golden locks cascading like a waterfall, a tower shrouded in mystery, and a charming rogue with a smolder that could melt the iciest heart. Disney’s Tangled captured our imaginations in 2010 with its blend of fairy-tale whimsy, sharp wit, and unforgettable songs. Now, as the House of Mouse continues its triumphant march through live-action remakes, Tangled is poised to swing back into the spotlight—quite literally, with Rapunzel’s iconic hair ready to lasso a new generation. The buzz reached fever pitch when Disney announced Teagan Croft as the spirited Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as the dashing Flynn Rider (aka Eugene Fitzherbert). But it’s a piece of stunning fan art that has truly set the internet ablaze, proving why Manheim is not just a good choice—he’s the perfect one. This artwork, crafted by Instagram artist @braeden.obrien, transforms Manheim into Flynn with such uncanny precision that fans are already declaring the remake a must-see hit. Set against the backdrop of the lantern-lit romance in “I See the Light,” the drawing highlights Manheim’s chiseled features, mischievous grin, and that signature swagger, sparking a wave of excitement that’s impossible to ignore.
As we dive deeper into this enchanted revival, prepare to be swept away by the magic of Disney’s storytelling evolution. From the animated original’s box-office triumph to the controversies swirling around live-action adaptations, and the rising stars set to breathe new life into these beloved characters—this article unravels the threads of anticipation. With production slated to begin in mid-2026 in the UK, and no release date yet announced, the stage is set for a cinematic adventure that promises to blend nostalgia with fresh flair. Will Manheim’s Flynn deliver the smolder we’ve all been craving? The fan art says yes—and it’s only the beginning of the enchantment.
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TANGLED Clip – “Person in My Closet” (2010)
The original Tangled wasn’t just another Disney princess movie; it was a revolutionary twist on the classic Rapunzel tale from the Brothers Grimm. Released on November 24, 2010, and directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the film followed Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore), a young woman with magical healing hair, kidnapped as a baby by the villainous Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) and raised in isolation. Enter Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), a charismatic thief on the run, who stumbles upon her tower and becomes her reluctant guide to the outside world. Their journey is filled with high-stakes chases, heartfelt revelations, and show-stopping musical numbers composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Songs like “When Will My Life Begin?” and the Oscar-nominated “I See the Light” became instant classics, capturing the essence of self-discovery and romance.
Critically acclaimed for its stunning animation—particularly the groundbreaking depiction of Rapunzel’s 70 feet of glowing hair—the film grossed over $592 million worldwide against a $260 million budget, making it one of Disney’s most successful animated features of the era. It revitalized the princess genre post-The Princess and the Frog, blending CGI innovation with traditional hand-drawn elements. Flynn, in particular, stood out as a modern anti-hero: sarcastic, self-assured, yet vulnerable beneath the bravado. His evolution from opportunist to devoted partner resonated with audiences, turning him into a fan-favorite prince charming for the 21st century. The film’s themes of freedom, identity, and defying expectations struck a chord, inspiring merchandise, theme park attractions, and even a short-lived TV series, Tangled: The Series. Fifteen years later, Tangled remains a cultural touchstone, its lantern festival scene evoking pure magic and emotion.
But why remake a near-perfect gem? Enter Disney’s live-action renaissance, a strategy that’s both lucrative and divisive. Since 2010’s Alice in Wonderland kicked off the trend with over $1 billion in earnings, Disney has churned out live-action versions of classics like Beauty and the Beast (2017), The Lion King (2019), and The Little Mermaid (2023), amassing billions while sparking debates over creativity versus cash-grabs. Successes like Aladdin (2019), which grossed $1.05 billion, showcased how these remakes can update stories with diverse casting and modern sensibilities. However, flops like the 2025 Snow White remake, plagued by production delays and backlash over changes to the source material, highlight the risks. Critics argue these films often lack the spark of their animated counterparts, relying on CGI spectacle over innovation. Yet, for Tangled, the potential is electric: live-action could amplify the action sequences, deepen emotional beats, and introduce real-world grit to the fairy tale. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), with a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge), this version promises musical grandeur and visual splendor, potentially incorporating contemporary themes like mental health and empowerment.
