Disney Announces Lead Cast for Live-Action Rapunzel Adaptation
In a move that will delight fans of classic animated princess stories, Disney has officially confirmed the principal cast for its highly anticipated live-action retelling of Rapunzel. The studio revealed on January 29, 2026, that actors Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim have been selected to portray the iconic characters, ending years of online speculation and fan casting discussions.
From Dark Heroine to Radiant Princess: Teagan Croft's Transformation
At 21 years old, Teagan Croft brings a fascinating career shift to the role of Rapunzel. Audiences primarily know her from her portrayal of Raven in the DC superhero series Titans, where she played a character defined by emotional restraint and supernatural darkness from 2018 through the show's conclusion in 2023. This casting represents a deliberate departure from brooding intensity toward the warmth, openness, and musicality required for Disney's most famous long-haired princess.
Croft's theatrical foundation provides crucial preparation for this demanding role. Her early stage experience includes playing Scout Finch in productions of To Kill a Mockingbird, developing the performance discipline essential for a character whose story is deeply intertwined with musical storytelling. Fans will be particularly interested to see how she navigates Rapunzel's lighter emotional register and handles the musical sequences that are central to the narrative.
From Zombie Heartthrob to Charming Thief: Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider
Portraying the charismatic Flynn Rider comes with significant expectations, given the character's beloved humor and self-aware charm in the original animated film. Disney has entrusted this role to 24-year-old Milo Manheim, who gained widespread recognition as Zed in the studio's own Zombies film franchise since its 2018 debut.
While his Zombies role leaned toward comedic timing, Manheim demonstrated the screen presence and charisma necessary to anchor Flynn Rider's personality. His extensive musical theater background further strengthens his qualifications, with stage credits including productions of Rent, A Chorus Line, and Footloose. This experience suggests strong familiarity with the integrated demands of acting, singing, and choreographed movement that the role will likely require.
A Musical Partnership for a Musical Story
The original animated Tangled established itself through memorable musical numbers and performance-driven storytelling. Disney's casting choices clearly reflect an intention to preserve this musical emphasis in the live-action adaptation. Both Croft and Manheim possess backgrounds that indicate comfort with musical performance, suggesting the studio is prioritizing authentic musical storytelling over mere visual resemblance to animated counterparts.
Disney has not yet announced an official release date for the live-action Rapunzel film. With principal casting now confirmed and production still in early development stages, the project remains in active preparation. Additional details regarding supporting cast, director, musical direction, and production timeline are expected to emerge in the coming months.
This announcement provides the first substantial insight into how Disney is approaching its next live-action fairy tale adaptation. By selecting two young actors with proven screen credentials and substantial theatrical training, the studio appears to be building a foundation that honors the musical heart of the original while bringing fresh interpretation to these beloved characters.
