakes. Still, stepping into roles previously voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi places both Croft and Milo Manheim under intense public scrutiny.
Disney’s Live-Action Strategy Continues
Tangled joins a growing list of Disney animated films being adapted into live-action features.Recent Disney live-action hits, such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, have proven the studio’s ability to successfully bring animated classics to life. In 2025, Lilo & Stitch became Disney’s first billion-dollar release of the year, highlighting the commercial power of these adaptations.
A live-action version of Moana is also set to hit theaters later this summer, underscoring Disney’s ongoing strategy to reimagine its animated catalog for new audiences. While no official release date has been announced for Tangled, production is expected to begin once final casting is complete, including the yet-to-be-cast role of Mother Gothel.
What This Means for Milo Manheim
For Milo Manheim, playing Flynn Rider could be a turning point in his career. Beyond his Disney Channel fanbase, the live-action Tangled gives him the opportunity to reach mainstream audiences worldwide.
Industry experts note that actors who lead Disney live-action films often go on to land major roles in both film and streaming projects, paving the way for broader career opportunities. If the film performs as expected, Manheim could soon find himself among Hollywood’s most in-demand young actors.
His background in musical theater, including a recent stage revival of Little Shop of Horrors, may also influence how the character is reinterpreted for live audiences.
As Disney prepares to bring Tangled back to the big screen, all eyes are on Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft as they step into some of the studio’s most beloved roles.
