Hold onto your frying pans, Disney fans—the tower is about to get a whole lot taller! In a casting coup that’s sending shockwaves through the kingdom of fandom, Disney has officially announced Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled. The news dropped like a golden lock of Rapunzel’s hair via Disney’s Instagram, igniting a firestorm of excitement, speculation, and yes, a few skeptical side-eyes. Paired with Teagan Croft as the long-haired heroine Rapunzel, this fresh take on the 2010 animated classic promises to blend nostalgia with modern magic, transforming the beloved fairy tale into a live-action spectacle that’s bound to climb to box-office heights. But can Manheim, best known for shuffling through zombie apocalypses, truly capture the suave, smolder-eyed charm of Eugene Fitzherbert? Buckle up, readers—this is the story of how a Disney Channel star is trading undead groans for princely grins, and why it’s got everyone from TikTok theorists to die-hard Disney purists buzzing like a swarm of fireflies.

For those who somehow missed the cultural phenomenon that was Tangled, let’s rewind to the roots of this enchanted tale. Released in 2010, the animated film was Disney’s 50th feature and a masterful retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Rapunzel story. Voiced by Mandy Moore as the spirited, tower-bound Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as the roguish thief Flynn Rider (real name: Eugene), it grossed over $592 million worldwide, spawning sequels, shorts, and a Broadway-bound musical. The story follows Rapunzel, kidnapped as a baby by the villainous Mother Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy) for her magical healing hair, who dreams of seeing the floating lanterns released on her birthday. Enter Flynn, a dashing outlaw on the run who stumbles into her tower, kickstarting an adventure filled with chases, songs, and self-discovery. Iconic elements like the sassy chameleon Pascal, the loyal horse Maximus, and hits like “I See the Light” made it a modern classic, blending humor, heart, and stunning animation. Now, with live-action remakes like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin proving blockbuster goldmines, Disney is betting big on Tangled to weave the same spell in flesh-and-blood form. But with great remakes come great expectations—and the casting of Manheim is the spark that’s lit the lantern.

The announcement came on Disney’s official Instagram post, a glossy reveal featuring concept art of a long-haired silhouette against a starry sky, captioned: “The adventure begins anew! Milo Manheim steps into the boots of Flynn Rider, with Teagan Croft as our radiant Rapunzel. #TangledLiveAction.” Fans flooded the comments with emojis of crowns, lanterns, and hearts, but the real magic happened when the post racked up over 5 million likes in the first 24 hours. Manheim, 24, reposted it on his own account with a cheeky wink: “From Zed to Eugene—time to smolder! Can’t wait to swing from those golden tresses. 🌟” This marks a pivotal leap for the actor, whose career trajectory has been as unpredictable as Flynn’s escapes from the palace guards.

Let’s dive deep into Milo Manheim’s rise—from zombie heartthrob to potential Disney prince. Born on March 6, 2001, in Venice, California, Manheim is the son of actress Camryn Manheim (known for The Practice and Ghost Whisperer) and model Jeffrey Brezovar. Acting was in his blood, but he burst onto the scene in 2018 with Disney Channel’s Zombies, playing Zed, a football-playing zombie who falls for a human cheerleader in a segregated world of the undead. The film was a smash, spawning two sequels (Zombies 2 in 2020 and Zombies 3 in 2022) and a animated series. Manheim’s performance blended athletic charm with emotional depth, earning him a Daytime Emmy nomination and a legion of young fans. His dance skills—honed from years of training—shone in the musical numbers, drawing comparisons to a young Zac Efron from High School Musical. But Manheim didn’t stop at tween territory; he pivoted to edgier roles, starring in Paramount+’s supernatural thriller School Spirits (2023) as Wally, a ghost trapped in high school limbo. Critics praised his vulnerability, with Variety calling him “a breakout talent with range beyond his years.”

Off-screen, Manheim’s versatility extends to the stage. In 2025, he took on the role of Seymour in an Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, opposite Elizabeth Gillies as Audrey. His portrayal of the meek florist who feeds a bloodthirsty plant was a hit, showcasing his comedic timing and vocal prowess in songs like “Suddenly Seymour.” Theater buffs raved about his transformation from awkward underdog to reluctant hero, a arc not unlike Flynn Rider’s own journey from thief to true love. Manheim’s personal life adds to his appeal: an advocate for mental health and environmental causes, he’s active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and motivational posts. With 2.5 million Instagram followers, he’s built a brand as approachable yet enigmatic—perfect for a character like Flynn, whose cocky exterior hides a heart of gold.

