Disney finally cast Rapunzel and Flynn Rider for ‘Tangled’ and we’re already in love (you will be too)
We finally have our Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as Disney just announced the cast for the live-action 'Tangled'. Set to be directed by Michael Gracey, the movie will follow the classic story of Rapunzel locked in a tower by the witch, Mother Gothel. While rumors about the cast have been circulating for a while, the official announcement is finally here, and we can't wait to see the magic come to life on the big screen.
Reportedly, Disney has cast Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider for the live-action 'Tangled' movie. Croft, known for playing Rachel/Raven in 'Titans', and Manheim, known for Disney Channel's 'Zombies' franchise, were chosen after screen tests in December 2025. While the duo is familiar to fans of their previous shows, they aren't as high-profile as leads in other recent Disney live-action remakes, such as Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot in 'Snow White' or Emma Stone and Emma Thompson in 'Cruella', as per ScreenRant.
Croft and Manheim will step into their roles with high hopes, aiming to match or even surpass the box-office success of 'Lilo & Stitch', which grossed over $1 billion. The original animated film, 'Tangled,' earned $581.9 million worldwide. The upcoming live-action movie will be written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the mind behind 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Thor: Love and Thunder', and produced by Kristin Burr, known for 'Freaky Friday' and 'Cruella'.
With Rapunzel and Flynn cast, Disney's next big decision is who will play the villain, Mother Gothel. Scarlett Johansson was once rumored for the role, but it may go to a lesser-known actor. While 'Tangled' doesn't have a release date yet, the casting signals it could soon join Disney's lineup of live-action remakes, following 'Moana', which hits theaters on July 10. Manheim also shared the casting news on his Instagram Story, writing, "Too grateful to put into words. I will do him justice, I promise," as per Today.
Talking about the animated 'Tangled', the movie featured Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, and Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel. Notably, to cast the leads for the movie, Disney even launched a creative search by sending lanterns into the sky in both the US and the UK, echoing the iconic lantern scene from the original movie, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Following this unique campaign, finalists were invited to London in December for screen tests just before the winter holidays, allowing Disney to select the actors who would bring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider to life.
First reported to be in early development in December 2024, 'Tangled' joins the studio's long list of animated remakes following titles like 'The Lion King,' 'Aladdin,' and 'Lilo & Stitch,' as per Variety. However, 'Tangled' was previously put on hold following Snow White's underwhelming box office performance, but has since returned as part of Disney's remake plans.
