When Disney dropped the bombshell announcement on January 7, 2026, that it was moving forward with a live-action remake of Tangled, the internet immediately zeroed in on one name: Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. The 24-year-old actor, already a household name among younger audiences thanks to the Zombies franchise, suddenly found himself at the center of a fairy-tale storm. Fan art exploded across social media, casting debates raged, and excitement built for what many are calling Disney’s next big musical adventure.

What few people realized at the time was how shockingly last-minute the news was—even for the star himself.

In a refreshingly candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, Manheim pulled back the curtain on the surreal day his life changed. “People think that I booked this like a long time ago and I’ve been keeping it a secret,” he explained with a laugh. “I found out 10 minutes before the news was released that I’d be playing Flynn. So that day was—I woke up, just like any other day, and by the end of the day… it was beautiful. The world knew, it was great. My skin was like tingling that day. I was just flooded with dopamine, love, and everything.”

Ten minutes.

That’s all the warning Milo Manheim received before his name—and a character beloved by millions—became the subject of global conversation. One moment he was going about his routine; the next, notifications were flooding his phone as headlines screamed “Milo Manheim Is Flynn Rider.” The speed of it all still seems to astonish him. “It feels like thousands of people just got this role,” he said. “It feels so genuinely happy.”

The original Tangled, released in 2010, remains one of Disney’s most cherished modern classics. With a worldwide box office of over $592 million, an instantly iconic soundtrack by Alan Menken, and a perfect balance of romance, comedy, adventure, and heart, the film gave the world a Rapunzel who wielded a frying pan as a weapon and a thief named Flynn Rider who stole hearts instead of just jewels. Zachary Levi’s charismatic, quick-witted performance as Flynn set an incredibly high bar: suave, sarcastic, secretly vulnerable, and effortlessly likable.

Now Disney is entrusting that legacy to Manheim under the direction of Michael Gracey, the filmmaker behind The Greatest Showman. Gracey’s signature style—lavish musical sequences, emotional sweep, and visual spectacle—suggests the remake will lean heavily into song and dance while preserving the spirit of the 2010 original.

Manheim brings an impressive résumé to the role. He first captured Disney’s attention—and the hearts of a generation—with the Zombies trilogy, where he played Zed, the charismatic zombie football star who falls for a cheerleader in a world divided by prejudice. The films showcased his natural screen presence, strong singing voice, and easy chemistry with co-stars. Beyond the undead franchise, he has flexed his dramatic and musical muscles in projects such as School Spirits (returning for season three in late January 2026), the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, Deaf West Theatre’s American Idiot, and the Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar alongside heavyweights like Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert.

The Tangled casting news arrived alongside the announcement that Teagan Croft (best known as Raven in Titans) will portray Rapunzel. The pairing has already sparked chemistry speculation and fan excitement. Yet Manheim remains refreshingly grounded about the pressure. Speaking to CinemaBlend, he singled out one scene he’s particularly eager to bring to life: the now-legendary moment when Rapunzel knocks Flynn unconscious with a frying pan. “The frying pan scene is one I’m most excited about,” he said, grinning. “It’s such an iconic beat.”

That enthusiasm is tempered by honest self-awareness. In an Entertainment Tonight interview, he admitted the weight of expectation. “I’m nervous about a lot of things, I’m not going to lie,” he confessed. “I know that everybody loves Flynn and I’m trying to do my best on satisfying what people are expecting.”

Fans, however, appear largely thrilled. Social media has been flooded with support, memes, and early concept art imagining Manheim in Flynn’s signature vest, boots, and satchel. Clips of his past performances—particularly his dance numbers in Zombies and his vocal work in theater—are being re-shared with captions like “This is why he’s perfect for Flynn.” One viral video from years ago resurfaced, showing a younger, goofy Manheim in a lighthearted moment that prompted thousands of comments agreeing: “Yeah, I think he would be a great Eugene Fitzherbert lol.”

Not every reaction has been positive. A small but vocal group of online activists highlighted an old tweet in which Manheim expressed support for Israel, using it to call for boycotts and drawing comparisons to previous Disney casting controversies. While the criticism exists, it has so far remained a minority voice amid the broader wave of enthusiasm.

Director Michael Gracey’s involvement only heightens anticipation. After turning The Greatest Showman into a surprise cultural phenomenon—grossing $435 million and spawning global sing-along events—Gracey is expected to infuse Tangled with bold musical staging, possibly including new songs alongside Menken classics like “I See the Light,” “Mother Knows Best,” and “When Will My Life Begin.” Production is slated to begin soon, with a theatrical release targeted for 2027.

For Manheim, the role represents more than another paycheck. “I love Tangled,” he told reporters. “So here we go. Adventure of a lifetime.”

That adventure officially began the moment his phone lit up with the news—ten minutes before the rest of the planet learned the same thing. In an industry where secrets are guarded for months and announcements are choreographed like military operations, Manheim’s story stands out for its sheer spontaneity. No long lead time. No carefully rehearsed embargo. Just a normal morning that ended with the world knowing he would soon swing from chandeliers, dodge palace guards, and—most importantly—win the heart of a girl with 70 feet of magical hair.

As cameras prepare to roll and fans continue to dream-cast the rest of the ensemble (Mother Gothel rumors are already swirling), one truth is clear: Milo Manheim didn’t just book the role of Flynn Rider. In ten breathtaking minutes, he stepped into a fairy tale that now belongs, at least in part, to him.

And judging by the dopamine-soaked smile he can’t quite hide, he’s ready to make it unforgettable.