Director Teases Actress Who Could Star in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Tangled’

Disney’s live-action take on Tangled (2010) has felt like one long question mark. Fans have heard whispers, seen the occasional report, and watched the project drift in and out of conversation for years. Now that the fog has started to clear. Disney has officially confirmed that the remake is moving forward, although it hasn’t shared filming dates or a major casting announcement just yet.

Instead, the biggest jolt of energy came from something much smaller. The movie’s director seems to have dropped a subtle clue that sent fans racing back online, debating whether a minor social media action might hint at the future face of Rapunzel.

Before diving into that, it helps to remember why Tangled (2010) remains such a big deal in the first place.

Why Tangled (2010) Still Holds a Special Place

When Tangled (2010) arrived, it gave Disney Animation a fresh boost. The movie blended a classic fairy-tale setup with modern humor and emotion. Rapunzel wasn’t just a princess waiting to be saved; she was curious, stubborn, and desperate to see the world beyond her tower.

Flynn Rider brought in a different kind of leading man energy. Instead of a polished prince, he was sarcastic, charming, and unexpectedly sincere once his walls started to crack. Add the music, that unforgettable lantern scene, and the emotional core of the story, and it’s easy to see why fans still revisit the film more than a decade later.

That kind of staying power is precisely why the idea of a live-action remake has never entirely left fan discussions.

Disney’s Live-Action Obsession Continues

Over the past several years, Disney has heavily leaned on live-action remakes and sequels to its animated library. Some of those projects have broken records, while others have left audiences divided. Either way, sequels, reimaginings, and live-action updates have become a significant part of the release slate.

Then came Snow White (2025), which didn’t connect the way Disney had hoped. After that stumble, many fans wondered whether inevitable remakes might quietly get delayed or shelved. A live-action Tangled (2010) seemed especially vulnerable, with no casting announcements, no dates, and only occasional references in interviews.

Recent moves, however, tell a different story. Disney appears to be pushing ahead rather than backing away.

Did the Director Just Hint at His Rapunzel?

That brings us to Michael Gracey, the director attached to the live-action remake of Tangled (2010). He recently followed ZOMBIES 4 actress Freya Skye on social media, and fans noticed almost immediately. On its own, a follow doesn’t confirm anything. However, in Hollywood, even small online gestures can often spark conversation.

So far, Disney hasn’t announced a cast or confirmed any deals, and no official paperwork has surfaced. Still, online reports suggest that Gracey may have “hinted at who he sees leading the story,” and the timing of that follow-up has fueled fresh speculation about who could be stepping into Rapunzel’s iconic role in live-action.

Why Some Fans Like the Possibility

Supporters of Freya Skye see several reasons to take the idea seriously. She’s early in her acting career, but she has strong musical experience—something that matters a lot for Tangled. Rapunzel’s songs aren’t just fun extras; they sit right at the heart of her character.

Age is another factor. Rapunzel is written as 18, and with no official filming schedule on the books, Skye could be right around that age by the time cameras roll. Some fans believe that casting a younger performer who can grow with the character aligns with the story’s spirit. For them, it feels like a throwback to earlier Disney choices, where the role drove the casting more than a massive name on the poster.

Why Other Fans Are Pumping the Brakes

On the other hand, many fans feel uneasy. They worry that Skye’s limited resume makes the leap to such a beloved lead role too steep. Tangled (2010) carries a lot of emotional weight for people, and many would prefer someone with a longer track record shouldering that responsibility.

There’s also concern about age from a different angle. Even if the timeline lines up perfectly, some fans fear that a younger actress could face intense online pressure the second any casting becomes official. Others already have their own dream lineups and feel let down when those personal favorites aren’t at the center of the conversation.

Fan-Favorite Names Around Tangled

Rapunzel fan-casts have only multiplied over the years. Florence Pugh, Sabrina Carpenter, Sadie Sink, Emma Myers, and Isabel May frequently pop up in discussions, each bringing a different potential spin—whether that’s powerhouse vocals, emotional range, or bright comedic timing.

There are also whispers about Scarlett Johansson possibly playing Mother Gothel, which would give the villain a grounded, mature edge. For Flynn Rider, names like Milo Manheim and Danny Ramirez have surfaced in online chatter. All of this remains speculative, and Disney has confirmed none of these roles.

Waiting for the Lanterns to Rise

That uncertainty is exactly where fans sit now—some excited, some nervous, most stuck somewhere in between. Disney appears determined to move forward with the live-action Tangled project, even as expectations rise and patience wanes.

Whether the studio ultimately leans on rising talent, familiar faces, or a mix of both, it will have to navigate a passionate fanbase with strong opinions. For the moment, everyone is watching for the next signal. Until the studio makes things official, fans will continue to scan social feeds and news drops, waiting to see if this long-discussed remake finally steps fully into the light.