Milo Manheim’s Very Big Year
Photography by Mekhi Turner, Styling by Amanda Lim
Milo Manheim is best known as Zed in Disney’s hit movie musical franchise Zombies, which premiered its 4th installment, Zombies 4: Dawn of Vampires last year. But in a different universe he’s Wally Clark in Paramount+’s YA drama series School Spirits, which is releasing its third season on January 28.
Manheim is one of those actors who exudes natural charisma and warmth while staying true to himself. He continues to expand his resume and range with his return to theatre, as he starred in the 2024 Deaf West stage production of Green Day’s American Idiot. Recently, Milo made his Off-Broadway debut starring as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors alongside Elizabeth Gillies. But he didn’t get to rest much as he went on to portray (Peter) for three days in the Jesus Christ Superstar production at the Hollywood Bowl in LA, performing alongside a star-studded cast that included Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo. Now a new exciting adventure awaits him.
What does art mean to you?
Art is any form of expression of feeling. It’s a necessity to both the artist and the observer. When it’s shared, it connects and heals us in a way that transcends words.
What’s one thing you love about industry?
I love the people. Everyone is in it for different reasons and it’s always fascinating to me to discover what inspires a certain individual.
If you could change or improve one thing within the industry — what would it be?
If I could improve one thing in the industry, it would be to emphasize the value of face to face conversations. A lot of business is done through emails and phone calls, and I think so much would change if those same deals were made over lunch. This goes beyond the industry. We would all gain so much more empathy if we started thinking about each other more as people and not as players.
I feel most creative when..
I feel most creative when I am in a safe environment to play. Whether I’m alone, with friends, or coworkers, knowing I can fail without judgment allows for maximum creativity to flow. You can’t reach flow state and be self conscious at the same time.
You’ve been a part of a film franchise for nearly a decade now. How did it feel to return to Zombies 4 as a producer on the film? Is producing something you’d like to dive more into?
Producing Zombies 4 was one of the greatest experiences of my life. As an actor, I feel so lucky to have originated something that’s inspired so many people, so being able to dive deeper into that creative process as a producer was honestly a blessing. I’ve always been someone who thinks about the whole world I’m in and not just the character I’m portraying, so when I stepped into the producer role the ideas just kept flowing.
Who is an actor, director, or producer you’d love to work with?
I always value truth over everything. Actors that do the weird human things they don’t teach you in a class, directors who just let the camera roll and see what happens without a goal in mind, producers who value artistry over what will do well in the box office. There are too many to name, but Greta Gerwig seems to keep coming to mind.
Milo is wearing an ANDRO blazer and shirt and LEVI's denim. Left: SIMKHAI (full look)
Photography by Mekhi Turner, Styling by Amanda Lim
What’s an old Hollywood film you would have loved to be a part of? Why?
This is a shitty answer, but I don’t think I would want to be apart of any old Hollywood film I love. I love them for a reason and I wouldn’t want to change anything about them. However, I would’ve loved to have been on sets of Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story, and The Wizard of Oz, as an observer.
What are you most excited about for fans to see in this season of School Spirits?
This might sound weird, but I’m excited for them to see the horror. The creators of the show Meg and Nate Trinrud have such a unique way of portraying the trauma these characters go through. While there are countless fun moments this season, I think the parts that are hard to watch might be the most healing. They are true artists.
With Wally being a ghost, how do you prepare and continue to bring life into this character over time?
Ironically, even though Wally is dead, he is one of the most lively characters I’ve ever played. When I’m on set, I don’t even think about the fact he’s a ghost, I think about how frustrating it must be for him to be confined by the rules of the ghost world. While he may have physically died, his soul and spirit live on hard.
Milo is wearing an BERLUTI. Left: CALEB PARIS sweater, TOMMY HILFIGER denim.
Photography by Mekhi Turner, Styling by Amanda Lim
How do you keep parts of yourself untouched by fame and expectation?
I haven’t quite figured that out yet. I am so grateful to be where I am in my life and career, but new situations present themselves everyday that I am unequipped to handle. I have to remind myself that the opinions of people who don’t know me on a personal level don’t really matter. I care deeply about people and am more affected by strangers' comments than I’d like to admit. I am trying to be more conscious about where to invest my care.
Well, Congratulations! It’s been announced that you’ve been casted as Flynn Rider in the Tangled live action film. How are you feeling?
The day I received the call that I would be playing Flynn was the greatest day of my life. Tangled is one of my favorite movies of all time. Flynn is one of my favorite characters of all time. I can’t express in words how much I care about the adventure that awaits.
Rapid-Fire
What excites you about the future?
The possibility of a cool new experience.
Favorite song of all time?
Vienna - Billy Joel3. I’m currently watching..
Every single season of Survivor ever.
Someone you look up to..
Right now? John Cena.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you do for work?
Therapist or Chef.
Photography: Mekhi Turner
Grooming: Jenna Nelson at The Wall Group using DIOR.
Stylist: Amanda Lim
This story features in Issue 1 of The Artchive Magazine which is on sale on 16 February 2026. Pre-order here.