The Tower Watch: Every Star Rumored For Disney's Live-Action Rapunzel Casting (Tangled Remake)

The long, golden wait for Disney’s live-action Tangled is finally heating up, with a flurry of recent rumors suggesting the project is moving forward after a period of uncertainty. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the highly anticipated remake of the 2010 animated classic, which introduced the world to the spirited Rapunzel and the charming thief Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert), is reportedly back in active development, despite earlier chatter about it being shelved following other Disney live-action film performances. The biggest question dominating the conversation remains: Which actress will be chosen to step into the iconic role of the princess with the magical 70-foot-long hair?

The search for the perfect Rapunzel—an actress who can embody both the character’s wide-eyed innocence and her adventurous spirit—has become one of the most talked-about casting processes in Hollywood. While Disney has yet to make any official announcements, speculation is rampant, fueled by insider reports, director hints, and overwhelming fan-casting campaigns. Below, we break down the definitive list of every major star currently rumored or fan-cast for the lead role, along with the latest on who might play the charming rogue and the villainous Mother Gothel.

The Top Contenders: In-Depth Profiles of Every Rumored Rapunzel

The role of Rapunzel requires a unique blend of vocal talent, comedic timing, and dramatic depth. The following actresses represent the most frequently mentioned and heavily rumored names currently being considered by the studio or passionately championed by the global fanbase. This list is current as of December 2025.

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Mckenna Grace

• Full Name: Mckenna Grace Burge
• Born: June 25, 2006 (Grapevine, Texas, USA)
• Profile: Mckenna Grace is an American actress and singer who began her professional career at age five. She is a powerhouse young performer, known for her roles in films like Gifted (2017), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and the horror series The Haunting of Hill House. Her versatility and strong vocal skills make her a compelling choice for the musical role of Rapunzel. Grace has openly discussed her interest in the role, further fueling the rumors.

Sadie Sink

• Full Name: Sadie Elizabeth Sink
• Born: April 16, 2002 (Brenham, Texas, USA)
• Profile: Sadie Sink is an American actress who achieved global fame for her breakout role as Max Mayfield in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things. She began her career in theatre, starring as the title character in the Broadway musical Annie, proving her vocal and stage presence capabilities. Her dramatic range, showcased in films like The Whale, makes her a strong candidate, though recent reports suggest she may have exited the running.

Florence Pugh

• Full Name: Florence Rose Pugh
• Born: January 3, 1996 (Oxford, England, UK)
• Profile: Florence Pugh is an English actress acclaimed for her wide-ranging and critically praised performances in films such as Little Women (for which she received an Academy Award nomination), Midsommar, and her role as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While a fan-favorite, her busy schedule and established A-list status make her a more high-profile, and potentially more expensive, choice for the Disney Princess role. Fans often cite her distinctive voice and powerful screen presence as reasons for her suitability.

Sabrina Carpenter

• Full Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
• Born: May 11, 1999 (Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA)
• Profile: Sabrina Carpenter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained prominence starring as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World. As a successful pop star with proven musical talent and a background in Disney productions, she is a natural fit for a musical live-action role. Her resemblance to the animated Rapunzel and her established vocal career make her one of the most popular fan-cast choices.

Emma Myers

• Full Name: Emma Elizabeth Myers
• Born: April 2, 2002 (Orlando, Florida, USA)
• Profile: Emma Myers is an American actress who had her breakthrough role as Enid Sinclair, the colorful werewolf roommate, in the Netflix series Wednesday. Her performance demonstrated a strong capacity for warmth, optimism, and comedic timing—all key traits of Rapunzel. While her vocal ability is less publicly established than others on this list, her rising star power and ability to portray a character with a vibrant inner life keep her firmly in the rumored mix.

Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel: Casting Rumors for the Supporting Leads

A live-action Tangled (which is the official film title, just as the original was) is only as good as its main trio. The dynamic between Rapunzel, the charming thief Flynn Rider, and the villainous Mother Gothel is the heart of the story. Recent casting buzz suggests Disney is looking for established stars for the supporting roles to anchor the film.

The Search for Eugene Fitzherbert (Flynn Rider)

The role of Flynn Rider, or his true identity Eugene Fitzherbert, requires an actor with undeniable charisma, a rogueish charm, and the ability to sing the film's iconic duet, "I See the Light."

• Mason Thames: The young actor, known for The Black Phone, has been mentioned alongside Mckenna Grace in fan-casting discussions, suggesting Disney might be considering a slightly younger cast to capture the youthful energy of the animated film.
• Danny Ramirez: The actor, known for his work in Top Gun: Maverick and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, has publicly expressed interest in the role, which often piques the interest of casting directors and fans alike.
• Jacob Elordi: The towering Australian actor, famous for Euphoria and Saltburn, is a popular fan-cast due to his leading man looks and significant star power, though a musical background is less confirmed.
• Other Fan Favorites: Other names frequently appearing in fan wishlists include Taylor Zakhar Perez (known for The Kissing Booth), Penn Badgley, and even singers like Zayn Malik, showcasing the diverse range of actors fans believe could embody the character’s signature smolder and redemption arc.

The Villain: Who Will Play Mother Gothel?

Mother Gothel, the manipulative and vain villain who steals Rapunzel as a baby, is a crucial role, demanding a powerful actress who can handle both the dramatic and musical elements of the character, particularly the show-stopping "Mother Knows Best."

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• Scarlett Johansson: The strongest and most persistent rumor is that Scarlett Johansson is "eyeing" or in early talks for the role of Mother Gothel. Johansson, an Oscar-nominated actress and global superstar, would bring immense star power to the villain, promising a fresh and unique take on the character. She has reportedly addressed the reports, indicating the project is still in early development.
• Donna Murphy: A significant segment of the fanbase hopes for the return of Donna Murphy, the original voice actress for Gothel in the 2010 film. Murphy is a highly respected Broadway star (a two-time Tony Award winner), and her reprisal of the role would be a major nod to the animated classic and guarantee vocal excellence.

The Current Status of the Live-Action Tangled Production

While the casting rumors are exciting, the reality is that the live-action Tangled is still in the early stages of development. The project, which is being helmed by director Michael Gracey (known for The Greatest Showman), has faced several production stops and starts, which explains the prolonged period of speculation.

No Official Release Date or Confirmed Cast: As of the current date, Disney has not announced an official release date, nor has any actor been formally confirmed for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, or Mother Gothel.

Director Michael Gracey’s Hints: Director Michael Gracey has been a source of speculation himself. His social media activity, such as following actress and singer Freya Skye, has been interpreted by fans as potential casting hints, suggesting Disney may be looking beyond established A-listers for the lead role to find a fresh face, similar to the casting of Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid.

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The Legacy of the Original: The 2010 animated film, directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $592 million worldwide. The original voice cast, including Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, set a high bar for the musical performances and character chemistry. The live-action remake will need to honour this legacy while bringing a new, fresh perspective to the classic fairy tale of the princess and her hidden tower.

The continuous flow of rumors, particularly the strong link to Scarlett Johansson and the competitive race between young stars like Mckenna Grace and Sadie Sink, confirms that the project is very much alive. Fans should keep a close watch on Disney’s announcements, as the first official casting reveal for Rapunzel will undoubtedly be a major entertainment news event.