Disney’s live-action Tangled remake, initially paused in April 2025 due to backlash over other projects like Snow White, is reportedly back on track, with a casting announcement slated for November 2025. Sources cited by FandomWire and posts on X suggest that pop star Sabrina Carpenter and British actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers are leading contenders to play Rapunzel in the adaptation of the 2010 animated classic. The news has reignited fan excitement and debate, given the high expectations for the beloved story of Rapunzel, originally voiced by Mandy Moore. Directed by Michael Gracey and scripted by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the film aims to recapture the magic of its $592 million-grossing predecessor, but the casting choices have already sparked polarized reactions.

The Tangled project faced uncertainty earlier this year when Disney reportedly shelved it, per The Hollywood Reporter, amid criticism of their live-action slate. The Snow White remake’s poor box office performance ($145 million globally against a $270 million budget) and controversy over its “DEI dwarfs” fueled speculation that Disney was reevaluating its approach. Posts on X claimed Amewudah-Rivers was initially cast as Rapunzel, only for the project to be canceled due to similar backlash. However, recent rumors suggest Disney has reversed course, with Capital reporting that the studio is now moving forward, buoyed by fan campaigns and Carpenter’s rising star power. The November announcement is expected to clarify the cast and production timeline, though Disney has not officially confirmed these details.

Sabrina Carpenter, 25, has emerged as a fan favorite for Rapunzel, endorsed by Moore herself in a 2024 interview with Elite Daily. Carpenter’s Disney Channel roots (Girl Meets World), vocal prowess showcased in hits like “Espresso,” and her 2023 Halloween costume as Rapunzel have fueled speculation. ComicBookMovie reported in April 2025 that she met with Disney, and fans on X have rallied behind her, with one writing, “Sabrina’s perfect—she’s got the voice and the charm!” Her Grammy-winning album Short n’ Sweet and acting experience make her a strong fit, though her busy tour schedule raises questions about availability. Some fans also suggest Taylor Zakhar Perez for Flynn Rider, citing their chemistry in viral photos, per CinemaBlend.

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, known for her role in the 2024 Romeo and Juliet production alongside Tom Holland, is a newer name in the conversation. Her rumored casting, first mentioned in X posts by users like @dom_lucre, stirred controversy, with some fans arguing she doesn’t match Rapunzel’s book description of “golden hair.” Amewudah-Rivers faced racist backlash during her Juliet run, prompting support from over 800 Black artists, as noted by Republic World. Despite this, her stage experience and rising profile make her a compelling choice for Disney’s inclusive vision. BuzzFeed reported Rachel Zegler’s defense of Amewudah-Rivers, highlighting her resilience. However, @AskPerplexity and @grok on X clarified there’s no official confirmation of her casting, suggesting the rumors may be speculative.

The Tangled remake carries high stakes. The original, with its iconic songs like “I See the Light,” earned an Oscar nomination and sparked a TV series, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure. Fans demand a faithful yet fresh take, but Disney’s live-action track record—hits like Beauty and the Beast but missteps like Mulan—has made them cautious. IMDb noted in January 2025 that Disney’s strategy shift post-Snow White favors “safer” casting, which may explain Carpenter’s frontrunner status. Other names, like Florence Pugh and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, have surfaced, per ScaryMommy, but Carpenter and Amewudah-Rivers dominate current buzz.

The casting debate reflects broader tensions in Disney’s live-action era. Purists argue for fidelity to the animated film’s aesthetic, while others champion diversity, as seen in The Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey. Daily Mail reported fans’ fervor for Carpenter, with some citing her Tangled-inspired costume as destiny. Conversely, Amewudah-Rivers’ potential casting aligns with Disney’s push for representation, though it risks reigniting backlash. As November approaches, the announcement will test Disney’s ability to balance fan expectations with modern sensibilities. For now, the Tangled fandom waits eagerly, with Carpenter and Amewudah-Rivers at the heart of a fairy-tale saga that’s already weaving drama.