The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney’s Tangled has finally found its Rapunzel, and she’s Australian. Teagan Croft, a 21-year-old rising star from Sydney, will let down her golden locks in the upcoming version of the 2010 hit. She reportedly beat out other blossoming actresses such as The White Lotus star Sarah Catherine Hook, Olivia-Mai Barrett from Invasion, and Freya Skye of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.
Joining Croft on this adventure will be Milo Manheim, an American actor best known for his role in the Disney musical franchise Zombies. He’ll take on the role of Flynn Rider, a charming thief who helps Rapunzel escape from her tower imprisonment. Both young stars have big shoes to fill, having assumed roles previously held by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. They will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for musicals like Better Man and The Greatest Showman.
The Legacy of Tangled
Tangled became a massive commercial and critical hit in 2010 and was considered a vital part of Disney’s second renaissance. It grossed more than $865 million globally, off a $386 million production budget, and even spawned a successful television spin-off. Given the popularity of the original film and the general success of live-action Disney remakes, this film will likely catapult Croft from relative obscurity to global mega-fame.
“Lilo & Stitch’s remake famously grossed over $US1 billion last year,” highlighting the lucrative potential of Disney’s live-action adaptations.
Who is Teagan Croft?
Born in Sydney in 2004, Croft began acting early. At the age of nine, she impressed audiences with her performance as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird at Sydney’s New Theatre. Critics at the time described her as a “revelation.” In 2016, Croft took on the recurring role of Bella Loneragan in Home and Away – a staple show for many rising Aussie stars – and also featured in the science-fiction film The Osiris Child.
That same year, Croft and her family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she was signed to a US management firm. The family returned to Australia in 2021, and Croft continued to act while taking remote lessons at Sydney Girls’ High School. Her “big break” arguably came in 2018 when she was cast as White Raven (otherwise known as Rachel Roth) in the popular DC Universe and HBO Max series Titans. The show ran until 2023.
In 2023, Croft took the role of Jessica Watson in the Australian film True Spirit, about the 16-year-old Australian sailor who attempted to circumnavigate the world solo in 2010. Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis also featured in the film. Croft’s aunt, actress Jessica McNamee, took to Instagram to gush about her niece after the release of the movie, praising her dedication and talent.
Teagan Croft’s Perspective on Acting
While speaking with fashion magazine RUSSH in April last year, Croft said those who are excited to make movies excite her. “That energy is transferable. It’s palpable. It’s shareable,” she said. Each time she embodies a character, she said, her main goal is to “make people feel against their will.” This is most gratifying, she noted, when playing roles that have a great deal of existing lore around them.
“What’s fun about existing IP is that there’s a weight off your shoulders. I find it more fun to dig into rather than to build from the ground up,” Croft explained.
As she prepares to take on the iconic role of Rapunzel, Croft is also studying for an English literature degree with a minor in music theory, something she shares openly on her socials. Her Instagram bio reads: “Actor/Lit Major/Majorly Lit.”
Looking Ahead
The casting of Teagan Croft as Rapunzel marks a significant step in her burgeoning career. With a strong foundation in both television and film, and a keen interest in the depth of her roles, Croft is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved character. As Disney continues to explore live-action adaptations, the industry will be watching closely to see how Croft and her co-stars bring new life to Tangled.
Meanwhile, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding the film’s production and release dates. With a talented cast and a director experienced in musical storytelling, this adaptation of Tangled promises to be a captivating addition to Disney’s live-action repertoire.
