Disney's beloved animated film Tangled is officially getting a live-action remake, and the search for its leading lady, Rapunzel, is in full swing. After a brief production pause earlier this year, the project is back on track, with recent chemistry reads held in London to cast both Rapunzel and her love interest, Flynn Rider.
The Frontrunners for the Tower
According to industry reports, several actresses have already tested for the coveted role. The Hollywood Reporter named a key list of contenders who participated in recent London auditions.
Leading the pack is Freya Skye, the 16-year-old British star from Disney's Zombies 4. The young actress and singer is reportedly a strong candidate for the part. Another notable name is Sarah Catherine Hook, the 30-year-old Australian actress known for Netflix's First Kill and HBO's The White Lotus.
They are joined by fellow Australian Teagan Croft (21), famous for playing Raven in DC's Titans, and London-born Olivia-Mai Barrett (29), who previously starred in the Disney series Penny on M.A.R.S.
Fan Favourites and Scheduling Conflicts
The report also mentioned Lola Tung, star of The Summer I Turned Pretty, as being in the initial mix. However, it is suggested a potential scheduling conflict with her film commitment may have prevented her from testing.
While not confirmed to have auditioned, several actresses remain popular fan casts. McKenna Grace (Ghostbusters) has publicly called Tangled her "all time favourite film" and expressed interest. Similarly, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever) has repeatedly stated on social media that Rapunzel is her dream role.
Surprise Auditions and Viral Rumours
In a surprising reveal, supermodel Gigi Hadid told Vogue in September 2025 that she secretly auditioned for the role, though she acknowledged the studio would likely choose a professional singer.
Perhaps the most public audition came from JoJo Siwa, whose mother posted her audition tape online during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK, causing it to go viral instantly.
Other names like Sabrina Carpenter, Sadie Sink, and Emma Myers have been linked to the role by fan speculation or unverified reports, but there is no official confirmation they have tried out. Carpenter, in particular, is now working on an Alice in Wonderland project, making her involvement unlikely.
Filming was paused earlier in 2025 but has now resumed, with casting a top priority. The production team is carefully considering who will bring the iconic long-haired princess to life for a new generation.
