Disney’s live-action Tangled finds its leads

TL;DR:

Disney named Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
Michael Gracey will direct, with a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
No release date yet, announcement made on January 7, 2026.
Other roles, including Mother Gothel, are not confirmed.
We outline what’s official, what’s rumored, and what to watch next.

Disney confirmed the leads for its live-action Tangled on January 7, 2026. Teagan Croft will play Rapunzel. Milo Manheim will play Flynn Rider. The studio did not share a release date.

What happened and when

On January 7, 2026, Disney announced the headline casting for Tangled. Croft, known for Titans and True Spirit, will take the tower. Manheim, a Disney favorite from the Zombies films, will play the roguish thief who helps Rapunzel escape. Entertainment outlets published the news the same day.

Who is making the film

Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, is set to direct. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson wrote the screenplay. Both names have been tied to the project in recent trade coverage and were referenced again in the casting reports.

What is confirmed vs rumored

Confirmed:

Leads: Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider.
Director: Michael Gracey. Writer: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
Status: In active development. No release date yet.

Rumored or unconfirmed:

Mother Gothel casting. Some outlets noted earlier talks with major stars, but Disney has not announced a final choice. Treat any single-source rumor with care until confirmed by the studio.

Background you need

The animated Tangled opened in 2010. It starred Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, earned over 590 million dollars worldwide, and picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Its success led to a short film and a Disney Channel series. The live-action film continues Disney’s strategy of adapting animated hits. Recent remakes like The Little Mermaid and Snow White kept that pipeline moving, while Moana’s live-action version is due this summer.

Why this casting makes sense

Croft has played determined, introspective heroes and can anchor a character who grows from sheltered teen to brave leader. Manheim brings comic timing and musical experience from Zombies and a mass-appeal Disney profile, which fits Flynn’s charm and physicality. These choices signal a youthful, energetic tone that can support music, banter, and action.

What this means for fans

Expect a faithful core, then updates that suit live action. Gracey’s track record points to polished musical staging and large-scale set pieces. Robinson’s recent work suggests a modern voice and snappy dialogue. Music plans are not yet public, but any song news will shape marketing and release timing.

Timeline and what to watch next

January 7, 2026: Leads announced. Director and writer reaffirmed.
Next likely steps: key supporting roles, music team updates, filming schedule.
Watch trade outlets and studio feeds for Mother Gothel casting and production start details.

Quick checklist: what we know so far

Item	Status
Rapunzel	Teagan Croft
Flynn Rider	Milo Manheim
Director	Michael Gracey
Screenplay	Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Release date	Not announced
Mother Gothel	Not announced

Reader guide: smart questions to ask

Will Alan Menken or another composer handle the score and songs?
Will the film re-use “I See the Light,” or debut new numbers?
Is the tone closer to rom-com caper or sweeping musical fantasy?
Where will it film, and when?

Why it matters

Casting sets tone and audience expectations. Croft and Manheim anchor a version aimed at a broad family crowd, with space for music and comedy. With a proven musical director, Disney is signaling a glossy, performance-driven remake that can travel worldwide.

Google Discover and publisher notes

Fresh angle: Clear split between confirmed facts and rumors, plus a table of what’s known.
Clean title that names the actors and the project.
Clear dates, global relevance, and next-step cues.