Rapunzel Live-Action Cast: The 7 Shocking Contenders And Who Insiders Say Has The Golden Hair

As of December 2025, the casting for Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of *Tangled* remains one of Hollywood’s most closely guarded secrets, yet a flurry of persistent and credible rumors suggests the studio is in the final stages of selecting its core cast. Fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the official announcement, which will finally confirm who will take on the iconic roles of the long-haired princess Rapunzel, the charming rogue Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert), and the villainous Mother Gothel.

The buzz is at an all-time high, with multiple young stars reportedly testing for the lead role, and a major Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) veteran rumored to be stepping into the antagonist's shoes. This deep dive explores the current frontrunners, the production team, and the latest updates on the film that promises to bring Rapunzel's magical tale to life.

The Tangled Live-Action Cast Contenders: A Full Profile of the Frontrunners

While no contracts have been officially signed, insider reports and industry leaks have narrowed the field down to a few compelling candidates for the key roles. This section provides a brief biography of the actresses most frequently cited as Disney's top choices for the coveted roles of Rapunzel and Mother Gothel.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

McKenna Grace (Rapunzel Frontrunner)

• Birth Name: Mckenna Grace
• Born: June 25, 2006 (Grapevine, Texas, USA)
• Profession: Actress, Singer, Writer, Producer
• Notable Work: Grace began her professional acting career at the age of five. She is widely recognized for her roles as the young Emma Swan in *Once Upon a Time*, the gifted math prodigy Mary Adler in *Gifted* (2017), and Phoebe Spengler in *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* and its upcoming sequel. She has also starred in *The Haunting of Hill House* and *The Handmaid's Tale*. Her extensive experience in both dramatic and family-friendly roles makes her a strong contender for the multi-faceted role of Rapunzel.

Sadie Sink (Rapunzel Contender)

• Birth Name: Sadie Elizabeth Sink
• Born: April 16, 2002 (Brenham, Texas, USA)
• Profession: Actress
• Notable Work: Sink is best known globally for playing Max Mayfield in the hit Netflix series *Stranger Things*. Her powerful, critically acclaimed performance in *The Whale* alongside Brendan Fraser further cemented her status as a serious dramatic actress. Her profile and fan base make her a highly popular choice among fans for the role of the confined princess.

Scarlett Johansson (Mother Gothel Frontrunner)

• Birth Name: Scarlett Ingrid Johansson
• Born: November 22, 1984 (Manhattan, New York, USA)
• Profession: Actress, Singer
• Notable Work: A globally recognized A-list star, Johansson is famous for her portrayal of Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) in the MCU films. Her diverse filmography includes Oscar-nominated roles in *Marriage Story* and *Jojo Rabbit*, as well as major commercial hits. Reports suggest she is in talks to play Mother Gothel, the manipulative villain who raises Rapunzel in the tower, a role that would require a powerful, commanding presence.

The Battle for Rapunzel: Why Disney is Eyeing These Young Stars

The role of Rapunzel requires a demanding combination of acting talent, a youthful look, and strong vocal ability, as *Tangled* is a beloved musical. The four main actresses rumored to be on Disney's shortlist each bring a unique strength to the table, fueling intense debate among fans and industry observers.

McKenna Grace: The Insider Favorite

Grace has been cited by multiple reputable sources as the actress currently favored by insiders. Her age (mid-teens) aligns well with the character's youthful energy, and her background includes both major studio films and emotionally complex indie projects. Crucially, she is also a singer, which is a non-negotiable requirement for the character. Her widespread appeal and proven track record make her a safe and exciting choice for the studio.

Sadie Sink: The Dramatic Powerhouse

Sadie Sink’s inclusion on the shortlist highlights Disney's desire for a Rapunzel who can handle the emotional depth of the story—a princess who has been isolated and gaslit her entire life. While her singing experience is less public than others, her global fame from *Stranger Things* would guarantee massive box office appeal. Her signature red hair could also be seen as an intentional visual contrast to the character's golden locks, or a sign of her versatility.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Emma Myers and Freya Skye: The Rising Stars

Emma Myers, known for her breakout role in the Netflix series *Wednesday*, is another name frequently mentioned. Her ability to handle both comedic and dramatic elements, along with her growing popularity, makes her a viable option. Meanwhile, Freya Skye, a star from the *Zombies 4* franchise, has been linked to the role after director Michael Gracey reportedly followed her on social media, a subtle hint that has sent the fan community into a frenzy. Skye's background in a musical franchise suggests she already possesses the necessary vocal chops.

Production Insights: Director, Writer, and the Quest for Flynn Rider

The successful adaptation of *Tangled* hinges not just on its cast, but on the creative team behind the camera, as well as the chemistry between the leads. The latest production updates provide a clear picture of the film’s direction.

The Director and Writer Shaping the Tale

The film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, best known for helming the highly successful musical *The Greatest Showman*. Gracey’s experience with elaborate musical numbers, stunning visuals, and heartfelt storytelling makes him an ideal candidate to translate the magic of *Tangled* to a live-action format. The latest draft of the screenplay is reportedly being handled by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on *Thor: Love and Thunder* and *Someone Great*. This combination of a director with musical flair and a writer with a modern, sharp voice suggests the live-action film will be a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant retelling.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The Hunt for Eugene Fitzherbert (Flynn Rider)

The role of the charming, witty, and surprisingly sensitive thief, Flynn Rider (whose real name is Eugene Fitzherbert), is just as crucial as Rapunzel. The casting decision for this character must prioritize chemistry with the lead actress and, ideally, vocal talent. The current rumors and popular fancasts include a diverse group of young actors:

• Mason Thames: Often paired with McKenna Grace in fan-casting conversations, Thames has gained recognition for his role in *The Black Phone*.
• Milo Manheim: A popular fancast and star of the Disney Channel's *Zombies* franchise, Manheim has proven singing and dancing skills, making him a perfect fit for a Disney musical.
• Danny Ramirez: The actor, known for *Top Gun: Maverick*, has openly expressed interest in the role, indicating that the casting search is attracting high-profile talent.
• Corey Mylchreest: The *Queen Charlotte* star reportedly auditioned for an earlier iteration of the project, confirming that the search for the perfect Eugene has been ongoing and rigorous.

The Mother Gothel Showdown: Johansson vs. Hahn

The most shocking and exciting casting rumor is the potential involvement of Scarlett Johansson as Mother Gothel. Her history as an action star and dramatic actress would bring a powerful, almost tragic gravitas to the villain. However, another name consistently mentioned is Kathryn Hahn, an actress celebrated for her versatile and often comedic-yet-sinister roles in projects like *WandaVision*. Both actresses possess the vocal range and theatrical presence to deliver a memorable performance of the iconic song "Mother Knows Best."

What’s Next for the Tangled Live-Action Movie?

The current status of the project suggests that the official casting announcement is imminent. With the director and writer in place and the shortlist for the main roles reportedly finalized, Disney appears to be moving quickly to lock in its talent. The selection of the Rapunzel live action cast will be a pivotal moment, as it will determine the tone and success of the film, which is expected to be one of Disney’s next major live-action tentpoles.

Fans should continue to watch for official announcements from the studio, as the names currently circulating—McKenna Grace, Sadie Sink, Scarlett Johansson, and the various Flynn Rider contenders—represent some of the most exciting and talented stars in the industry. The long, golden hair of Rapunzel’s tower is about to open, and the world is waiting to see who steps out.