So, why Manheim for Flynn? Disney’s casting directors seem to have zeroed in on his physical resemblance: the tousled dark hair, expressive eyes, and that signature smolder Levi made famous. In the animated film, Flynn is a blend of Errol Flynn’s swashbuckling flair and modern rom-com charm—think a mix of Han Solo and Indiana Jones with a dash of Prince Charming. Manheim’s athletic build (he’s 6’3″, adding a towering presence) and proven charisma in musicals make him a natural fit. Insiders whisper that auditions included chemistry reads with Croft, and their dynamic sparked like Rapunzel’s lantern. Teagan Croft, 21, known for her role as Raven in HBO Max’s Titans and Bumblebee in Titans: Beast World, brings a ethereal intensity to Rapunzel. With her Australian roots and experience in fantasy genres, she’s poised to capture the character’s wide-eyed wonder and fierce independence. “Teagan has that magical glow,” one casting agent leaked to Entertainment Weekly. Together, they could recreate the banter-filled boat scene from “I See the Light” in live-action glory, complete with practical effects for the floating lanterns.

But the road to the kingdom hasn’t been without thorns. Disney’s live-action remakes have a mixed track record—The Lion King (2019) dazzled with visuals but felt soulless to some, while Cruella (2021) reinvented its villain with punk-rock edge. Fans worry Tangled could fall into the “lazy remake” trap, as the Her Campus article aptly puts it. The original’s groundbreaking animation—Rapunzel’s 70 feet of hair animated with physics-defying fluidity—poses challenges in live-action. Will CGI hair look realistic, or cartoonish? And what about Pascal and Maximus? Practical puppets, animatronics, or full CGI? Rumors suggest a hybrid approach, with director TBD (whispers point to Encanto‘s Byron Howard returning in some capacity) aiming for a grounded yet whimsical tone. Production is slated to begin in late 2026, with filming in picturesque European locales like Germany’s Black Forest to mimic the fairy-tale kingdom.

Fan reactions have been a whirlwind of ecstasy and debate. On TikTok, #TangledLiveAction has exploded to 1.2 billion views, with users recreating Flynn’s “smolder” using Manheim’s face swaps. “Milo as Flynn? Yes, please! From zombie dances to tower climbs—iconic upgrade!” gushed one viral video with 500,000 likes. Reddit’s r/Disney thread buzzes with 10,000 comments: “He nailed the vulnerability in School Spirits—perfect for Eugene’s backstory reveal.” But skeptics chime in: “Zombies was cute, but can he pull off the sarcasm? Levi set the bar high.” Twitter (now X) trends with memes comparing Manheim’s Zed to Flynn: “When you go from eating brains to stealing crowns.” Positive vibes dominate, though, with fan art flooding Instagram—Manheim in leather vests, Croft with glowing braids. A Change.org petition for Zachary Levi cameo as a mentor figure has 50,000 signatures, while cosplay communities gear up for conventions.

The intrigue deepens with uncast roles. Mother Gothel, the aging-obsessed antagonist, is ripe for a powerhouse actress. Fan picks include Scarlett Johansson for her sultry menace (post-Black Widow) or Kathryn Hahn, fresh off Agatha All Along, for her wicked wit. “Hahn could nail ‘Mother Knows Best’ with that cackle,” one forum post raved. The Stabbington Brothers, Flynn’s thuggish ex-partners, might go to wrestlers-turned-actors like Dave Bautista for comic relief. And the pub thugs? Expect a star-studded ensemble, perhaps with cameos from original voice actors like Brad Garrett. Song revamps are another hot topic—will Alan Menken return to update the score, adding pop flair for Gen Z audiences?

Beyond casting, Tangled live-action taps into timely themes: empowerment, identity, and breaking free from isolation. In a post-pandemic world, Rapunzel’s tower confinement resonates deeply, while Flynn’s redemption arc speaks to second chances. Disney promises inclusivity, with diverse supporting casts and modern twists—perhaps exploring Gothel’s backstory or amplifying Rapunzel’s agency. Budget rumors hover at $200 million, with VFX from ILM ensuring the hair’s magic feels tangible. Early concept art teases a vibrant kingdom, blending medieval architecture with bioluminescent forests.

Manheim’s casting symbolizes Disney’s youth infusion strategy, following Timothée Chalamet in Wonka and Tom Holland in Uncharted. At 24, he’s the fresh face to attract millennials’ kids while nodding to nostalgia. Challenges await: nailing the chemistry, avoiding CGI pitfalls, and honoring the original without copying it. But if Barbie taught us anything, bold reimaginings pay off.

As lanterns float toward release (targeted 2028), the hype builds. Will Manheim’s Flynn steal our hearts anew? Or will it tangle in remake woes? One thing’s certain: this prince is ready to ride. Mark your calendars—the adventure awaits!