Disney’s live-action film Rapunzel is moving forward once again, with Teagan Croft (Titans, True Spirit) and Milo Manheim (Zombies, Dancing with the Stars) landing the coveted lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
The 2010 hit animated film “Rapunzel in the Tower” tells the story of the magically long-haired princess Rapunzel, who is eventually rescued from a secluded tower by an outlaw named Flynn Rider. The film, which starred Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in voice roles, grossed more than $591 million worldwide and spawned the 2012 short film Ever After and the successful Disney Channel series The Adventures of Rapunzel.
“The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey will direct the live-action version. Jennifer Katin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder, I Know What You Did Last Summer) wrote the screenplay. Kristen Barr (Freaky Friday, Cruella) will serve as producer, and Lucy Kitada will serve as executive producer. Production details and release date have not yet been announced.
Croft is best known for her role as Rachel Roth, aka Raven, in the DC series Titans. The up-and-coming Australian actress also stars in the Netflix film True Spirit, playing Jessica Watson, an Australian sailor who attempts to circumnavigate the world solo at just 16 years old.
Mannheim is already well-known among Disney fans for his role in the long-running Zombies film series. The versatile performer, who is also the son of Emmy and Golden Globe winner Camryn Manheim, finished in second place on season 27 of “Dancing with the Stars.”
First reported to be in early development in December 2024, “Rapunzel” is based on “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Mulan,” “Dumbo,” and “The Little Mermaid.” It is the latest live-action Disney animated film, following in the footsteps of “Ido,” “Snow White,” and finally “Lilo & Stitch,” which became the first film to hit $1 billion at the box office in 2025. The live-action movie “Moana,” starring Dwayne Johnson as the tattooed demigod Maui and newcomer Katherine LaGaia as the princess, will be released in theaters on July 10th.
The live-action “Rapunzel” project was postponed in April due to the poor box office sales of “Snow White.”
THR first reported the casting news.
