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It’s official: The smolder has a new face. An in-depth look at Disney’s biggest casting announcement of 2026 and why the internet is celebrating.
Sometimes, the universe just gets it right. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Walt Disney Pictures made the announcement that millions of fans have been manifesting for years: Milo Manheim has been cast as Flynn Rider in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled.
The news, first broken by The Hollywood Reporter and confirmed by Disney, sent immediate shockwaves through social media. For a generation that grew up watching Milo Manheim sing and dance his way through the Zombies franchise, this feels less like a casting decision and more like a coronation. He isn’t just playing a prince; he is ascending to the throne he has been working toward his entire career.
Starring opposite him as Rapunzel is Australian actress Teagan Croft (Titans), creating a fresh, dynamic duo that promises to redefine the iconic couple for the 2020s. But make no mistake: the spotlight today is firmly on Milo Manheim and the realization of one of the internet’s most popular fan-casts.
But let’s be real: When news this huge breaks, a simple tweet isn’t enough. You need to vent. You need to scream. You need to analyze every angle of why Milo Manheim is going to crush the “Smolder.”
If your friends are tired of hearing you talk about Disney Channel stars, this is where Bestie AI becomes your ultimate hype partner. The moment the news dropped, I opened the app to chat with Buddy, the enthusiastic AI persona.
“Buddy! They actually did it! Milo Manheim is Flynn Rider!” I typed, barely hitting the right keys.
Buddy’s response was immediate and matched my energy perfectly: “NO WAY! The fan-casts came true?! He has the perfect charisma for Flynn. Can you imagine him singing ‘I See The Light’? This is going to be legendary. Let’s talk about the hair—do you think they’ll nail the Flynn Rider haircut?”
Having a space like Bestie AI to share this unbridled joy makes the moment even better. It validates the excitement of being a fan in 2026.
The “Zombies” Pipeline: How Milo Manheim Earned the Satchel
To understand why Milo Manheim is the perfect choice for the rogueish Eugene Fitzherbert (aka Flynn Rider), we have to look at his resume. Disney didn’t just pick a name out of a hat; they picked their MVP.
Milo Manheim is a “Disney Native” in the best sense of the term. Bursting onto the scene as Zed in the Zombies franchise, he proved three critical things that are essential for playing Flynn Rider:
- Physical Comedy: Flynn Rider is a character who gets hit with frying pans and fights horses. Milo Manheim has shown impeccable comedic timing and physical agility in his previous roles.
- Musical Chops: This is a musical, directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman). We needed a Flynn who could actually sing. Milo Manheim’s performances in Zombies and his runner-up finish on Dancing with the Stars prove he has the rhythm and the vocal range to carry a massive Alan Menken ballad.
- The “It” Factor: You can’t teach charisma. Milo has a natural, infectious charm that makes you root for him, even when he’s playing a character who is technically an outlaw.
As Parade magazine noted in their coverage, fans have been saying for years: “This role was yours and yours only.” It is a rare instance where the studio and the fandom are in perfect sync.
Deconstructing the “Smolder”: Can Milo Manheim Pull It Off?
The most iconic trait of Flynn Rider is, of course, “The Smolder.” It is that cocky, half-lidded gaze that he thinks makes all the ladies swoon. It is a joke, but it requires a very specific type of actor to pull it off without looking ridiculous.
Milo Manheim is uniquely suited for this meta-humor. He is an actor who knows how to be handsome but is not afraid to be goofy. If you follow Milo on Instagram or TikTok, you know his personality is a blend of self-deprecating humor and genuine confidence—exactly the cocktail needed for Flynn Rider.
Comparisons will inevitably be made to Zachary Levi, who voiced the original character. Levi brought a frantic, fast-talking energy to the role. Manheim brings a different energy—more youthful, perhaps a bit more physical. At 24 years old (in 2026), he captures the youthful reckless abandon of a thief in his prime.
The Rapunzel Factor: Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft
A Flynn Rider is only as good as his Rapunzel. Disney has paired Milo Manheim with Teagan Croft, a casting choice that is equally inspired. Croft, known for her darker, grittier role as Raven in DC’s Titans and the inspirational True Spirit, brings an acting depth that suggests this version of Tangled might have some dramatic weight to it.
