(Image Courtesy of Whims of Valadae)
This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.
Teagan Croft has been cast as Rapunzel, and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of the 2010 success, “Tangled.” Release of these names has been highly trending within popular media since Disney posted the news on Jan. 7, 2026, on Instagram. I think that this is because “Tangled” is a Disney film held near and dear to the hearts of many college-aged girls, as the movie came out in theaters when we were around 6 years old.
That’s why the casting of these main characters is such a big deal. Rapunzel is a loving, innocent, bubbly princess unlike no other. Fans even want production to nail her memorable purple dress precisely in the remake. “Tangled” captures magic, kindness and beauty within the main character, Rapunzel, that gives the film a warm feeling, and now a nostalgic glow. It is a big role for Teagan Croft to fill, yet we know that Croft has potential as she starred in the DC “Titans” series and “Woman of a Certain Age.” Croft’s sweet aura and sparkling liveliness may just be the perfect casting for Rapunzel. She grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to the US in 2016 for acting. I think that Rapunzel’s essence may be best captured by a newer actor like Croft, since the character is so unique and has been romanticized in a certain way in fans’ eyes for ages.
The same goes for Flynn Rider. He is immensely loved for his witty charm, humor and sincerity. He is not like any other Disney prince because he has flaws (he was once a wanna-be swashbuckling thief). Not only this but Rider also has real depth, personality and humor that may be the best real quality about him, in addition to his connection with Rapunzel (and his looks… which we’ll get to). He is so unique that I imagine he must have been even harder to cast than Rapunzel. Milo Manheim is known for being a confident, goofy and deep-thinking theater kid, as he grew up on Disney Channel. This radiating confidence and charm will help him go far in the role. After all, I think that the most important thing when casting for these large film remakes is getting the live characters to seem the most like the animated characters who are so well-known and loved.
Do I think Milo Manheim will be able to embody Flynn Rider and his famous personality? Truly, I did not originally think so because as a big fan of “Tangled,” Flynn Rider is such a precise character in my mind, and I don’t know how any real-life human could portray him. But Milo Manheim has been a top choice for many fans to play Flynn Rider, as he is loved from starring in Disney’s “Zombies” movies. Once I heard about his personality, I got on board because I think his confidence and personality are exactly what is needed to portray Rider. I wish Croft and Manheim the best of luck in filling the shoes of these big roles and I am eagerly rooting them on! Now, in my mind, there were no two better picks for the main roles of “Tangled.” Many fell in love with charming prince Flynn Rider because he is hot. He was created to be the most attractive man possible, with Disney using critical input from women on what makes a man attractive in meetings to draw him, which was seen in behind-the-scenes bonus features on Blu-ray discs and in interviews with directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. His distinctive attractive features will no doubt show up in the film including the brown hair and eyes, which Manheim has.
And while the movie isn’t expected to come out until 2027 or later, when it does, I can assure you that the girls at the University of Colorado Boulder will be lining up outside Cinemark for $7 movie ticket Tuesdays.
Contact CU Independent Writer Eva Gravin at eva.gravin@colorado.edu
