Disney announced a live-action remake of Tangled was in the works back in 2024, and fans have been ravenous for details ever since.
Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival at Tokyo Disney
Speculation had been running wild about which actors would be tapped to play Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, especially after rumors emerged that Scarlett Johansson was in talks to be Mother Gothel (though she has since pulled out of the project due to scheduling conflicts). But now, the leads of Tangled have been revealed — and the internet has a lot to say.
Walt Disney Pictures has officially found its Rapunzel and Flynn Rider for the live-action remake of Tangled. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Australian actress Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim, star of Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, have been cast as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively.
Teagan Croft; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from ‘Tangled’; and Milo Manheim — Courtesy of Disney (2); Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Michael Gracey (Better Man, The Greatest Showman) will be directing the film, which will have big musical elements just like the original. Kristin Burr (Freakier Friday) is slated to produce, with the script written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder).
The role of Mother Gothel is still up in the air after Scarlett Johansson left the project due to scheduling conflicts.
Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in the live-action reimagining of Disney's Tangled. Coming only to theaters. pic.twitter.com/YKaK1BM5Sd
— Disney (@Disney) January 7, 2026
Teagan Croft is probably best known for playing Raven in the DC series Titans, while Manheim (son of actress Camryn Manheim) has shown his musical talents in the popular Zombies movies on the Disney Channel, along with his role as Seymour in a revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
©Disney
Online, people were quick to share their excitement — or their disdain — for the announcement.
One Twitter/X user wrote, “I can see it but Dove Cameron would be perfect” [for the role of Rapunzel]. Another joked about Manheim’s casting, stating, “Almost didn’t recognize him without the green hair.”
©Disney
Others remarked, “I think it’s a great choice,” and “LETS GOOOOO” to share their approval of the casting. “Tangled live-action might actually work with this cast,” likely in reference to other Disney live-action remakes that some say have missed the mark.
Speaking of which, another user said, “Let’s see if Disney can do a remake — even better than the original, without taking any of the magic away.”
©Disney
Others still weren’t so sure, with one person commenting, “Idk how I feel about a live-action of Tangled,” and another simply saying, “Stop this madness.” One user wrote, “Let’s see if Disney can make it work.”
There was even a request for Kathryn Hahn, who plays the iconic Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to play Mother Gothel — which we can totally get behind!
Rapunzel and Flynn Rider dancing at Disney World
Overall, it seems like the reception has been pretty positive to this casting news — and we have to admit, we’re excited to see how it plays out. Once Mother Gothel’s actor is announced, things will really be interesting — so make sure you check back here for the official news on that.
©Disney
We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney movie updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
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It is a shame that Disney has run out of fresh ideas, relying instead on remakes. That is what you get when management is focused on profits over products.