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The Golden Shortlist: 7 Actresses Vying To Play Rapunzel In Disney's Live-Action Tangled Remake

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The search for Disney’s next long-haired princess is officially underway, and the internet is buzzing with speculation. As of December 2025, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated classic, Tangled, has moved into the active casting phase, with a confirmed director and writer attached, and a shortlist of young actresses undergoing screen tests in London. This article breaks down the most current and confirmed rumors, revealing the top contenders for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the villainous Mother Gothel, as the project ramps up production.

The original animated film, which featured the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, remains one of Disney’s most beloved modern fairy tales, making the casting process for the live-action remake a monumental task. The studio is reportedly seeking fresh faces who possess both acting chops and strong vocal abilities to carry the iconic musical numbers by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. While an official cast announcement remains elusive, the names on the rumored shortlist offer a thrilling glimpse into who might bring the magic of Rapunzel’s tower to life.

The Tangled Live-Action Project: Development and Crew Update

Disney’s live-action remakes have been a cornerstone of their film strategy for years, and Tangled is next in line to receive the big-budget treatment. The project has been in development for some time, with recent updates confirming the creative team behind the camera.

The film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on the visually stunning musical The Greatest Showman. Gracey’s experience with big-scale musical production suggests the Tangled adaptation will retain the heart and spectacle of its animated predecessor, focusing heavily on the musical elements.

The screenplay is reportedly being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who has previously worked on films like Thor: Love and Thunder and Someone Great. This combination of a director with musical flair and a writer with experience in big-budget fantasy-comedy suggests a faithful yet modern take on the classic story of a princess, a rogue, a chameleon named Pascal, and a heroic horse named Maximus.

While a definitive release date has not been announced by Walt Disney Pictures, the active casting process suggests the film could begin principal photography as early as late 2026, pushing a potential theatrical release into 2027 or 2028.

Rapunzel's Shortlist: Who is Vying for the Golden Hair?

The role of Rapunzel is arguably the most coveted in Hollywood right now, requiring an actress who can convey both wide-eyed innocence and fierce determination, all while having the vocal range for songs like "When Will My Life Begin?" and "I See the Light." Recent reports indicate that Disney is currently testing a select group of young, talented actresses for the role.

The rumored shortlist for Rapunzel is diverse and highly competitive, featuring both established young stars and rising talents.

  • Freya Skye: Considered one of the top contenders following her breakout performance in the UK music scene and various acting roles. Her name has been consistently mentioned in industry circles as a favorite.
  • Sadie Sink: Known globally for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, Sink has the star power and dramatic experience that Disney often seeks. Her ability to handle complex emotional arcs makes her a strong candidate.
  • McKenna Grace: A highly respected young actress with an impressive resume, including roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Handmaid’s Tale. Grace’s versatility and youthful energy align well with the character.
  • Emma Myers: Gaining massive popularity from her role in Wednesday, Myers brings a unique, quirky charm that could translate well to Rapunzel’s sheltered yet curious nature.
  • Isabel May: The star of the 1883 and 1923 Western dramas, May has the compelling screen presence that could anchor a major franchise.
  • Sarah Catherine Hook: Known for her work in First Kill, Hook is another name that has surfaced as a strong vocal and acting candidate during the screen test phase.
  • Teagan Croft: Best known for playing Raven in the DC series Titans, Croft brings a darker, more dramatic edge, which could hint at a slightly different tone for the live-action film.

The decision will likely come down to chemistry reads with the potential Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel, as well as the actress's ability to embody the character's signature blend of vulnerability and strength.

The Rogue and The Villain: Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel Contenders

The casting for Rapunzel’s love interest, the charming rogue Flynn Rider, whose real name is Eugene Fitzherbert, is just as crucial. The actor must possess the comedic timing, the swagger, and the vocal talent to match the animated performance by Zachary Levi.

The Hunt for Eugene Fitzherbert (Flynn Rider)

While the Rapunzel shortlist is long, one name has consistently emerged as a popular fan-cast and a strong rumored contender for Flynn Rider: Milo Manheim.

Manheim, an actor and singer known for the Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise and his role in School Spirits, has the youthful appeal and musical background that Disney executives are looking for. His potential casting would align with Disney's strategy of selecting rising stars from their own talent pool who can carry a major musical film. Other names are being tested alongside Manheim, but he remains a highly discussed option in casting rumors for the role of the charming thief.

Casting the Insidious Mother Gothel

Mother Gothel, the manipulative and vain villain who steals Rapunzel as a baby, requires an actress with a powerful stage presence and a commanding voice for her signature song, "Mother Knows Best." The casting process for this role has seen a major shift recently.

Initially, major Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson was reportedly eyeing the role of Mother Gothel, generating significant buzz. However, recent updates indicate that Johansson is no longer attached to the project.

The current top rumor suggests that Disney is now eyeing Emmy-nominated actress Kathryn Hahn for the role. Hahn, known for her scene-stealing performances in projects like WandaVision and Glass Onion, has the dramatic range and comedic timing to perfectly capture Gothel's complex, theatrical villainy. Casting a major star like Hahn would fulfill the studio’s reported desire for a high-profile actress to take on the villain role, following in the footsteps of previous live-action antagonists.

The Next Steps: Production Timeline and Musical Expectations

With the director and writer secured, and casting in the final stages, the live-action Tangled is poised to become one of the biggest Disney live-action remakes of the decade. The film is expected to be a full-blown musical, utilizing the Academy Award-nominated songs from the original, which were written by Disney legend Alan Menken.

The focus on casting actors who can sing is a clear signal that the team intends to honor the musical legacy of the original film. Furthermore, the film’s production will face the complex challenge of bringing the iconic 70 feet of magical golden hair to life using cutting-edge visual effects. The successful casting of Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel will be the final piece of the puzzle before the project moves from the development stage to active filming, likely commencing in a European location like Spain, according to some unconfirmed reports.

Fans of the original can expect a fresh, yet faithful, adaptation that explores the deep themes of freedom, destiny, and true love, all while bringing the beloved animal companions, Pascal the chameleon and Maximus the horse, to life using photorealistic CGI.

tangled live-action cast
tangled live-action cast

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