Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim confirmed as Rapunzel and Flynn in Disney’s live-action Tangled

The long-awaited live-action adaptation project of “Tangled” gains a new and decisive boost with the confirmation of its main cast. Disney announced that Teagan Croft, known for her role in “Titans”, and Milo Manheim, star of the “Zombies” franchise, will bring to life the iconic characters Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder, respectively. The choice marks the restart of the film’s development, which had undergone a period of strategic reevaluation by the studio.

Production, which had been under discussion since the end of 2024, was temporarily suspended to analyze public reception of other recent remakes. The box office performance of titles like “White of Neve” prompted a pause to recalibrate the project’s approach, ensuring the new version could captivate both fans of the original animation and a new generation of viewers.

With the selection of the protagonists, Disney signals confidence in the creative direction and commercial potential of the film. The news, which began circulating earlier this year, represents a significant step forward, moving the adaptation from the speculation stage to active pre-production, with the next steps focused on completing the remainder of the cast and defining the filming schedule.

The strategic choice for Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder

The selection of Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim for the lead roles was not a casual decision, but rather a calculated move by Disney to inject vigor and relevance into the project. Manheim, with his extensive experience in Disney Channel musicals, especially in the “Zombies” trilogy, has already demonstrated that he has the charisma, singing ability and stage presence necessary to embody Flynn Ryder, a character known for his sarcastic humor and charm. Sua’s familiarity with the Disney ecosystem makes it a safe bet to please the studio’s target audience. On the other hand, Teagan Croft brings a dramatic depth consolidated by his work as Ravena in the series “Titans”. Sua’s ability to play complex characters with arcs of transformation is ideal for exploring the nuances of Rapunzel, a princess who transcends the traditional archetype by being proactive, courageous and pragmatic on her journey of self-discovery. The combination of these distinct talents promises to create a captivating and modern dynamic for the central couple of the plot.

The challenge of finding the villain Mãe Gothel

With the protagonists defined, the production team’s attention turns to one of the most crucial roles in the story: the antagonist Mãe Gothel. The character is fundamental to the development of Rapunzel, functioning as a complex figure of toxic motherhood and psychological manipulation. Encontrar an actress who can balance the superficial charisma and the veiled cruelty of the villain is the main current challenge for casting directors.

Previously, it was speculated that renowned actresses, such as Scarlett Johansson, would be considered for the role. However, scheduling conflicts and changes in project direction left the position open. The search now focuses on finding a strong name that can bring the gravity and complexity that Mãe Gothel demands, this being one of the last major obstacles before filming begins.

Disney’s new direction for live-action remakes

In recent years, Disney’s strategy with its live-action remakes has been a rollercoaster of successes and modest results. Títulos like “O

The below-expected performance of “Branca de Neve”, released in 2025, served as a warning, indicating possible public fatigue with the formula. Essa perception was what prompted the temporary pause in production on “Tangled,” allowing the studio to reevaluate its investments and the appeal of its intellectual properties.

On the other hand, the resounding success of “Lilo & Stitch”, also from 2025, proved that there is still a strong demand for these adaptations, as long as the choice of source material is right. The film demonstrated that more recent animations, which marked the millennial generation and the Geração Z, have a more immediate and powerful nostalgia potential.

This scenario suggests a change in focus: instead of focusing only on classics from the golden age of animation, Disney seems more inclined to adapt hits from the 2000s and 2010s. “Tangled”, originally released in 2010, fits perfectly into this new strategy, targeting an audience that grew up with the original animation.

Legacy of original animation and the pressure to succeed

Released in 2010, “Tangled” was not only a box office success, grossing more than $590 million worldwide, but it also marked the beginning of a new golden age for Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film received critical acclaim for its modernization of the classic fairy tale, featuring an independent protagonist, clever humor and cutting-edge computer animation that set a new standard for the studio. The soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken, also became an instant classic, with songs like “I

This legacy of success and audience affection puts considerable pressure on the live-action adaptation. The film will need to not only honor the essence that made the original so beloved, but also justify its existence with a new perspective or depth to the characters. The chemistry between Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim will be a determining factor, as the dynamic between Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder is the heart of the story. The expectation is that the new version will be able to capture the magic and adventure of the original, while offering a renewed experience for theaters.

The promising careers of the new protagonists

Teagan Croft, Australian actress, gained international notoriety for playing Ravena in the superhero series “Titans”. In the role, she demonstrated a great ability to deal with dark themes and emotionally complex characters, which prepares her to explore Rapunzel’s coming-of-age journey, which goes from innocence and confinement to the discovery of an unknown world.

Milo Manheim, in turn, is a talent created within Disney itself. Como protagonist of the “Zombies” franchise, he won over a legion of young fans with his charisma and dancing and singing skills. Sua Previous experience in the studio’s large-scale productions positions him as a natural choice for a role that requires both charm and performance skill.

The union of these two actors represents Disney’s bet on a new generation of talent, capable of carrying a big-budget franchise and connecting with young audiences, while at the same time attracting nostalgic fans of the original animation.

‘Moana’ as a thermometer for the future of Disney

Before the premiere of “Tangled”, Disney will have an important test for its strategy with the launch of the live-action “Moana”. Baseado in the 2016 success, the production of “Moana” has a profile much more in line with that of “Lilo & Stitch” than that of older classics like “Branca de Neve”. The film is seen as a key indicator of the public’s appetite for modern animated remakes.

A positive performance for “Moana” at the box office could solidify the studio’s decision to prioritize these newer stories, reinforcing the optimism surrounding “Tangled.” Embora production of the Rapunzel film is already underway, the success of “Moana” would certainly create an even more favorable environment for its release.

Next steps and production schedule

With the main actors defined and the search for the interpreter of Mãe Gothel underway, the production of “Tangled” officially enters the pre-production phase. The next few months will be dedicated to selecting the supporting cast, production design, costumes and defining the locations. Detalhes about the start of filming and an expected release date are expected to be announced by the studio as soon as these steps are completed, generating even more anticipation among fans.