Maddie Lander | Writer
January 17, 2026
Disney has officially found its stars for the highly anticipated live-action Tangled, announcing that Teagan Croft will portray Rapunzel and Milo Manheim will take on the role of Flynn Rider. The news of the casting decision quickly drew attention from the public due to the popularity of the 2010 animated film and because of the high expectations surrounding any live-action Disney remake. Tangled holds a special place for many fans as one of Disney’s more modern fairy tales which made casting its leads especially important. By selecting Croft and Manheim, Disney appears to be investing in younger actors with strong screen presence rather than relying solely on established Hollywood stars.
Teagan Croft, best known for her role as Rachel Roth in Titans, is a somewhat unexpected choice for Rapunzel because she is not extremely well-known. While Croft is not associated with musical roles like previous Disney princess leads, Croft’s acting background suggests Disney may be aiming for a more grounded interpretation of the character. Rapunzel’s story is tied to ideas of isolation, self-discovery, and independence. Croft’s experience portraying complex characters could translate well to these elements. Her casting has sparked debate among fans, with some expressing skepticism about her musical abilities, while others are excited to see a fresh version of a Disney princess. Sophomore student Milani Weaver mentioned that she didn’t like any of the popular guesses so she is “happy that someone niche is playing Rapunzel.”
Milo Manheim’s casting as Flynn Rider sparked immediate discussion online, especially among Disney fans who had been predicting his involvement long before the official announcement. Devoted Disney fan Ruby Howards’ family group chat “went insane when [they] found out that Milo was cast.” His experience in musical films through the Zombies franchise as well as Broadway appearances made him a logical choice for a character whose humor and personality will play a major role in the story.
While the two leads have been confirmed, Disney has yet to announce the rest of the cast, leaving major roles like Mother Gothel and other supporting characters unfilled. Despite this, speculation has already taken over social media, with fans suggesting a wide range of actors for the supporting roles. Mother Gothel, in particular, has become the center of discussion, as audiences debate which performer could best embody her manipulative nature. Until official announcements are made, this speculation continues to build excitement for Disney’s modern take on the beloved film.
Leave a Reply