The Race For The Tower: 5 Actresses Shortlisted To Play Rapunzel In Disney’s Live-Action Tangled

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The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney's *Tangled* is officially moving forward in development, with the casting process heating up as of late 2025. After years of speculation, the search for the perfect Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert) has been narrowed down to a select group of rising stars, while a major A-list actress is reportedly in talks for the iconic villain, Mother Gothel.

This article dives deep into the current, confirmed shortlists and frontrunners for the core roles, providing a fresh look at the actors who may soon bring the world of the magical golden flower and the infamous tower to life. The final cast selection will determine the tone of this major Disney remake, and the contenders are some of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood today.

The Contenders: A Deep Dive into the Rapunzel and Flynn Rider Shortlist

The casting for Rapunzel is arguably the most crucial decision for the live-action *Tangled* film. Disney is reportedly looking for a young actress who possesses both the vocal ability to handle the film's beloved songs and the dramatic chops to portray the sheltered princess's journey of self-discovery. As of late 2025, the studio has confirmed a tight shortlist of actresses who have tested for the role.

Rapunzel: The Top 5 Actresses Vying for the Role

The race for Rapunzel features a mix of established Disney Channel stars, streaming veterans, and musical talents. The focus is on finding an actress who can capture the character's innocence, curiosity, and inner strength.

  • Freya Skye: A major frontrunner for the role, Skye is an English actress and singer known to the Disney family for her work in the *Zombies* franchise, specifically *Zombies 4*. Her background as a singer, having represented the United Kingdom in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022, makes her a strong candidate to handle the musical demands of the role.
  • Mckenna Grace: Known for her powerful dramatic roles in films like *Gifted* and *Ghostbusters: Afterlife*, Grace brings significant star power and acting experience to the shortlist. She has also showcased her singing talent, which makes her a compelling choice for a more experienced, high-profile Rapunzel.
  • Sarah Catherine Hook: Hook has garnered attention for her performances in popular series, including a notable role in the latest season of *The White Lotus*. Her ability to portray complex characters suggests she could bring a nuanced, modern interpretation to the role of the confined princess.
  • Teagan Croft: The Australian actress is perhaps best known for her starring role as Raven/Rachel Roth in the DC series *Titans*. Croft's experience in a major genre franchise demonstrates her ability to handle large-scale production and physical acting, which would be necessary for Rapunzel's adventurous escape.
  • Olivia-Mai Barrett: Another talented actress with a strong background in television, Barrett has been mentioned in reports as one of the key actresses who have screen-tested for the lead role, rounding out the current list of top contenders.

Flynn Rider (Eugene Fitzherbert): The Leading Contender

The role of the charming rogue, Flynn Rider, requires an actor with comedic timing, charisma, and a strong singing voice. The latest reports point to one actor as the clear favorite to step into the boots of Eugene Fitzherbert.

  • Milo Manheim: Manheim is a prominent name in the Disney ecosystem, primarily known for his lead role as Zed in the *Zombies* film series. His experience in musical productions, including his work on Broadway and his chemistry with a potential Rapunzel (Freya Skye, his *Zombies 4* co-star), positions him as a top contender for the male lead.

The Villain We All Love to Hate: Who is Playing Mother Gothel?

Mother Gothel, the manipulative and vain villain who keeps Rapunzel locked away to exploit the magic of her hair, is a role that requires a powerful, commanding presence. The live-action adaptation is reportedly looking to cast a major star to fill the shoes of the original voice actress, Donna Murphy.

Scarlett Johansson: The Mother Gothel Frontrunner

The most significant casting news to emerge recently involves Academy Award-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson. Reports as late as October 2025 indicate that Johansson is the frontrunner and is currently in talks with Disney to portray Mother Gothel.

This potential casting is a massive development, as Johansson is one of the most recognizable stars in the world, known globally for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Black Widow) and critically acclaimed films like *Marriage Story* and *Jojo Rabbit*.

Casting an actress of Johansson's caliber would elevate the film's profile and suggest a potentially darker, more complex portrayal of the villain, focusing on her cunning manipulation rather than just the theatricality of the animated version.

Live-Action Tangled: Production Status, Director, and Release Timeline

While the casting news is the most exciting update, fans are eager to know when they can expect to see the final product. The live-action *Tangled* film is currently in the Development and Pre-Production stage.

The Team Behind the Tower

The project is being produced by Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada, who are tasked with bringing the beloved animated classic into the realm of live-action.

There have also been reports linking Michael Gracey, the director of the musical hit *The Greatest Showman*, to the project. Gracey's experience in blending spectacle with musical numbers would make him an ideal choice to handle the visual complexity and musical sequences of *Tangled*.

Projected Release Date

Since the film is still in the process of securing its main cast and is in pre-production, a confirmed release date is not yet available. However, industry speculation suggests that if casting and pre-production continue to move forward in late 2025, filming could potentially begin in 2026.

This timeline would place the live-action *Tangled* movie's potential release window sometime in late 2027 or 2028. While some initial production lists have a placeholder date of October 10, 2025, this is highly unlikely given the current casting status and is more of an internal scheduling marker.

Topical Authority: Why the Casting Matters for the Disney Remake

The choice of the *Tangled* live-action cast is crucial for several reasons, extending beyond simple star power. This particular Disney remake faces a unique challenge.

First, the original 2010 animated film is considered one of the best of the modern Disney era, meaning the live-action version must meet extremely high expectations for both its visual effects (especially Rapunzel's 70 feet of magical hair) and its musical performances.

Second, the casting of younger, less established stars like Freya Skye or Milo Manheim, alongside an A-list veteran like Scarlett Johansson, follows a common Disney strategy. This approach allows the studio to cultivate new talent that can grow with the franchise while anchoring the film with a globally recognized name. This was a successful formula used in other remakes and original Disney+ series.

The casting shortlists demonstrate that Disney is prioritizing musical ability and on-screen chemistry, especially between the actors testing for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The eventual final cast announcement will be a major event, signaling that the long-awaited journey out of the tower is finally set to begin.

live action tangled cast
live action tangled cast

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