Australian actress Teagan Croft has been cast in the lead role of Rapunzel for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled. She will star alongside American actor Milo Manheim, who is set to play Flynn Rider. This announcement has generated significant excitement among fans of the beloved fairy tale.
The original Rapunzel story follows a princess with magically long hair who is confined to a tower. Her life takes an adventurous turn when she meets Flynn Rider, a charming outlaw on the run. The live-action film promises to bring a fresh perspective to this classic narrative.
Who is Teagan Croft?
Teagan Croft, aged 21, hails from Sydney and was born in 2004. She gained recognition for her role as Rachel Roth, also known as Raven, in the DC series Titans, which aired from 2018 to 2023. Her performance in the series earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
In 2023, Croft spoke to the ABC about her role in the Netflix film True Spirit, where she portrayed Jessica Watson. Watson became the youngest person to sail solo around the world, non-stop and unassisted, at the age of 16 in 2010. Croft, who was just six when Watson achieved this feat, expressed admiration for Watson’s journey, stating,
“What I’ve always loved about Jessica’s journey is that she’s not the youngest girl to be a solo sailor. She is the youngest solo sailor. It’s not a gendered thing.”
Her acting career began at a young age, with a notable performance as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird at Sydney’s New Theatre when she was only nine. Croft also appeared in the science fiction film The Osiris Child and had a recurring role as Bella Loneragan in the popular Australian series Home and Away in 2016.
The New Tangled Movie
The 2010 animated version of Tangled was a massive success, featuring the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. It grossed over $880 million worldwide, establishing itself as a fan favorite. The animated film was followed by a short film, Tangled Ever After, and a series titled Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.
The live-action adaptation will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman and Better Man. The screenplay is penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, while Kristin Burr, who worked on Freakier Friday and Cruella, will produce the film. Fans have long speculated about a live-action version, with various actresses, including Sabrina Carpenter, being suggested for the role of Rapunzel.
Milo Manheim, who will play Flynn Rider, is no stranger to Disney audiences. He is best known for his role as Zed in the Zombies franchise and is the son of Emmy and Golden Globe winner Camryn Manheim.
Disney’s Live-Action Trend
The release date for the live-action Tangled has yet to be announced, but it is part of a larger trend of Disney adapting its animated classics into live-action films. This trend includes successful remakes such as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Snow White.
Disney’s live-action Moana, featuring another Australian star, is set to hit cinemas in July, with Catherine Laga’aia in the lead role. The live-action Lilo & Stitch became the first film to gross $1 billion in 2025, underscoring the commercial viability of these adaptations.
The move to cast Teagan Croft as Rapunzel reflects Disney’s commitment to bringing fresh talent to its iconic stories, while also appealing to a global audience. As anticipation builds for the live-action Tangled, fans eagerly await the magic that Croft and the rest of the cast will bring to the screen.
