The search for the magic flower is finally over. After months of fan theories and auditions, Disney has officially found its Rapunzel and Flynn Rider for the upcoming live-action reimagining of Tangled. Teagan Croft, the Australian actress known for her gritty turn as the purple-haired Raven in the DC series Titans, will let down her hair as the long-lost princess Rapunzel. Joining her as the kingdom’s most charming thief is Disney veteran Milo Manhiem, who starred in the Zombies franchise (a Disney musical directed by Paul Hoen) as Zed. The Disney studio’s January 7th announcement marks a major milestone for the project, which has faced a rocky road since 2024.

With the casting of Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim, Disney is moving toward a more heartfelt era of live-action films that favors human connection and real musical talent over digital spectacle. Croft’s selection suggests a Rapunzel with greater emotional depth and resilience, departing from the purely whimsical portrayal found in the 2010 animated original. Manheim, whose background in professional dance and theater is well-documented, brings a technical athleticism essential for the high-octane choreography expected of Flynn Rider. This reimagining is positioned as a major theatrical event for the 2027 holiday season, aiming to bridge the gap between nostalgic audiences and a new generation of viewers.

The animated version of Tangled was released in 2010 and is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. The film tells the story of Rapunzel, a young princess with magical long blonde hair who tries to leave her secret tower in which she has been locked in since childhood. She accepts the aid of an intruder, the outlaw Flynn Rider, to take her out into the world which she has never seen. An unexpected romance blossoms during their adventure. Together, they take down Mother Gothel before finally marrying each other and finding their happily ever after. The original film starred Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi as the star couples’ voices.

Though there has been no news on who will play Mother Gothel, Max or the other supporting characters, the internet has spun up theories ranging from casting Kathryn Hahn as the manipulative Mother Gothel to recruiting the original voices for high-profile cameos. Following the lead announcement on January 7, 2026, reports from Deadline, Variety and Entertainment have surfaced that Kathryn Hahn is the frontrunner to play the villainous Mother Gothel. Fans have long championed Hahn for the role, citing her “witchy” charisma in Agatha All Along (a Disney thriller directed by Jac Schaeffer) as the perfect blueprint for Gothel’s theatrical gaslighting. While Scarlett Johansson was previously circling the part, she reportedly withdrew due to scheduling conflicts with The Batman Part II.

So, are you excited for the Tangled live action movie, or do you not agree with the casting? Whether you love the cast or are still unsure, the journey to Corona is officially beginning.