The Golden Hair Race: Who Will Play Rapunzel In Disney's Live-Action Tangled? The Latest Cast Rumors And 2025 Updates

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved 2010 animated hit, Tangled, is officially moving forward, generating a massive wave of speculation and excitement across the internet. As of December 2025, the project has been greenlit and is continuing development following a temporary pause, with a major focus now shifting to the casting process for the iconic trio: Rapunzel, Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert), and the villainous Mother Gothel. While no official names have been confirmed by Disney, a handful of young Hollywood stars have emerged as the top contenders, fueled by both fan-casting campaigns and credible industry rumors, making the search for the girl with the magical golden hair the biggest casting story of the year.

The new live-action film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, known for the visually stunning musical The Greatest Showman, and the screenplay is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. This creative team suggests the remake will honor the original's musical elements while bringing a fresh, contemporary take to the classic fairy tale. The following is a deep dive into the most current and persistent rumors surrounding the key roles, along with the latest production news.

The Top Contenders: A Comprehensive Look at the Rumored Live-Action Tangled Cast

The search for the cast of Tangled is highly scrutinized, as the actors must not only capture the look and spirit of the characters but also possess strong vocal capabilities to perform the film's memorable songs. The following list details the most frequently mentioned names for the main roles, along with their key biographical details and why they are being considered.

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Rapunzel (The Lost Princess)

The role of Rapunzel, originally voiced by Mandy Moore, is the most coveted and debated part. Multiple young actresses have been linked to the role, with a select few becoming fan-favorite frontrunners.

• McKenna Grace: Born June 25, 2006, in Grapevine, Texas. Grace is an American actress and singer who began her professional career at age five. She is a powerhouse performer, known for her roles in Gifted, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and the series The Haunting of Hill House. Grace is arguably the strongest fan-favorite, with rumors suggesting she is a top choice for Disney. Her youthful look and established dramatic range make her a compelling candidate.
• Sadie Sink: Born April 16, 2002, in Brenham, Texas. Sink is an American actress who rose to global fame as Max Mayfield in the Netflix series Stranger Things. She has a background in theater, having played the title role in the Broadway musical Annie, confirming her singing ability. Her star power and proven dramatic depth make her a strong contender, often cited in industry rumor reports.
• Emma Myers: Born April 2, 2002, in Orlando, Florida. Myers is an American actress best known for her breakthrough role as Enid Sinclair in the Netflix series Wednesday. Her energetic, charming, and bright persona in Wednesday has led many fans to see her as a perfect fit for Rapunzel’s innocent and spirited nature.
• Other Notables: Isabela Merced, Florence Pugh, and Freya Skye (who was followed on social media by director Michael Gracey, sparking immediate rumors) have also been mentioned in various reports and fan campaigns.

Flynn Rider / Eugene Fitzherbert (The Charming Thief)

The role of the swashbuckling thief, originally voiced by Zachary Levi, requires an actor with charisma, comedic timing, and a strong voice. The casting for this role seems to be narrowing down to a few key names.

• Mason Thames: Born July 10, 2007. Thames is an American actor best known for his leading role in the horror film The Black Phone. The strongest current rumor suggests Thames is being considered for the role of Flynn Rider, potentially opposite McKenna Grace as Rapunzel. This pairing has gained significant traction online and in industry speculation circles.
• Other Rumors: While Thames is the current focus, other young actors frequently mentioned in fan-casting discussions include Noah Beck and Jack Dylan Grazer, though these are largely unverified fan suggestions.

Mother Gothel (The Manipulative Villain)

Mother Gothel, the theatrical and possessive villain, is a role expected to be filled by a major Hollywood star, echoing the trend in other Disney live-action remakes.

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• The Scarlett Johansson Update: Earlier rumors suggested that Oscar-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson was in talks for the role. However, reports in late 2025 indicated that Johansson is no longer attached to the project, leaving the role wide open.
• Current Status: Despite the setback, Disney is reportedly still aiming to cast a major, high-profile star for the role of the manipulative sorceress, ensuring the film has a significant box office draw.

The Tangled Cinematic Universe: Director, Writer, and Production Status

The live-action Tangled project gained significant momentum with the attachment of its core creative team, promising a high-quality musical spectacle. The film is officially titled Tangled, maintaining the simplicity of the original.

Director Michael Gracey: The selection of Gracey, who successfully helmed the musical blockbuster The Greatest Showman, signals Disney's commitment to making the Tangled remake a true musical event. His experience with elaborate set pieces and powerful song-and-dance numbers is a perfect fit for Rapunzel's vibrant world.

Screenwriter Jennifer Kaytin Robinson: The screenplay is being written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Marvel's Thor: Love and Thunder and the dark comedy Do Revenge. Her involvement suggests the film may inject a modern, sharp wit into the dialogue, similar to the original's humorous tone, particularly the dynamic between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.

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Why The Casting Delay is Generating So Much Buzz

The lack of official casting announcements for a project that has been in development for several years is a major source of fan curiosity. This delay is likely strategic, allowing Disney to find the perfect blend of star power, vocal talent, and chemistry for the central roles. The success of the film hinges on the Rapunzel/Flynn Rider dynamic, which requires a specific, charming energy.

Another factor is the recent performance of other live-action remakes. The studio is taking extra time to ensure Tangled, which is one of the most beloved "modern" Disney classics, meets extremely high expectations. The original film's voice actors, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, set a high bar for both the acting and singing performances.

Release Date and The Road Ahead

As of late 2025, there is no official release date announced for the live-action Tangled. Given that the project is still in the casting and early development phase, a likely release window would be no earlier than late 2027 or 2028. Production schedules for major Disney live-action films are lengthy, often taking two to three years from the completion of casting to the theatrical premiere.

Fans should continue to monitor announcements from director Michael Gracey and Disney, especially regarding the final choices for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the crucial Mother Gothel role. Whether the role goes to a fan favorite like McKenna Grace or a surprise newcomer, the live-action Tangled is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Disney remakes of the decade.