Milo Manheim, a name that’s been familiar to Disney Channel fans for years, is now stepping into the biggest spotlight of his career—and he’s doing so with a story that’s as modern as the character he’s about to play. On March 16, 2026, the 24-year-old actor revealed on the Oscars red carpet that he will portray Flynn Rider in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Tangled. The announcement, which came just months before Hollywood’s most glamorous night, has set off a wave of conversation far beyond the usual casting buzz.
For Manheim, this is more than just another gig. It’s a leap into a role that’s both physically demanding and steeped in Disney tradition. According to Entertainment Weekly, Manheim learned of his casting just ten minutes before the official news broke—a moment he described as surreal and beautiful. “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,” he recalled. His excitement was palpable during a recent appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, where he shared details of his rigorous preparation for the role.
And rigorous it is. Manheim isn’t just memorizing lines or practicing his smolder (though fans will surely be watching for that iconic eyebrow raise). He’s diving into a training regimen that includes breath control, gymnastics, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The goal? To bring Flynn Rider’s acrobatics and daring escapes to life in a way that feels authentic and fresh. “They’re looking for a giant stallion,” Manheim joked, referencing both his tall frame and the horse that’s become a fan favorite from the original film. He’s confident that movie magic will make every angle work perfectly on screen.
The cast surrounding Manheim is equally impressive. Teagan Croft, an Australian actress known for her role as Raven in Titans, will play Rapunzel, while Kathryn Hahn steps into the sinister shoes of Mother Gothel. The film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, whose work on The Greatest Showman proved he knows how to handle spectacle and heart in equal measure. The screenplay comes from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, and the project is slated for release in 2027, with filming expected to begin later this year in Spain.
But it’s not just the professional challenge that’s drawing attention. Manheim’s personal story is under the microscope, too, and it’s one that reflects Hollywood’s evolving attitudes toward family and identity. As reported by The Daily Mail, Manheim is the son of Emmy-winning actress Camryn Manheim, best known for her roles in The Practice and Law & Order. Camryn welcomed Milo in 2001 as a single mother via in vitro fertilization (IVF), with the sperm donor being her lifelong friend, Jeffrey Brezovar—a former top model and openly gay man.
Brezovar’s involvement was kept discreet at first, but he was by Camryn’s side in the delivery room, an experience People magazine described as one of the happiest moments of her life. Four years later, Brezovar appeared on the cover of Out magazine under the tagline: “He’s a top model. He’s a dad. And he’s gay.” He didn’t mention Camryn by name, but made it clear he’d “helped a celebrity friend have a child.” Fast forward to today, and Brezovar, now 53 and living in Santa Fe, often posts about Manheim online—most recently celebrating his son’s Tangled casting with pride. “Like father, like son,” Camryn chimed in the comments. “Handsome, charming, and kind—just like Flynn Rider.”
For Manheim, this family dynamic is a source of strength and inspiration. “She’s a single mom. I’m an only child. I spent the first 18 years of my life with her every day,” he told People in 2024. “We make each other better, bottom line.” Brezovar, too, has reflected on how times have changed. “That was 40 years ago, and times have changed. My son is a loving, caring, remarkable soul. And he continues to remind me I’m DAD. His mom is pretty fantastic, too,” he wrote in a heartfelt Father’s Day post.
This portrait of a 21st-century family stands in stark contrast to the culture-war climate that’s often engulfed Disney in recent years. The studio has faced fierce backlash for its progressive casting and storylines, from the Snow White reboot starring Rachel Zegler to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in films like Lightyear and Strange World. Some fans and critics have accused Disney of “forcing an agenda,” while others argue that inclusion is long overdue. The result has been a mixed bag at the box office, with hits like the live-action Lilo & Stitch (over $1 billion worldwide in 2025) and flops like Strange World.
Manheim’s casting as Flynn Rider lands right in the middle of this ongoing debate. For some, he represents the “nepo baby” phenomenon—children of celebrities finding their way into Hollywood’s biggest roles. For others, his story is a testament to the changing face of American families and the entertainment industry’s growing embrace of diversity. The fact that his real-life background is even a topic of conversation speaks volumes about the times we live in.
Of course, there’s also the matter of living up to fan expectations. The original Tangled, released in 2010, was a massive hit, grossing nearly $600 million globally and spawning a Disney Channel series, a theatrical short, and theme park attractions. Zachary Levi’s performance as Flynn Rider became iconic, setting a high bar for anyone stepping into those boots. Manheim, however, is no stranger to musical productions—he starred in the Zombies franchise and recently took the stage in an off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. His years of experience performing choreographed numbers and his theatrical background suggest he’s more than ready for the challenge.
Disney, for its part, is betting big on this new chapter. With a creative team that includes producer Kristin Burr (known for Cruella and Freaky Friday) and director Michael Gracey, the studio is hoping to recapture the magic that made the original Tangled a beloved classic while appealing to a new generation of viewers. The decision to cast Teagan Croft as Rapunzel has sparked some controversy among fans, with some expressing disappointment that Sabrina Carpenter wasn’t chosen. Still, the anticipation for the film remains high, and the built-in fanbase may be exactly what Disney needs to restore some of its fairytale luster.
As filming prepares to kick off in Spain later this year, all eyes will be on Manheim—not just as an actor, but as a symbol of Hollywood’s ongoing evolution. Whether Tangled soars or stumbles at the box office, one thing is certain: Milo Manheim’s journey from Disney Channel star to leading man is a story that resonates in more ways than one.