Disney has concluded its global search for a live-action Rapunzel, casting 21-year-old Australian actress Teagan Croft in the coveted role opposite Milo Manheim‘s Flynn Rider. The announcement, made via Disney’s official Instagram, signals a major commitment to the Tangled franchise and places a rising star with proven musical and dramatic chops at the center of one of 2026’s most anticipated productions.
After an exhaustive, global search, Disney has officially announced that Teagan Croft will star as Rapunzel in the upcoming live-action reimagining of Tangled. The 21-year-old Australian actress will appear alongside Milo Manheim (Zombies, School Spirits) as Flynn Rider. The film will be directed by Michael Gracey, who helmed the beloved movie-musical The Greatest Showman, a detail confirmed by the film’s official announcement.
This casting decision is a significant moment for Disney’s live-action strategy, moving beyond the established A-list stars used in previous adaptations to champion a younger, dynamic talent poised for a breakout role. Croft’s selection over other highly-touted contenders indicates a specific vision for the character that aligns with her unique background in both action-driven series and musical performance.
Who Is Teagan Croft? From Raven to Rapunzel
Born on April 24, 2004, in Sydney, Australia, Teagan Croft is far from an unknown quantity. Her most prominent role to date was a five-season run as Rachel Roth/Raven on the HBO Max series Titans. This experience in a major DC Comics production has equipped her with the physicality and dramatic depth necessary for a demanding leading role, a fact highlighted by her performance arc on the show, which is available to stream on HBO Max.
Beyond her superhero credentials, Croft has a diverse resume that includes starring as Scout Finch in an Australian stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird and playing the lead in Netflix’s 2023 biopic True Spirit. In the latter, she portrays real-life teenage sailor Jessica Watson, and the film features a scene where Croft sings David Bowie’s “Starman” a cappella, offering a glimpse of the vocal talent she brings to the musical elements of Tangled.
The Musical Chops: Can Teagan Croft Sing?
A critical question for any actress taking on Rapunzel is her singing ability. While the original animated role was voiced and sung by Mandy Moore, Croft has demonstrated her own musical talents. Her a cappella performance in True Spirit confirms a capable singing voice. Furthermore, she is a known singer-songwriter who plays guitar.
This video of a teenage Croft performing “Harley & Rose” by The Black Sorrows showcases her raw vocal and instrumental skills, suggesting she is more than prepared to handle Rapunzel’s iconic songs like “When Will My Life Begin?” and “I See the Light.”
The Competition: Who Else Was in the Running?
The search for Rapunzel was highly competitive, with several notable actresses reportedly screen-testing in London. The final round included:
- Freya Skye (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires)
- Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus)
- Olivia-Mai Barrett (Invasion)
Other actresses considered at various stages included Lola Tung (The Summer I Turned Pretty), Florence Pugh, Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), and Emma Myers (Wednesday). Croft’s victory in this crowded field underscores the strength of her audition and her alignment with the creative team’s vision.
Why This Casting Matters for Disney’s Future
The casting of Teagan Croft represents a strategic shift for Disney. Instead of relying on a bankable movie star, the studio is investing in building a new star from the ground up, a tactic reminiscent of their approach with Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast but with a focus on a younger, digitally-native talent. Croft’s existing fanbase from Titans and her social media presence, where she has over 877,000 Instagram followers, provides a built-in audience and marketing advantage.
Furthermore, the choice of Michael Gracey as director signals that Disney envisions Tangled as a large-scale musical spectacle. Gracey’s work on The Greatest Showman proved his ability to blend compelling narrative with show-stopping musical numbers, a combination essential for doing justice to the original film’s charm. The production is scheduled to begin filming in June 2026, with a theatrical release expected in the following years.
The live-action Tangled is positioned to be a cornerstone of Disney’s release slate, and the casting of Teagan Croft is the first major step in bringing this beloved story back to the big screen. For fans of the original and newcomers alike, her combination of dramatic experience, musical ability, and fresh-faced energy makes her an exciting choice to wield the frying pan and let down her hair.
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