The Tower Watch: Every Star Rumored For Disney's Live-Action Rapunzel Cast And The Shocking Frontrunners

The long, golden hair of anticipation is growing thicker as Disney’s live-action adaptation of *Tangled* (the story of Rapunzel) is officially back in active development, creating an intense, high-stakes casting frenzy across Hollywood. As of December 2025, while no official cast announcements have been made by Disney, a flurry of reliable industry rumors and insider reports suggest the studio is in the final stages of casting its core trio: the spirited Rapunzel, the charming rogue Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert), and the villainous Mother Gothel. The sheer volume of A-list talent being considered for the *Tangled* live-action movie has made this one of the most talked-about and speculated-upon Disney remakes in recent memory. This deep dive into the most current and fresh casting rumors will explore the frontrunners, the dark horses, and the A-list stars being eyed for the iconic roles, offering a comprehensive look at who might finally bring the magic of Corona and the Golden Flower to life on the big screen. The project, which was reportedly paused temporarily, is now moving full steam ahead under the leadership of a director known for musical spectacles and a writer with a sharp, modern wit, promising a fresh take on the classic tale.

The Rapunzel Frontrunners: A Battle of Rising and Established Stars

The role of Rapunzel requires a unique blend of youthful innocence, powerful vocal ability, and the dramatic chops to embody a character who spends nearly two decades isolated in a tower. The casting process has reportedly narrowed down to a few major contenders, each bringing a distinct set of skills and public appeal to the table.

Mckenna Grace: The Reported Frontrunner

• Full Name: Mckenna Grace
• Date of Birth: June 25, 2006
• Age (as of 2025): 19
• Notable Roles: Phoebe Spengler in *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* and *Frozen Empire*, Mary Adler in *Gifted*, and Esther Keyes in *The Handmaid’s Tale*.
• Why She's a Contender: Grace is reportedly the current frontrunner for the role of Rapunzel. She possesses a strong acting resume that spans both dramatic and blockbuster roles. Her age is perfectly aligned with the character's typical portrayal, and she has a proven screen presence that can carry a major film.

Sadie Sink: The Fan-Favorite Contender

• Full Name: Sadie Elizabeth Sink
• Date of Birth: April 16, 2002
• Age (as of 2025): 23
• Notable Roles: Max Mayfield in *Stranger Things*, Ellie in *The Whale*, and the lead in Taylor Swift's *All Too Well: The Short Film*.
• Why She's a Contender: Sink's worldwide fame from *Stranger Things* makes her a massive draw. Her recent dramatic work in *The Whale* proved her range, and her striking red hair and ethereal look have made her a consistent fan-favorite choice for the role.

Florence Pugh: The Established A-Lister

• Full Name: Florence Rose C.M. Pugh
• Date of Birth: January 3, 1996
• Age (as of 2025): 29
• Notable Roles: Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (*Black Widow*, *Hawkeye*), Amy March in *Little Women*, and Dani in *Midsommar*.
• Why She's a Contender: Pugh is a proven Oscar-nominated actress who can sing, as demonstrated in the film *A Good Person*. Her involvement would lend significant critical weight to the live-action *Tangled* remake. Her name has been at the top of many fan-casting lists for years.

The Core Supporting Cast: Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel Rumors

The success of *Tangled* is equally dependent on the chemistry between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and the menacing presence of Mother Gothel. The rumors for these two key roles are just as exciting, featuring a mix of established veterans and rising stars.

Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert: Mason Thames Enters the Race

The search for the perfect Eugene Fitzherbert—a role originally voiced by Zachary Levi—requires an actor with a roguish charm, comedic timing, and a strong singing voice. While many names have been thrown around by fans, a new, specific rumor has emerged for the male lead. * Mason Thames: The young star of *The Black Phone* and *Monster High 2* is reportedly being eyed by the studio for the role. Thames's rising profile and age—closer to that of the rumored Rapunzel frontrunners—suggest Disney may be leaning towards a slightly younger, more contemporary take on the dynamic duo. * Other Fan Wishlist Contenders: Names like Jacob Elordi, Taylor Zakhar Perez, and Penn Badgley have frequently appeared on fan-casting lists, though they are not tied to any official insider reports.

Mother Gothel: A-List Actresses in the Spotlight

Mother Gothel is one of Disney's most complex villains, requiring a performer who can seamlessly transition between a loving, protective maternal figure and a manipulative, narcissistic captor. Two massive names are currently rumored for the role. * Scarlett Johansson: The Marvel superstar is reportedly being eyed by Disney for the role. Johansson’s ability to play powerful, complicated women across genres makes her a formidable choice. Her involvement would be a major box office draw and would reunite her with Disney after their past legal disputes were resolved. * Kathryn Hahn: Known for her incredible range in projects like *WandaVision* and *Glass Onion*, Hahn is also a strong contender. Her comedic timing and proven ability to play a captivating, morally ambiguous character (Agatha Harkness) make her a perfect fit for Gothel's theatrical, manipulative nature.

Behind the Magic: The Creative Team Steering the Live-Action Tangled

The vision for the live-action *Tangled* remake is being shaped by a creative team with a history of delivering large-scale, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant films. Understanding the people behind the camera provides crucial insight into the tone and style of the upcoming movie.

Director Michael Gracey

The project is set to be helmed by Michael Gracey, the director of the global musical hit *The Greatest Showman*. Gracey’s attachment is a strong indicator that the live-action *Tangled* will lean heavily into its musical elements, featuring elaborate set pieces and fully choreographed numbers, similar to the original animated film which boasts a score by Alan Menken. His experience with a visually spectacular, emotionally driven musical is exactly what the *Tangled* story—with its iconic songs like "I See the Light" and "Mother Knows Best"—requires.

Screenwriter Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

The most recent version of the script was penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Robinson is known for her work on *Thor: Love and Thunder* and the Netflix hit *Do Revenge*. Her involvement suggests the film will maintain the sharp, witty, and contemporary dialogue that made the original *Tangled* so successful, ensuring the character of Flynn Rider retains his modern edge and the overall tone remains fresh and engaging for a new generation.

Topical Authority: The Tangled Legacy and Production Update

The original 2010 animated film *Tangled* was a massive critical and commercial success, launching a new era of Disney Princesses. The live-action adaptation is considered a high-priority project for the studio, which is keen to replicate the success of other musical remakes like *Beauty and the Beast*. The film's production has faced a few rumored delays, with reports suggesting it was temporarily paused following the underperformance of other Disney live-action projects. However, the most recent and relevant information confirms the project is back in active development, with the casting process reaching its final stages. The intense focus on finding the right actors—particularly for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider—signals Disney’s commitment to getting this casting perfect before moving into principal photography. The studio is clearly seeking a cast that is not only talented but also resonates with the current pop culture landscape, blending established stars with the next generation of Hollywood talent to ensure the *Tangled* live-action movie is a global phenomenon. Fans should keep a close watch, as an official announcement for the cast is expected to drop imminently as the production ramps up.