Get ready to fall in love with Rapunzel all over again—but this time, she’s got an Aussie accent. Disney’s live-action Tangled has finally found its leading lady, and her name is Teagan Croft. But who is this rising star, and what makes her the perfect fit for one of Disney’s most iconic roles? Let’s unravel the story—pun intended.
Here’s where it gets exciting: Teagan Croft, a 21-year-old Sydney native, has been cast as Rapunzel in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled. This isn’t just any role—it’s the role that could catapult her from relative obscurity to global stardom. But here’s the twist: she reportedly beat out other talented actresses like The White Lotus star Sarah Catherine Hook, Olivia-Mai Barrett (Invasion), and Freya Skye (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires) to claim the part. Talk about fierce competition!
And this is the part most people miss: Croft isn’t just stepping into any princess’s shoes—she’s following in the footsteps of Mandy Moore, who voiced Rapunzel in the 2010 animated hit. Joining her on this adventure is Milo Manheim, best known for his role in Disney’s Zombies franchise, who’ll play the charming thief Flynn Rider. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), this film is shaping up to be a must-watch.
But here’s where it gets controversial: With the original Tangled grossing over $865 million globally and becoming a cornerstone of Disney’s second renaissance, expectations are sky-high. Can Croft and Manheim live up to the legacy? Or will this remake fall flat like some other live-action attempts? Let’s just say opinions are already divided.
So, who is Teagan Croft, and how did she land here? Born in Sydney in 2004, Croft started acting at just nine years old, wowing audiences as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird at Sydney’s New Theatre. Critics called her a “revelation,” and it’s easy to see why. By 2016, she was starring in Home and Away and the sci-fi film The Osiris Child. Her big break came in 2018 when she was cast as Rachel Roth (aka White Raven) in the DC Universe series Titans, a role she played until 2023.
And this is the part that’ll make you root for her: At just 16, Croft filmed True Spirit, playing real-life sailor Jessica Watson, who attempted to circumnavigate the globe solo. Her aunt, actress Jessica McNamee, gushed on Instagram about Croft’s dedication, filming during lockdowns while studying remotely for her exams. Talk about multitasking!
Croft isn’t just a talented actress—she’s also a student, pursuing an English literature degree with a minor in music theory. Her Instagram bio? “Actor/Lit Major/Majorly Lit.” Cute, right? In an interview with RUSSH magazine, she shared her philosophy on acting: “My goal is to make people feel against their will.” With Rapunzel’s rich backstory, she’s got the perfect canvas to do just that.
But here’s the question that’s got everyone talking: Can Teagan Croft redefine Rapunzel for a new generation? Her subtle hints on social media—like lip-syncing to Frozen 2’s “Lost in the Woods” on TikTok—suggest she’s ready to embrace her Disney destiny. But will audiences embrace her? That’s the million-dollar question.
One thing’s for sure: with her talent, determination, and that iconic golden hair, Teagan Croft is a star on the rise. Whether you’re a Disney die-hard or a skeptic of remakes, this is one actress you’ll want to keep an eye on. What do you think? Is Teagan Croft the perfect Rapunzel, or is this casting a tangled mess? Sound off in the comments!