Bold opener: The Tangled live-action casting frenzy isn’t just about who wears the crown—it’s about who can carry a modern Disney-sized franchise on their shoulders. And this is where it gets controversial, because every fan has a dream, and every dream could spark a fierce debate in the comments.
Disney has been exploring a live-action adaptation of 2010’s Tangled for some time. The news first surfaced in December 2024 with Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey attached. The project then paused in April 2025, only to be revived a few months later. As of late 2025, early development is again mentioned, but fans remain busy imagining who could bring Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel to life. Disney has a track record of turning beloved animated musicals into live-action features, following in the footsteps of Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and the forthcoming Moana, among others.
If you’re curious about potential casting, you’re not alone. Some fans favor open auditions to introduce fresh faces, while others look to recognizable stars who could instantly click with audiences. Below is a roundup of popular fan picks for Tangled’s titular roles, plus a few of our own suggestions. Jump to a character to see options, or keep reading for the full overview.
Rapunzel
Rapunzel, the film’s central heroine, was voiced by Mandy Moore in the original. She is marked by extraordinary intelligence, joy, and education despite years of confinement, and she is approaching adulthood (the story places her near 18). In a live-action setting, age could be adjusted upward or the role could be filled by someone older, a common practice in Hollywood. Here are the names most discussed for the part:
Freya Skye (16) – An English singer-actress known for Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Her fans have already earmarked her as a film-faithful Rapunzel candidate, and Gracey has begun following her on social media, signaling ongoing industry attention.
Dove Cameron (29) – A highly favored choice among fans, with a proven musical background and versatility in both blonde and brunette looks. A Change.org petition has even argued for her casting, underscoring her broad appeal.
Sadie Sink (23) – A Broadway-savvy performer who recently appeared in John Proctor Is the Villain. Her stage experience fuels talks that she could embody Rapunzel with the right musical moments.
Priah Ferguson (19) – Known for Stranger Things, Ferguson has expressed a desire to pursue a romantic storyline and more diverse roles, making Rapunzel a plausible next step.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (23) – A fan-favorite whose dream role has repeatedly surfaced online. She has been taking singing lessons, showcasing readiness for a musical lead.
Mckenna Grace (19) – A strong contender with fan support; even her co-star publicly endorsed the idea during interviews.
Isabel May (25) – A capable performer who can sing, with a recent breakout in 1883 that drew positive notices for her vocal and acting range.
Meg Donnelly (25) – A Zombies alum often cited by fans as Rapunzel, with discussions tying her to Flynn Rider as a complementary pairing.
Charithra Chandran – A Bridgerton alum who generated buzz with a playful TikTok sporting the film’s purple motif, catching fans’ eyes for Rapunzel’s vibe.
Emma Myers (23) – Known for Wednesday, with fans curious about her singing ability and whether she could translate Rapunzel’s musical moments to the screen.
Avantika Vandanapu – Various rumors circulated about her inclusion; fans sieved through chatter to weigh her fit for Rapunzel.
Gigi Hadid (30) – A notable entry in interviews where she revealed auditioning for Rapunzel and even took singing lessons, highlighting her bold, star-powered potential.
Jasmine Amy Rogers (26) – A Broadway-inclined performer who cheekily floated her name for Rapunzel in social posts.
Sabrina Carpenter – A long-standing fan-favorite often endorsed by Mandy Moore herself as a potential Rapunzel, especially given her strong pop-musical sensibilities.
Flynn Rider
Flynn Rider is the dashing rogue of Tangled, originally voiced by Zachary Levi. In the story, he’s a witty, self-assured thief with a sharp sense of humor, typically depicted as being in his early 20s. Here are the actors fans have suggested most:
Mason Thames – A frequent pick, with public comments by co-stars signaling strong chemistry for a Flynn-Rapunzel pairing.
Fabian Frankel – A popular choice, often boosted by fan-edits; his charm and smile are highlighted as key traits.
Milo Manheim – Known for Zombies and School Spirits, his look, vibe, and singing ability align well with Flynn’s roguish charisma.
Corey Mylchreest – A Bridgerton connection who has acknowledged interest, though scheduling and a required singing ability have influenced discussions.
Taylor Zakhar Perez – A leading man with broad appeal, praised for his charm and presence that could suit Flynn’s flair.
Avan Jogia – A familiar face fans have tried for the role, with cautious responses from the actor about the chatter.
Louis Partridge – An occasional, less mainstream option that some fans feel could work for Flynn’s energy and style.
Sean Kaufman – A rising star who might capture Flynn’s sass and swagger if given the chance to showcase range, including singing.
Joe Keery – A longstanding fan favorite, celebrated for hair and musical chops, though he has not publicly commented on the project.
Caleb McLaughlin – Another Stranger Things alum proposed for Flynn, noted for his charismatic screen presence.
Josh Heuston – The Australian actor has gained traction as a top fan pick in recent discussions.
Mason Gooding – Known for his magnetic smile and versatility, he’s frequently cited as a strong fit for Flynn’s persona.
Timothée Chalamet – A speculative stretch considered by fans due to his orchestration of musical roles, though his current projects and image diverge from the classic Flynn look.
Sean Had a similar lineup, with a mix of traditional leading men and newer talents being proposed across fan forums and social media.
Mother Gothel
The villain, Mother Gothel, is the tower’s cunning guardian who keeps Rapunzel isolated. In the animated film, she’s voiced by Donna Murphy and embodies a modern, sophisticated villain archetype with a chilling undertone.
Donna Murphy – The most common choice among fans is to bring back the original voice actress to reprise Gothel as a nod to the film’s legacy.
Kathryn Hahn – A popular modern pick, with her own playful remark about potentially stepping into the role, signaling how seriously fans take the idea.
Cher – A fringe but captivating option, given the character’s glam and theatrical energy that a Cher-inspired Gothel could unleash on screen.
Anne Hathaway – A frequently discussed candidate thanks to her singing ability and proven command of musical-driven material.
Tracee Ellis Ross – Seen as a stylish, chic Gothel with a strong stage presence and vocal power.
Demi Moore – Some fans lean into a crossover appeal, drawing parallels with Tangled’s darker themes and Moore’s dramatic chops.
Kristin Chenoweth – A nostalgic favorite, given her Wicked pedigree and history as a singing star who could bring Gothel’s musical menace to life.
Idina Menzel – Another Wicked alum who could lend incisive vocal prowess and a commanding stage persona to the role.
Scarlett Johansson – An audacious option that has surfaced in industry chatter; her singing background remains a point of discussion.
Controversy and takeaways
Casting Tangled’s live-action leads isn’t simply about finding a lookalike. It’s about harmonizing voice, stage presence, and singing ability with the character’s heart and history. Some choices lean toward nostalgia and honoring the original, while others push toward fresh, contemporary interpretations that could redefine Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel for a new generation. The debate often centers on age, singing talent, and whether a broader audience will embrace familiar faces or newly discovered performers.
What do you think?
- Do you prefer a Rapunzel who mirrors the original’s age and musical moments, or should the role skew younger or older to reflect today’s casting norms?
- Should Flynn Rider be played by a traditionally musical actor who can belt out songs, or is broader charisma and screen presence enough if the music is handled by a separate singer?
- Is it more exciting to see a Gothel who nods to the original’s voice or someone who reimagines the character with a sharper, more unpredictable edge?
If you’re following Tangled’s live-action journey, which performers would you cast for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel, and why? Share your lineup and reasoning in the comments to spark the conversation.
