Entertainment, Jan 8: Disney is officially returning to the kingdom of lanterns, announcing that Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim will headline the live-action adaptation of Tangled, breathing fresh life into one of the studio’s most cherished modern fairytales. Reports on January 8 confirmed that Croft will portray Rapunzel, while Manheim steps into the role of the witty outlaw Flynn Ryder.
Originally released in 2010, Tangled reimagined the Brothers Grimm story of a long-haired princess imprisoned in a tower, blending adventure, romance and music into a film that resonated with audiences worldwide. The animated feature grossed $592.5 million globally and became a defining title of Disney’s modern era, with Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi lending their voices to the lead characters. While the Grimm version published in 1812 carried far darker themes, Disney’s adaptation softened the narrative while preserving its emotional core of self-discovery, freedom and belonging.
The live-action film will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman and Better Man, with a screenplay penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose previous work includes Do Revenge and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The creative team signals Disney’s intent to balance spectacle with emotional depth in translating the animated classic to live action.
Croft, 21, rose to prominence through her role as Raven in DC’s Titans, where her performance highlighted both dramatic range and physical intensity. She reportedly secured the role after a competitive round of screen tests in December, edging out several other contenders. Manheim, 23, is no stranger to Disney audiences, having starred as Zed in the Zombies franchise. With a background in musical theatre and a runner-up finish on Dancing with the Stars at a young age, he brings the singing ability and charismatic energy essential for Flynn Ryder.
Disney has yet to reveal production timelines or a release date, but the casting announcement alone has reignited excitement around the project. As the studio continues its slate of live-action reimaginings, Tangled appears set to shine once more—this time with real lanterns lighting the way.