At the center of the hype is the casting, starting with Teagan Croft as Rapunzel. Born on April 23, 2004, in Sydney, Australia, Croft burst onto the scene at age 9, portraying Scout Finch in a stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. Her screen debut came in 2016 with the Australian soap Home and Away and the sci-fi film The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One. But it was her role as Rachel Roth/Raven in HBO Max’s Titans (2018-2023) that catapulted her to fame. Playing the brooding, supernatural teen showcased her range—from vulnerability to fierce power—earning praise for her emotional depth. Croft’s singing videos on social media hint at her vocal prowess, essential for Rapunzel’s musical moments. In 2023, she starred in True Spirit, portraying a young sailor on a solo voyage, demonstrating her ability to embody resilient, adventurous heroines. At 21, Croft brings youthful energy and a fresh perspective, making her an inspired choice to capture Rapunzel’s wide-eyed wonder and inner strength.
Then there’s Milo Manheim, the 24-year-old heartthrob whose casting as Flynn Rider has fans swooning. Born March 6, 2001, in Los Angeles, Manheim grew up in a creative household—his mother is actress Camryn Manheim (The Practice), and he began acting at age 7 in local musicals. By 15, he’d performed in over 15 productions, honing his skills in song, dance, and drama. His breakthrough came with Disney Channel’s Zombies (2018), where he played Zed, a zombie football star in a star-crossed romance. The franchise spawned sequels Zombies 2 (2020) and Zombies 3 (2022), solidifying his status as a Disney darling with charm, athleticism, and vocal talent. Manheim’s runner-up finish on Dancing with the Stars Season 27 (2018) showcased his charisma and moves, earning him a massive following.
Venturing beyond Disney, he starred in the 2023 Christmas musical Journey to Bethlehem as Joseph, blending faith and flair, and appeared in horror-comedy Thanksgiving (2023) and Paramount+’s School Spirits (2023-2024) as Wally Clark, a ghostly jock with heart. Upcoming projects include Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and a Broadway stint. Manheim’s Jewish heritage and activism add layers; however, his public support for Israel has sparked controversy among pro-Palestine fans, leading to boycott calls on social media. Despite this, his physical resemblance to animated Flynn—tall, dark-haired, with expressive eyes—and proven rom-com chops make him ideal. As he posted on Instagram: “Too grateful to put into words. I will do him justice, I promise.”
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Milo Manheim Biography | Broadway Buzz | Broadway.com
The viral fan art by @braeden.obrien is the spark that ignited this fervor. Shared on Instagram, the video depicts the artist sketching Manheim as Flynn, complete with leather vest, satchel, and that roguish smirk, synced to “I See the Light.” The piece emphasizes Manheim’s likeness to the animated character, from the tousled hair to the confident pose, prompting comments like “The movie hasn’t even started filming and people are already fangirling.” It’s a testament to how fan creativity bridges animation and live-action, building hype organically. Similar artworks have flooded platforms, imagining Croft’s Rapunzel alongside him, fueling fan edits and theories.
Fan reactions on X (formerly Twitter) are a whirlwind of enthusiasm and debate. Posts like “milo manheim being casted as flynn rider in the live action tangled has to be one of the greatest things to happen in a long time” from @trolliworms69 capture the joy, while @AndyAlves2503 gushes, “O MILO MANHEIM TÁ MAIS FLYNN RIDER DO QUE NUNCA” (Milo Manheim is more Flynn Rider than ever). Support from Zachary Levi, who commented “Congrats, Milo! Now go do Eugene Fitzherbert proud,” and Disney’s official quip “Here comes the smolder!” add official endorsement. Yet, backlash over Manheim’s views persists, with @QudsNen noting calls to boycott, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and politics.
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Milo Manheim has just been cast as Flynn Rider in the live-action …
Production details tease grandeur: filming in the UK mid-2026, with Kathryn Hahn in talks for Mother Gothel, bringing her Agatha All Along edge to the role. Gracey’s musical expertise suggests spectacular sequences, perhaps with updated songs and CGI hair that rivals the original’s innovation.
Why will this succeed? Tangled‘s timeless appeal, combined with Croft and Manheim’s chemistry, could redefine the remake formula. In a post-pandemic world craving escapism, this film offers hope, humor, and heart—proving Disney’s magic endures.
As lanterns prepare to float skyward, Tangled live-action beckons with promise. Milo Manheim’s Flynn, immortalized in fan art, is the beacon drawing us in. Get ready to let your
