Why Milo Manheim Is Going to Be the Perfect Flynn Rider in Disney’s Tangled Live Action
Watch my live reaction here!
The live-action Tangled movie is officially coming, and Disney’s choice to cast Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider is already proving to be one of the most exciting decisions in Disney adaptation history. (And one of the most exciting bits of news I’ve personally heard in the past year.) From his track record with Disney, his musical theatre background, and that undeniable charm, he’s the perfect choice.
Manheim already has deep roots in the Disney musical world. He’s well-known for his work in Disney’s Zombies franchise as lead character Zed Necrodopolis, showing he can handle the studio’s blend of heart, humor, and musicality with grace. The franchise produced four films over the past eight years, all starring Manheim alongside Meg Donnelly. In addition to his work as singer-actor, he also served as an Executive Producer in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, influencing the creative direction of the film, specifically in casting, wardrobe, and editing. With his years of experience starring in and working on Disney musicals, he already has a strong understanding of what the studio values and expects from its leading performers.
That alone sets a tone for fans who want someone who loves Disney and the original movie as much as we do, and he is stepping into this role with enthusiasm and gratitude, stating on his instagram story, “I will do him justice I promise”.
Let’s talk theater because Manheim isn’t just a screen actor. He starred as Peter in the Hollywood Bowl's 2025 concert production of Jesus Christ Superstar and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors in 2025, nailing the role night after night. That sort of schedule is a proving ground few actors take lightly. Performing live shows weekly builds stamina, consistency, and a performer’s confidence, exactly what a big musical like Tangled needs. It’s the kind of dedication that doesn’t just prepare you for rehearsal rooms but also prepares you for the emotional and physical demands of a lead role.
His performance in Journey to Bethlehem as Joseph already showed off his vocal strengths and screen presence, almost like a mini-audition for this very moment. If you don’t believe me, go listen to The Ultimate Deception from the movie’s soundtrack. I’ve had that song on an endless loop on my Spotify in excitement for the Tangled soundtrack we’ll eventually be blessed with. As one of the film’s lead actor-singers, the role demanded emotional depth, vocal control, and stamina, and Manheim met all of it with a confidence that made it clear he’s ready to take on any role and kill it.
Let’s be honest for a second: Flynn Rider is that Disney prince. The charm, the confidence, the looks, the smolder. And I genuinely cannot think of a single other person right now who embodies that combination better than Milo Manheim. He has the looks down effortlessly (dreamyyyyyyyy), but more importantly, he has the presence. The kind that pulls your attention the second he’s on screen and keeps it there.
He’s also already been smoldering. His expressions, the timing, the easy confidence… it’s all there without feeling forced or overdone, which is exactly what makes Flynn work. That self-assured, slightly cocky energy paired with a softness underneath? That’s Milo (and crazy hot). And judging by the fact that he’s been a Flynn Rider fancast across the internet for over a year now, I’m clearly not alone in seeing it.
Flynn Rider has been one of the most beloved Disney princes since Tangled first came out, and for many people (myself included), he’s been the favorite. Manheim doesn’t just look the part, he feels like him. Flynn has been my favorite Disney prince since the original Tangled came out, and now after a year of praying, knowing that Manheim is stepping into this role honestly makes me love Flynn even more already. I know his character will be handled with the care, charisma, and heart he deserves.
Being fancast as Flynn for at least a year before the live-action was officially confirmed speaks volumes. Fans all over the internet (specifically ME!) were manifesting him in the role long before the headlines dropped. I even had him sign a poster of Flynn Rider (which, by the way, first ever piece of Milo/Flynn merchandise??) when I saw him in Little Shop of Horrors last May, eight months before the casting was announced. That’s the kind of support studios dream of because it means people already see him as Flynn Rider in their minds.
Flynn Rider isn’t just beloved because he’s charming. He’s beloved because under that cocky charm beats a golden heart. And from everything you’ve seen firsthand to the way Manheim interacts with his fans (warm, gracious, and genuinely happy to take time with everybody), he lives that warmth off screen too. That’s not something you can fake, and it’s exactly the energy a character like Flynn needs.
There are very few casting announcements that feel this personal to me, but the moment Milo Manheim was announced as Flynn Rider was one of them. This wasn’t a casual “oh, that makes sense” kind of reaction. This was full-on excitement, the kind where you have to pause, reread the headline, and process that something you’ve been hoping for actually happened. If anyone else had been announced, I genuinely don’t think I would have spoken to anyone for a month. A friend commented on how much happier I’ve been coming across as recently and said to me that if someone else was announced to play Flynn, my entire month would have looked so different. This casting didn’t just feel right. It felt like I won the lottery.
Long story short: Milo Manheim isn’t just good for this role, he’s the guy fans have been waiting for. This casting feels like Disney truly listened. I recorded my live reaction to the announcement, and you can watch it here.