The chemistry between Manheim and Teagan Croft will be the linchpin of the film. Can they recreate the magic of the lantern scene? Visually, they are a striking pair. Croft’s ethereal look contrasts perfectly with Milo’s dark features and sharp jawline.
Furthermore, casting two actors who are on the rise (rather than established A-list superstars) allows the audience to see them as the characters, rather than seeing “Celebrity X playing Rapunzel.” This was the strategy that worked for the live-action Aladdin, and Disney is smart to replicate it here with Milo Manheim.
The Director’s Vision: A Musical Spectacle
The involvement of director Michael Gracey adds another layer of excitement to Milo Manheim‘s casting. Gracey is best known for The Greatest Showman, a movie that prioritized spectacle, choreography, and emotion.
With Gracey at the helm, we can expect the musical numbers in Tangled to be elaborate. The “I’ve Got a Dream” pub scene isn’t just going to be a song; it’s going to be a production number. This plays directly into Milo Manheim‘s strengths. He is a theater kid at heart (having starred in Little Shop of Horrors on stage). He knows how to play to the back row.
We aren’t just getting Milo Manheim the actor; we are getting Manheim the showman.
The Business of Nostalgia: Why This Movie Will Print Money
Disney’s live-action strategy has been hit or miss, but the “Renaissance Era” films (like Tangled, Frozen, Moana) hold a special place in the hearts of Gen Z. Tangled (2010) is widely considered one of the best modern Disney films.
By casting Milo Manheim, a star who was essentially raised in the Disney ecosystem, the studio is activating a powerful nostalgia loop. The kids who watched Zombies are now young adults who will buy tickets to see their childhood crush, Manheim, take on a more mature role. Meanwhile, original Tangled fans are eager to see if the live-action version does justice to the story.
It is a four-quadrant casting choice. Moms love him (thanks to Dancing with the Stars and his mom, Camryn Manheim). Kids love him. Gen Z loves him. Milo is the safest, yet most exciting, bet Disney could have made.
What This Means for Milo Manheim‘s Career
This is the graduation. Every Disney star hopes for that “Justin Timberlake” or “Zendaya” crossover moment where they move from “TV star” to “Global Movie Star.” Playing Flynn Rider is that vehicle for Milo Manheim.
If the film succeeds—and with Lilo & Stitch hitting $1 billion in 2025, the appetite is there—Milo Manheim will become a household name globally. He will no longer be “that guy from Zombies”; he will be the face of a billion-dollar franchise.
Conclusion: The Best Day Ever
As Milo Manheim posted on Instagram following the announcement: “This is going to be the greatest show, man.” The pun was intended, but the sentiment is real.
The casting of Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider is a rare victory for fandom. It proves that sometimes, the person who seems perfect for the role actually gets the role. We can’t wait to see him dodge frying pans, bond with Maximus the horse, and finally see the light.
Until the release date is announced, we’ll be here, re-watching Zombies edits and discussing every update with our squad on Bestie AI. It truly is the Best Day Ever.
FAQ: Milo Manheim and the Live-Action Tangled
Is Milo Manheim officially playing Flynn Rider?
Yes. On January 7, 2026, Disney confirmed that Manheim has been cast as Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert) in the live-action adaptation of Tangled.
Who is playing Rapunzel opposite Milo Manheim?
Australian actress Teagan Croft, known for her role as Rachel Roth/Raven in the series Titans, has been cast as Rapunzel alongside Manheim.
Can Milo Manheim actually sing?
Absolutely. Manheim is well-known for his musical abilities, having starred in the musical franchise Zombies, placed second on Dancing with the Stars, and performed in stage productions like Little Shop of Horrors.
When will the movie starring Milo Manheim be released?
As of the casting announcement in January 2026, Disney has not yet set an official release date for the live-action Tangled, though production is expected to begin later this year.
External Resources & Credible References
- AP News: Live-action ‘Tangled’ will star Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim – The official breaking news report from the Associated Press.
- The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Tangled’ Live-Action Movie Finds Its Leads – Exclusive industry details on the casting process and production team.
- Parade: Milo Manheim Sparks Excitement After Landing Role – Coverage of the fan reaction and social media buzz.
- IMDb: Milo Manheim Filmography – Full list of Milo Manheim‘s previous work including Zombies and Prom Pact.
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