January 8, 2026 — The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Tangled” has finally cast its Rapunzel, with Australian actress Teagan Croft set to let down her golden locks. The 21-year-old rising star from Sydney will take on the iconic role in the remake of the 2010 animated hit, a film that was pivotal during Disney’s second renaissance.
Teagan Croft reportedly outshone a competitive field of emerging actresses, including Sarah Catherine Hook of “The White Lotus,” Olivia-Mai Barrett from “Invasion,” and Freya Skye of “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.” Joining Croft in this adventure is Milo Manheim, an American actor celebrated for his role in the Disney musical franchise “Zombies,” who will portray Flynn Rider, the charming thief who aids Rapunzel in her escape from tower imprisonment.
The Legacy of “Tangled” and Disney’s Live-Action Success
The original “Tangled” became a massive commercial and critical success, grossing over $865 million globally. It was a cornerstone of Disney’s animated film resurgence, alongside hits like “Frozen” and “Moana.” The film’s success even led to a successful television spin-off, further cementing its place in Disney’s storied history.
Disney’s strategy of remaking animated classics into live-action films has proven lucrative, with last year’s “Lilo & Stitch” remake grossing over $1 billion. This trend suggests that the new “Tangled” could propel Croft from relative obscurity to international stardom.
Who is Teagan Croft?
Teagan Croft was born in Sydney in 2004 and began her acting career at a young age. Her breakout role came at nine when she played Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at Sydney’s New Theatre, earning critical acclaim as a “revelation.” In 2016, Croft appeared in the popular Australian soap opera “Home and Away” and the science-fiction film “The Osiris Child.”
After relocating to Chicago in 2016, Croft signed with a US management firm, returning to Australia in 2021. Her role as White Raven in the DC Universe and HBO Max series “Titans” from 2018 to 2023 marked her significant breakthrough. In 2023, she starred as Jessica Watson in “True Spirit,” alongside Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis, gaining further recognition.
“I cannot even express how proud I am of her. She filmed this epic role at age 16, away from her family due to lockdowns, all while studying remotely for her year 11 exams,” said Croft’s aunt, actress Jessica McNamee.
Recently, Croft completed filming two independent films, “Alphas” and “Override,” and is pursuing an English literature degree with a minor in music theory.
Teagan Croft’s Perspective on Acting
In an interview with RUSSH magazine, Croft expressed her passion for working with people who are excited about filmmaking. “That energy is transferable. It’s palpable. It’s shareable,” she said. Croft aims to evoke strong emotions in audiences, especially when portraying characters with rich backstories, which will be beneficial for her role as Rapunzel.
“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,” she told RUSSH.
Though Croft has not publicly commented on her casting as Rapunzel, she hinted at exciting developments on Instagram, suggesting a promising year ahead.
Looking Ahead
As Croft prepares to step into Rapunzel’s shoes, the film industry and fans alike are eager to see how she will bring the beloved character to life. With a strong foundation in both television and film, and a growing presence in the entertainment world, Croft’s portrayal of Rapunzel could mark the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
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