From Titans to Tresses: Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim Confirmed as Leads for Tangled Remake

The long awaited search for the next iconic Disney duo has officially concluded. In an exclusive announcement that has ignited social media, Walt Disney Pictures confirmed today, January 8, 2026, that Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim have been cast as the leads in the upcoming live action adaptation of the 2010 animated hit Tangled. The casting news marks a pivotal moment for the production, which has been the subject of intense fan speculation and rumors for over a year.

Teagan Croft, the 21 year old Australian star who gained a massive international following as Raven in the DC series Titans, will take on the role of Rapunzel. Opposite her, Milo Manheim, a beloved staple of the Disney Channel Zombies franchise and a runner up on Dancing with the Stars, has been tapped to play the charmingly rogue Flynn Rider. The two actors reportedly secured their roles after a series of intensive screen tests and chemistry reads held in London late last month.

Selecting the right actress to portray the princess with seventy feet of magical golden hair was no small feat. Fans had campaigned for various names, but Croft eventually emerged as the frontrunner due to her ability to balance vulnerability with a fierce, independent spirit. Best known for her brooding and complex portrayal of Rachel Roth in Titans, Croft has already proven she can lead a major franchise.

Her casting suggests that Disney is leaning into a version of Rapunzel that is both ethereal and physically capable. Beyond her superhero roots, Croft recently starred in the Netflix biographical drama True Spirit, where she played Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail solo around the world. That role showcased her ability to convey isolation and resilience, traits that are essential for a character who has spent eighteen years locked in a secluded tower.

Milo Manheim's casting as Flynn Rider, also known as Eugene Fitzherbert, feels like a natural progression for the young actor. Since his breakout role as Zed in the Zombies trilogy, Manheim has become one of Disney's most reliable and charismatic young stars. Flynn Rider is a character defined by his "smolder," his wit, and his underlying heart, all qualities that Manheim has displayed throughout his career.

Manheim is also an accomplished singer and dancer, which is crucial given that Tangled is expected to remain a musical. His recent theatrical work, including a stint in Little Shop of Horrors, has sharpened his stage presence, making him an ideal choice for the high energy action sequences and romantic duets that define the story. Manheim took to social media shortly after the news broke, promising fans that he would "do the character justice" and expressing his deep gratitude for the opportunity.

While the actors are the faces of the film, the creative team behind the camera suggests that Disney is aiming for a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant production. Michael Gracey, the visionary director behind the global phenomenon The Greatest Showman, is set to helm the project. Gracey's experience with large scale musical storytelling and his eye for vibrant, magical aesthetics make him a perfect fit for the kingdom of Corona.

The screenplay is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her sharp and modern writing style in films like Do Revenge and her work on Thor: Love and Thunder. Producers include Kristin Burr, who previously brought a fresh perspective to Disney's live action slate with Cruella. With this team in place, the film is expected to honor the spirit of the original while expanding on the world and characters in ways only live action can achieve.

The live action Tangled project was first reported to be in early development in late 2024. However, the production faced some uncertainty following the mixed reception of other live action remakes. Insiders suggest that the recent box office success of the Lilo and Stitch live action film provided the momentum Disney needed to fast track Tangled.

Filming is reportedly slated to begin in the United Kingdom and various locations across Europe in June 2026. While many fans were hopeful for a cameo or role for the original voice actors Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, it appears the studio is committed to letting the new generation lead the way. However, rumors persist that the original songwriters, including the legendary Alan Menken, may return to provide new arrangements or even brand new songs for the remake.

With the leads now finalized, all eyes are on who will play the villainous Mother Gothel. Early reports had suggested that Scarlett Johansson was in discussions for the role, but recent updates indicate she is no longer attached to the project. The hunt for a powerhouse actress who can handle the theatrical and manipulative nature of the character is currently underway. Fans have floated names ranging from Cher to Kathryn Hahn, but Disney has yet to provide an official confirmation.

The original 2010 film grossed over $590 million worldwide and is credited with starting a new era of Disney animation. Its influence remains strong today, with "I See the Light" remaining one of the most popular Disney songs of the modern era. The live action version has the potential to be a billion dollar hit if it can capture the same lightning in a bottle.

As fans wait for the first glimpse of Teagan Croft with the signature golden hair and Milo Manheim in the iconic blue vest, the excitement is palpable. Tangled is a story about stepping out of one's comfort zone and discovering the world, and for these two young actors, that journey has just begun.