Disney’s live-action Tangled is finally coming into focus, and the excitement is palpable. After years of speculation, heated fan debates, and a production pause that left fans holding their breath, Disney has confirmed a major update: the cast for the highly anticipated remake of the 2010 animated classic will be announced in November 2025. Leading the race for the iconic role of Rapunzel are two powerhouse talents: pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter and rising theater star Francesca Amewudah-Rivers. With The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey in talks to helm the project and a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, this musical extravaganza promises to bring Rapunzel’s magical world to life like never before. But with two wildly different actresses battling for the lead, who will claim the crown—and why is this casting showdown sending fans into a frenzy?
A Long-Awaited Remake Rises from the Ashes
Since its release in 2010, Disney’s Tangled has been a modern classic, grossing $592.5 million worldwide and earning a permanent place in fans’ hearts with its heartfelt story, unforgettable songs like “I See the Light,” and the electric chemistry between Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) and Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi). The tale of a spirited princess with 70 feet of magical hair, locked in a tower by the scheming Mother Gothel, resonated with audiences for its humor, heart, and stunning animation. Naturally, a live-action adaptation felt inevitable, but Disney’s journey to bring it to the screen has been anything but smooth.
Announced in December 2024, the project hit a roadblock when Disney paused production in April 2025, spooked by the box office flop of their live-action Snow White, which grossed just $206 million against a $200 million budget. Fans feared Tangled might be shelved indefinitely, with posts on X lamenting, “Disney’s scared to touch Rapunzel after Snow White tanked.” But a July 2025 report from The DisInsider confirmed the film was back on track, buoyed by the billion-dollar success of Lilo & Stitch’s live-action remake. Now, with a casting announcement slated for November, the hype is reaching fever pitch, and the spotlight is on the battle for Rapunzel—a role that demands charm, vulnerability, and a voice to carry iconic songs like “When Will My Life Begin?”
Sabrina Carpenter: The Pop Princess Favorite
Sabrina Carpenter, the 25-year-old “Espresso” hitmaker, has emerged as the frontrunner for Rapunzel, and it’s easy to see why. With her luminous blonde hair, doe-eyed charm, and Disney Channel roots (Girl Meets World, Adventures in Babysitting), Carpenter seems tailor-made for the role. Her vocal prowess, showcased in chart-toppers like “Please Please Please” and her 2024 album Short N’ Sweet, makes her a natural fit for a musical adaptation. Fans have been clamoring for her casting since she dressed as Rapunzel for Halloween 2023, a viral moment that sparked side-by-side comparisons on X with captions like, “Sabrina is Rapunzel—Disney, don’t mess this up!” Even Mandy Moore, the original Rapunzel, gave her seal of approval, telling Elite Daily, “I could see her with 50 feet of hair or something. She looks like a Disney princess in real life.”
Carpenter’s acting chops, honed in projects like The Hate U Give and Tall Girl, prove she can handle Rapunzel’s emotional arc—from naive dreamer to courageous adventurer. Her massive global following, fresh off a sold-out world tour and multiple Grammy nominations in 2025, gives her star power that could guarantee a box office hit. “Sabrina’s the whole package—singing, acting, and that princess vibe,” one Reddit user posted on r/disneyprincess. “She’d make ‘I See the Light’ a TikTok sensation.” Yet, some fans worry her hectic schedule and pop-star commitments might complicate filming, especially with her rumored role in an upcoming Mean Girls sequel. Others argue her bold, confident persona might overshadow Rapunzel’s initial innocence, with one X user noting, “Sabrina’s great, but she’s more feisty than naive.”
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers: The Rising Star Wildcard
Enter Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, the 27-year-old British actress whose meteoric rise has made her a dark horse in the Rapunzel race. Best known for her stunning performance as Juliet opposite Tom Holland’s Romeo in the 2024 West End revival of Romeo & Juliet, Amewudah-Rivers brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the table. Her stage work, including roles in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and Macbeth at the Globe Theatre, showcases her ability to blend vulnerability with strength—qualities essential for Rapunzel’s journey. Her singing, featured in a viral clip from a 2023 Royal Shakespeare Company gala, has fans buzzing about her potential to tackle Tangled’s musical numbers. “Francesca’s voice is ethereal,” one X user raved. “She’d make ‘When Will My Life Begin’ feel like a revelation.”
