The Ultimate Wishlist: 10+ Stars Rumored To Be The Rapunzel Live-Action Cast (Latest 2025 Updates)
The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney's Tangled, which tells the story of the lost princess Rapunzel, is finally moving forward after a temporary pause in development, making it one of the most talked-about projects of late 2025. While the studio has yet to make any official casting announcements, reports from industry insiders suggest that Disney is now in the final stages of casting the three main roles: Rapunzel, the charming rogue Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert), and the villainous Mother Gothel. This deep dive explores all the top-tier talent rumored to be in the running, from the reported frontrunners to the most exciting fan-castings, giving you the most current picture of who might be stepping into the iconic tower.
As of December 2025, the production team is solidifying, with a clear vision for the film's tone, which is expected to be a grand, musical spectacle. The director of The Greatest Showman, Michael Gracey, is reportedly attached to helm the project, with a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Thor: Love and Thunder and Do Revenge. The presence of Michael Gracey suggests the live-action Tangled will lean heavily into its musical roots, a crucial detail that narrows down the field of potential actors to those who can genuinely sing.
Who is the Rapunzel Live-Action Cast? The Full List of Rumors and Frontrunners
The role of Rapunzel requires a unique blend of youthful innocence, powerful vocal ability, and the dramatic chops to portray a princess who has spent her entire life isolated in a tower. The casting search has been extensive, with multiple prominent young actresses reportedly being eyed by Disney. As the project resumes meaningful progress, the focus has narrowed considerably.
The Top Contenders for Rapunzel
- Mckenna Grace: The Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Handmaid's Tale star is currently reported to be the frontrunner for the role of Rapunzel. Grace possesses the right age, look, and has demonstrated significant acting range. Her potential casting has generated considerable buzz online.
- Sadie Sink: Known globally for her role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, Sadie Sink's name has been consistently mentioned in casting discussions. Her dramatic intensity and massive fan following make her a strong candidate, though her vocal abilities for a major musical role remain a point of fan speculation.
- Emma Myers: Following her breakout performance in Wednesday, Emma Myers has emerged as a popular choice. She is reportedly one of the actresses Disney is considering, alongside Sink and Grace, as the studio enters the final casting stages.
- Isabel May: The star of the Yellowstone prequel 1883, Isabel May is another name frequently cited in industry reports as a potential Rapunzel.
Other High-Profile Fan-Casting and Rumors
The list of actresses who have been fan-cast or rumored for the role of the lost princess is long, reflecting the intense public interest in the live-action remake. These names continue to circulate in online discussions and industry whispers:
- Florence Pugh: The Oscar-nominated actress has been a long-time fan favorite for Rapunzel due to her powerful voice, charisma, and ability to handle both comedy and drama.
- Sabrina Carpenter: A singer and actress with a massive pop music career, Carpenter’s vocal talent makes her a natural fit for a Disney musical.
- Olivia Rodrigo: Another global music sensation, Rodrigo's casting would instantly guarantee a blockbuster opening, though her acting experience is primarily in television.
- Jenna Ortega: While a fan favorite, the star of Wednesday is often cited more for her star power than her musical background, making her a less likely candidate for the singing role.
- Freya Skye: An interesting dark horse, this young actress and singer's name was reportedly hinted at by the director, Michael Gracey, suggesting Disney may be looking for a fresh face with proven vocal chops.
The Charming Rogue: Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert)
The role of Flynn Rider, or Eugene Fitzherbert, requires an actor who can deliver a blend of roguish charm, comedic timing, and heartfelt vulnerability. He must also possess the vocal talent to match Rapunzel, as the chemistry between the two leads is the heart of the film.
The Frontrunner for Flynn Rider
- Mason Thames: The young actor, known for his roles in The Black Phone and the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, is reportedly the actor Disney is currently eyeing for the role of Flynn Rider. Thames's potential pairing with Mckenna Grace has been a major talking point, as the two are closer in age to the animated characters.
Other fan favorites for the role have included actors like Noah Centineo (who was rumored years ago but is now likely too old for the rumored direction) and Tom Holland, though Mason Thames appears to be the most current and credible rumor.
The Ultimate Villain: Mother Gothel Casting Rumors
Mother Gothel is arguably one of Disney's most complex villains—a narcissistic, manipulative figure who traps Rapunzel to use the magic of her hair for eternal youth. The actress cast must be able to deliver a powerful, theatrical performance, including the iconic song "Mother Knows Best."
The A-List Actresses in the Mother Gothel Conversation
The rumors for this role are perhaps the most star-studded, indicating Disney is looking for a major name to anchor the villainous role:
- Scarlett Johansson: Multiple reports have circulated that the Avenger star is in talks or being eyed for the role of Mother Gothel. Johansson herself has addressed the reports, fueling the speculation. Her involvement would be a massive coup for the film.
- Kathryn Hahn: The Emmy-nominated actress, who has proven her ability to play complex, scene-stealing characters in projects like WandaVision, was also rumored to be a top contender for the role. Her vocal talents and comedic timing would bring a unique edge to the character.
- Jennifer Lopez: Industry insider reports have suggested that Jennifer Lopez is actively interested in playing the key character of Mother Gothel, adding another global superstar to the list of possibilities.
Production Details, Musical Legacy, and Release Timeline
Beyond the cast, the success of the live-action Tangled hinges on its ability to honor the original film's beloved elements, particularly the music and the visual spectacle of Rapunzel's 70 feet of magical, glowing hair.
The Creative Team and Musical Score
The original 2010 animated film was a critical and commercial success, largely due to its memorable soundtrack. The great news for fans is that the legendary composer Alan Menken, who scored the original Tangled and countless other Disney classics, is confirmed to be working on a stage musical adaptation of Tangled. While his direct involvement with the live-action film's score has not been officially confirmed, it is highly anticipated that he will return to oversee the music, ensuring the live-action version maintains the original's musical integrity.
The choice of Michael Gracey as director is a strong signal that Disney is committed to the musical aspect of the film. His experience with the visually stunning and vocally demanding The Greatest Showman suggests the live-action film will be a grand, cinematic event, with a focus on powerful musical sequences like "I See the Light" and "When Will My Life Begin?".
The Release Date and Future Outlook
Despite the casting process entering its final stages, the live-action Tangled still does not have an official release date. The project was temporarily paused earlier in 2025 but has since resumed development, indicating a renewed commitment from Disney. Industry estimates currently place the film as a "To Be Announced" (TBA) release, likely targeting a 2026 or 2027 window, depending on the speed of principal photography and the complex visual effects required for Rapunzel's magical golden hair and the floating lantern sequence.
The eventual cast reveal will be a major event, ending months of intense speculation and setting the stage for one of Disney's most challenging and anticipated live-action remakes. Whether it’s Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames, or other stars entirely, the chosen actors will be tasked with bringing the beloved story of Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert to a new generation of fans.
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