Disney’s live-action ‘Tangled’ casts Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider.
Disney finally found its live-action Flynn Rider, and the pick feels spot-on. Milo Manheim will play the charming outlaw thief in Walt Disney Pictures’ live-action adaptation of “Tangled,” with Teagan Croft cast as Rapunzel. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
Director Michael Gracey is set to helm the feature. He knows how to stage big, crowd-pleasing musical moments without losing the emotion. That matters for “Tangled,” which needs comedy, romance, and songs to land in the same breath.
Why Flynn Rider Is a Hard Role to Nail
Flynn Rider looks easy on paper. He smiles, talks fast, and acts fearless. In practice, the character is on a tightrope.
He has to be cocky without feeling smug. He has to be funny without turning into a cartoon. He also has to feel sincere when the story pivots. Live action makes that balance even harder, because the camera catches every fake beat.
That is why Manheim fits. He has charm, but he also reads warm and human.
He can sell the “cool guy” act, then drop it.
Flynn’s best scenes come when the mask slips. He acts confident, then he panics. He flirts, then he gets humbled. He jokes, then he gets real.
Manheim’s screen presence plays perfectly in that space. He can be smooth and silly in the same moment. He also knows when to let a quiet beat breathe.
Why Manheim Feels Built for This Part
Manheim has spent years training for this exact kind of Disney leading role. He learned timing, charm, and musical performance through Disney Channel work, including the “Zombies” franchise.
He also proved he can handle a big live audience. Manheim made a deep run on “Dancing With the Stars” and finished as the runner-up in Season 27. That season sharpened his performance instincts and boosted his star power.
Manheim has also pushed outside the Disney lane. His role in Eli Roth’s “Thanksgiving” showed he can play in a darker sandbox. That range helps, because Flynn is not just a punchline machine. He needs action credibility and emotional weight.
I have rooted for Manheim as Flynn for a while. The fit always felt obvious. I also interviewed him, and he brought the same energy fans see on screen. He came off quick, kind, and fully locked in. That matters for a role built on chemistry and momentum.
The Original “Tangled”
The 2010 animated film follows Rapunzel, a lost princess with magical golden hair. Mother Gothel keeps her hidden in a tower for years. Flynn Rider stumbles into the tower while on the run. Rapunzel forces a deal and escapes to see the floating lanterns she has dreamed about her whole life.
The original voice cast featured Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, and Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel.
Teagan Croft Brings a Strong Rapunzel Counterpart
Croft has the screen presence to match Manheim’s energy. She broke out as Raven on DC’s “Titans,” a role that demanded both vulnerability and toughness. That blend fits Rapunzel, who needs wonder, grit, and curiosity in equal measure.
This Casting Will Work
Disney needs a Flynn Rider that audiences want to follow. The character has to feel effortlessly charming. He also has to earn the heart. Manheim has the personality, the comedic timing, and the musical gear for the job. More than that, he has worked toward a true feature leading role. “Tangled” looks like the moment where it finally clicks.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