Amewudah-Rivers’ casting would mark a bold departure from the animated Rapunzel’s blonde, fair-skinned image, sparking both excitement and controversy. Her Ghanaian heritage and commanding stage presence could reframe Rapunzel’s story, emphasizing themes of identity and freedom in a new light. “A Black Rapunzel would be iconic,” one Reddit user posted, arguing that her outsider status could deepen the character’s sense of isolation in Gothel’s tower. However, her casting has faced pushback, echoing the racist backlash she endured for Romeo & Juliet. “Rapunzel’s a blonde white girl in the books,” one TikToker posted, prompting fierce debate. Supporters countered, “Francesca’s talent transcends purist nonsense. She’d bring soul to Rapunzel.” Amewudah-Rivers herself addressed the criticism in a 2024 interview, saying, “Art should challenge, not conform. I’m here to tell stories, not fit boxes.”
A Casting Showdown for the Ages
The competition between Carpenter and Amewudah-Rivers has turned Tangled’s casting into a cultural flashpoint. Carpenter’s Disney pedigree and pop-star charisma make her the safe bet, appealing to fans who want a Rapunzel that mirrors the animated version. Her ability to draw younger audiences, especially after Ariana Grande’s success in Wicked, gives her an edge in Disney’s eyes. “Sabrina’s a marketing slam dunk,” one industry insider told Variety. “She’s a brand unto herself.” Meanwhile, Amewudah-Rivers offers a riskier but potentially transformative choice, bringing a fresh perspective that could elevate Tangled beyond a nostalgic remake. “Francesca’s a game-changer,” one Reddit user argued. “She’d make Rapunzel’s story resonate with a new generation.”
The supporting cast is also generating buzz. For Flynn Rider, Taylor Zakhar Perez (Red, White & Royal Blue) and Milo Manheim (Zombies) are top contenders, with fans on X swooning over a viral photo of Perez and Carpenter together, captioned, “The Tangled chemistry is already there!” Mandy Moore has pitched herself as Mother Gothel, suggesting a mother-daughter duet with the new Rapunzel, while Kathryn Hahn’s name has surfaced for the villainous role, with one X user joking, “Kathryn as Gothel singing ‘Mother Knows Best’ would eat.” Disney’s commitment to a musical format, with new songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater alongside classics, ensures the film will lean heavily on its leads’ vocal talents.
A High-Stakes Moment for Disney
The Silent Debt’s casting announcement comes at a critical juncture for Disney’s live-action remakes. After Snow White’s failure and mixed reactions to The Little Mermaid’s casting, the studio is under pressure to deliver a hit that balances nostalgia with innovation. Tangled’s $592.5 million box office legacy and devoted fanbase make it a safer bet than Snow White, but the casting choice could make or break its success. Carpenter’s star power could guarantee a blockbuster, especially with her 50 million Instagram followers, while Amewudah-Rivers’ casting would signal Disney’s commitment to diverse storytelling, even at the risk of backlash. “Disney’s walking a tightrope,” one Reddit user posted. “Sabrina’s the crowd-pleaser, but Francesca could make history.”
The film’s production, with Gracey’s vibrant direction and Robinson’s sharp script, promises a spectacle. Set photos from early tests in London’s Pinewood Studios, leaked in August 2025, show a lush tower set and Rapunzel’s iconic hair brought to life with a mix of practical effects and CGI. The decision to fast-track the project after Lilo & Stitch’s success suggests Disney sees Tangled as a potential billion-dollar hit. But the casting announcement in November will set the tone, with fans already divided. “Sabrina’s my Rapunzel, but Francesca’s got my respect,” one X user tweeted, summing up the fandom’s split loyalties.
Why Fans Are Losing It
The battle for Rapunzel has turned Tangled into more than just a remake—it’s a cultural moment. Carpenter’s fans, dubbed “Sabrina Stans,” have flooded X with hashtags like #SabrinaForRapunzel, pointing to her Disney roots and vocal range. Meanwhile, Amewudah-Rivers’ supporters, inspired by her stage triumphs, are pushing #FrancescaForRapunzel, arguing that her fresh take could redefine the princess for a new era. The debate has sparked broader conversations about representation, with some fans praising Disney’s openness to diverse casting and others insisting on fidelity to the animated film’s aesthetic. “It’s not about race—it’s about Rapunzel’s vibe,” one X user argued, while another countered, “A Black Rapunzel would show kids they can be heroes too.”
The November announcement, expected to drop at Disney’s D23 Brasil event, will end months of speculation and set the stage for a 2027 release. Whether it’s Carpenter’s pop-star sparkle or Amewudah-Rivers’ raw talent, the chosen Rapunzel will face sky-high expectations. “This better be perfect,” one Reddit user warned. “Tangled’s too iconic to mess up.” With Moore’s blessing, a stellar creative team, and two actresses at the top of their game, The Silent Debt is poised to be a dazzling reimagining. Will Sabrina or Francesca wield the frying pan? One thing’s certain: when that cast list drops, the internet will light up brighter than Rapunzel’s golden hair.
