The Ultimate List Of Contenders: Who Will Be Cast In Disney’s Live-Action ‘Tangled’?

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved 2010 animated hit, *Tangled*, is officially moving forward again, with a flurry of recent news signaling that the project is back in active development as of late 2025. After a period of uncertainty that saw the film's production status temporarily halted, the magical journey of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider is set to be reimagined for a new generation. While Disney has yet to make any official casting announcements, the internet is buzzing with a mix of high-profile rumors, fan-casting suggestions, and potential frontrunners for the iconic roles, giving fans plenty to speculate about as the film advances into the casting phase.

The latest updates confirm that the live-action *Tangled* is now back in the development pipeline, with a high-profile director attached, and one major Hollywood star reportedly eyeing a villainous role. This deep dive explores every confirmed detail and all the most compelling rumors surrounding the cast, director, and production timeline for one of Disney's most anticipated remakes.

Production Status and Director's Vision: What We Know Now

The live-action *Tangled* film has experienced an eventful production journey. The project was initially put on an indefinite pause in April 2025 following various internal studio reviews. However, reports from October 2025 confirm that the project has since been moved back into "Development" status, indicating that Disney is actively pushing the film forward.

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The most significant confirmed detail is the director: Michael Gracey is attached to helm the project. Gracey is best known for directing the visually stunning and musically rich film *The Greatest Showman*. His involvement strongly suggests that the live-action *Tangled* will be a major musical spectacle, staying true to the original film's memorable songs like "I See the Light" and "When Will My Life Begin?". His background in bringing musicals to life is a major positive sign for fans of the animated classic.

The Villain: One Major Star is Reportedly Eyeing Mother Gothel

The role of Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's manipulative and dramatic captor, requires a powerful actress with both vocal talent and stage presence. While no one has been officially cast, the biggest and most consistent rumor circulating in Hollywood suggests that Scarlett Johansson is being eyed for the role. Johansson, a globally recognized superstar known for her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and critically acclaimed films like *Marriage Story*, would bring immense star power to the villainous role. Her potential involvement is a major indicator of the film's high production value and A-list ambitions.

Other actresses frequently mentioned in fan discussions for the role of Mother Gothel—though without the same level of industry rumor as Johansson—include Donna Murphy (who voiced the character in the original), Idina Menzel, and Sarah Jessica Parker, all of whom possess the necessary theatrical gravitas.

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The Search for Rapunzel: Top 5 Actresses in the Running

Casting Rapunzel is the core challenge of the live-action remake. The actress must embody the character's blend of wide-eyed innocence, adventurous spirit, and strong vocal ability. The constant flow of rumors and fan-castings suggests Disney is looking at a wide range of talented young stars. Here are the most frequently mentioned contenders in the media as of late 2025:

• Sadie Sink: The *Stranger Things* and *The Whale* star is a major contender. Sink has demonstrated incredible emotional range and has a large, passionate fan base, making her a highly popular choice for the role.
• Mckenna Grace: Known for her roles in *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* and *The Handmaid's Tale*, Grace's name has been consistently linked to Rapunzel. She has the youthful look and singing experience that could make her a strong fit.
• Emma Myers: The breakout star of Netflix's *Wednesday* has also been rumored as a potential candidate. Her rapidly rising profile and charming screen presence make her an attractive choice for the studio.
• Isabel May: Known for her leading role in the *Yellowstone* prequel *1883*, May is another name circulating in casting reports.
• Freya Skye: Director Michael Gracey potentially dropped a hint about this young British singer and actress, suggesting she could be Disney's choice for the lead role. This hint, though unconfirmed, adds a fresh and unexpected name to the list of serious contenders.

The ideal Rapunzel will need to master the character's long, magical blonde hair, convey her sheltered yet curious nature, and deliver powerful musical performances, all while carrying the emotional weight of the fairytale.

Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert): The Leading Men Rumored to Steal the Show

The search for Rapunzel's charming, roguish love interest, Flynn Rider (or Eugene Fitzherbert), is almost as intense as the search for the princess herself. The actor must possess a blend of comedic timing, undeniable charisma, and a strong singing voice to match the character's transition from thief to hero. While no official names have been confirmed, the fan-casting and rumor mill for Flynn is extensive:

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Top Contenders and Fan Favorites for Flynn Rider

The following actors are frequently mentioned in casting discussions, with some names carrying significant buzz:

• Jacob Elordi: The *Euphoria* and *Saltburn* star is a major fan-favorite. His height, striking looks, and ability to play a charming rogue make him an incredibly popular choice, though his singing ability is an unknown factor for many fans.
• Taylor Zakhar Perez: Known for *Red, White & Royal Blue* and *The Kissing Booth*, Perez is often cited for his natural charm and leading-man looks.
• Mason Thames: Thames, known for *The Black Phone*, has been mentioned in connection with Mckenna Grace, suggesting a potential pairing the studio may be considering, particularly if they aim for a slightly younger cast.
• Danny Ramirez: The actor, known for *Top Gun: Maverick* and *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, has openly expressed interest in the role of Flynn Rider, a strong signal that he is actively pursuing the part.
• Penn Badgley: The star of *You* is a more mature fan-casting choice, often suggested for his ability to play complex, charismatic characters.

The challenge for the Flynn Rider actor will be capturing the character's signature "smolder" and delivering the emotional depth required for his redemption arc, all while performing the film's classic musical numbers.

The Supporting Cast: Pascal, Maximus, and the Royal Family

While Rapunzel, Flynn, and Mother Gothel are the primary focus, the supporting cast is crucial for the film's success and topical authority. The live-action adaptation will need to address several key roles:

Pascal and Maximus: The loyal chameleon and the heroic horse are fan favorites. While they will likely be rendered using cutting-edge CGI, the quality of their animation and voice work (if any) will be essential. Maximus’s expressive face and Pascal’s quick-witted reactions are central to the film’s humor and heart.

The King and Queen of Corona: Rapunzel’s parents, King Frederic and Queen Arianna, are key to the film's emotional opening and closing. Casting these roles will require established actors who can convey a sense of regal longing and parental love. No major rumors have surfaced yet, but the roles will likely go to respected, familiar faces.

The live-action *Tangled* is a high-stakes project for Disney, given the original film's status as a modern classic. With Michael Gracey at the helm, the project is clearly aiming for a visually stunning, musically rich cinematic experience. As the film moves forward in development, fans can expect official casting announcements to drop soon, finally answering the question of who will bring the magic of Rapunzel's tower and the charm of Flynn Rider to life.