In this day and age, nothing can be said to be certain except for death, taxes, and live-action Disney remakes. Fresh off the mammoth success of Lilo & Stitch (2025), Disney seems to have renewed hope in its controversial reboot model – which is why it’s now turning its attention to Tangled (2010).
Live-action remakes have become a defining feature of Disney’s modern era at the box office, but they’ve also proven highly divisive among audiences and critics.
While some applaud the updated visuals and fresh takes on classic stories, others criticize them as unnecessary rehashes that lack the charm and emotional resonance of the originals. Films like Aladdin (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017) struck a chord with nostalgic fans, yet drew backlash for changes to beloved characters or perceived over-reliance on CGI.
Snow White (2025) proved wildly unpopular, with poor reviews and an even poorer performance at the box office.
Undeterred, Disney is forging ahead with several more live-action projects, having revived plans for its long-awaited Tangled remake – helmed by The Greatest Showman (2017) director Michael Gracey – in October.
Should it remain totally faithful to the 2010 animated original, this will follow Rapunzel’s journey with Flynn Rider to escape her tower (and Mother Gothel) and experience the magical “Floating Lights.”
Will Florence Pugh Play Rapunzel?
Florence Pugh has emerged as Disney’s frontrunner for the role of Rapunzel. Insider Daniel Richtman (via Toonado.com) previously affirmed that Pugh remains the top choice, although her name seems to have cropped up in conversations about the film less frequently in recent months.
Having built a strong relationship with Disney through her role as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pugh has the acting prowess and star power to bring Rapunzel to life. Fans have long supported her for the role, noting her resemblance to the character and her ability to capture Rapunzel’s adventurous spirit.
Who Else Could Play Rapunzel?
Another name that’s gained traction online is Sabrina Carpenter. Known for her music career and acting roles, Carpenter’s history with Disney includes starring as Maya Hart in Girl Meets World and voicing Princess Vivian in Sofia the First.
Her singing talent and physical likeness to Rapunzel make her a strong contender, with even Mandy Moore—the original voice of the lost princess—endorsing her as a candidate.
Sadly for Sabrina Carpenter fans, a recent report alleged that Disney met with Carpenter for the role but decided that she was “too pretty” for the part.
Yes, Sabrina Carpenter had a meeting with Disney about playing Rapunzel in the live-action Tangled movie. However, the company felt she was “too pretty” and wanted someone who looks a bit more ordinary for the role. Bella Hadid also auditioned for the part but did not get it.
Yes, Sabrina Carpenter had a meeting with Disney about playing Rapunzel in the live-action Tangled movie. However, the company felt she was "too pretty" and wanted someone who looks a bit more ordinary for the role. Bella Hadid also auditioned for the part but did not get it. pic.twitter.com/zGIrBPLNzd
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) November 20, 2025
Interestingly, Bella Hadid is also said to have auditioned. Her sister, fellow model Gigi Hadid, confirmed in September (via Variety) that she took singing lessons to audition for the part but was ultimately rejected.
Avantika, who starred in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls (2024), is another rumored possibility. Fans on social media have championed her for the role, citing her bubbly persona and strong screen presence in the otherwise pretty mediocre Mean Girls remake as a perfect fit for the character.
Who Could Play Mother Gothel?
Speculation has also surrounded the role of the villainous Mother Gothel.
While Kathryn Hahn and Jennifer Lopez (yes, really) were both reportedly being considered at some point, according to industry insiders, Scarlett Johansson is now said to be Disney’s top choice.
Johansson already has the Disney connections thanks to her time as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is sure to put her own spin on the role. However, if you ask us, we’re firmly in the camp that believes Hahn was born for the role.
Who would you like to see play Rapunzel and other characters in Disney’s Tangled remake?
