The Live-Action Tangled Cast: 5 Shocking Rumors And Who Is The Frontrunner For Rapunzel (Updated 2025)

The long, winding road to a live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved Tangled has been filled with more twists and turns than Rapunzel’s hair, but as of late 2025, the project is officially back on the fast track. After a reported pause in development following the underwhelming box office performance of another live-action remake, Disney is now pushing forward, with major casting decisions reportedly in the final stages. This article dives deep into the most current and compelling rumors, revealing the young actress who is the current frontrunner for Rapunzel and the A-list Marvel star in talks for the pivotal role of Mother Gothel.

This is not just fan-casting speculation; recent reports from industry insiders suggest that Disney is moving quickly to lock in its leads, signaling that the magical journey to the Kingdom of Corona is closer than ever. The latest updates, including the rumored director and screenwriter, point toward a visually stunning and character-driven adaptation that fans of the 2010 animated classic, which introduced us to Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert (Flynn Rider), will be eager to see.

The Main Contenders: A Deep Dive into the Rumored Live-Action Tangled Cast

While Disney has yet to make an official announcement, the industry buzz is loud, with several young stars reportedly meeting with director Michael Gracey and the production team. The following profiles represent the actors most frequently cited as being in the final stages of casting for the iconic roles of Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel.

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Rapunzel: The Frontrunners and the Fan-Favorites

The role of Rapunzel requires a unique blend of innocence, strength, and, crucially, vocal talent. The list of actresses being considered is a who’s who of rising young Hollywood talent, but one name has consistently emerged as the top choice: Mckenna Grace.

• Mckenna Grace (Frontrunner):
  • Date of Birth: June 25, 2006
  • Notable Filmography: Gifted (2017), I, Tonya (2017), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and The Handmaid’s Tale (TV Series).
  • Why She Fits: Grace has proven her ability to carry a major film and portray complex, emotionally mature characters, making her a strong candidate to bring the beloved Disney Princess to life.
• Sadie Sink (Top Contender):
  • Date of Birth: April 16, 2002
  • Notable Filmography: Max Mayfield in Stranger Things (TV Series), The Whale (2022), and Fear Street (2021).
  • Why She Fits: Sink’s global recognition and powerful dramatic chops from her work on Stranger Things and The Whale make her a compelling, if slightly older, choice for the role.
• Other Rumored Names: Emma Myers, Isabel May, and Freya Skye have also been mentioned in connection with the role of the long-haired princess.

Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert: The Charismatic Thief

The male lead, the charming rogue Flynn Rider (whose real name is Eugene Fitzherbert), is just as crucial to the film’s success. The latest rumors suggest a relatively fresh face for the role.

• Mason Thames (Rumored Lead):
  • Date of Birth: July 10, 2007
  • Notable Filmography: Finney Shaw in The Black Phone (2021).
  • Why He Fits: Thames has quickly gained attention for his lead role in the horror hit The Black Phone, demonstrating a mix of vulnerability and resilience that could translate well to the character of Eugene.

Mother Gothel: The A-List Star in Talks

Perhaps the most exciting and authoritative casting news is the rumored star in negotiations to play the manipulative villain, Mother Gothel. Industry reports indicate that a major Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) star is being eyed for the role.

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• Scarlett Johansson (In Talks):
  • Date of Birth: November 22, 1984
  • Notable Filmography: Black Widow in the MCU, Lost in Translation (2003), Marriage Story (2019), and JoJo Rabbit (2019).
  • Why She Fits: Johansson is an Oscar nominee and global icon whose star power would instantly elevate the project. Her involvement suggests Disney is committed to casting a dramatic, powerhouse actress, potentially to portray a Mother Gothel with a "dramatically changed" and more complex character arc than the animated version.

The Tangled Live-Action Project Status: Why the Delay and What’s Next

The journey to the big screen for the live-action Tangled has been a bumpy one, providing a key piece of fresh information for fans. While initially announced in late 2024, the film’s development hit a snag in early 2025.

The project was reportedly set to a "Shutdown status" in April 2025, largely attributed to the "underwhelming box office release" of the live-action Snow White remake. This brief pause led to speculation that Disney might be rethinking its strategy for costly live-action fairy tales.

However, by October 2025, the film was reportedly set back to a strong "Development status," with the attachment of a major star like Scarlett Johansson suggesting a renewed commitment from the studio. This rapid shift confirms that the project is now a high priority, with the studio reportedly in the "final stages of casting" to move into pre-production.

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Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team and Potential Story Changes

A live-action adaptation is only as good as the creative team guiding it. Disney has assembled a talented crew to translate the magic of the animated film, which featured the memorable animal sidekicks Pascal (Rapunzel's chameleon) and Maximus (the palace horse), into a new format.

Director and Screenwriter

The film is set to be directed by Michael Gracey, best known for helming the musical hit The Greatest Showman. Gracey's background in visually spectacular, musical-driven storytelling makes him an ideal choice for a project like Tangled, which is famous for its "I See the Light" lantern sequence.

The script is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who previously wrote Someone Great and co-wrote Thor: Love and Thunder. Her involvement suggests a modern, witty take on the classic fairy tale, potentially adding new layers to the relationship between Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert.

Anticipated Plot and Character Changes

While the core story of a princess with magical long hair, a charming thief, and a tower prison is expected to remain, industry chatter suggests a few key changes to modernize the narrative and justify the remake. The most significant rumored change involves Mother Gothel.

With a star of Scarlett Johansson's caliber in talks, there is speculation that the role of Mother Gothel will be "dramatically change[d]" to be less of a cartoon villain and more of a complex, three-dimensional antagonist. This approach would mirror the dark, complex villain portrayals seen in other recent live-action films, giving the character a more nuanced motivation for keeping Rapunzel locked away.

Topical Authority: LSI Keywords and Key Entities

The live-action adaptation of the 2010 Disney film is a massive undertaking, requiring a cast that can handle both the musical numbers and the emotional depth of the story. The film will need to successfully adapt the magic of Rapunzel’s hair, the comedy of Maximus and Pascal, and the romance between the princess and Flynn Rider. The development status is promising, with the studio clearly prioritizing a strong cast to avoid the pitfalls of previous live-action remakes. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the official casting announcement to see if Mckenna Grace, Sadie Sink, and Mason Thames will be the ones to finally light the lanterns in the live-action version of this beloved fairy tale.