Image of the two main characters of Disney’s Tangled. CC BY-SA 2.0 (No changes made)
Tangled, (2010) is a beloved animated film from Disney. With an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an 87% from audiences. This film is loved by many people. In recent years, many Disney films have been adapted into live-action remakes, many of which have not been received well.Â
Official Cast from Disney
Rapunzel is not only a popular Disney princess, but a German fairytale, dating back to the 17 century. After long anticipation, Teagan Croft was cast as Rapunzel. This is a great move on Disney’s behalf by casting someone who is not considered a household name for the role. Croft’s breakout role is widely considered to be playing Raven in the DC Universe series Titans. However, Disney’s platform is sure to launch her into stardom.
Milo Manheim had his breakout role on Disney’s, “Zombies,” (2018,) making him a notable name surrounding anything Disney. Fans were quick to point out that he resembles Flynn Rider. As well as known for being in musicals, making him the perfect candidate for the character. Despite love from Disney fans, many disagree with his political standings. On October 7, Manheim shared a post on Instagram stating his support for the people in Israel. This is a similar pattern to what happened with actress Gal Gadot, who caused many to boycott the Snow White remake. This type of protest will likely happen again for this movie.Â
Difficulties and Controversies for Disney
Online fancasts have been circulating for over a year, Avantika Vandanapu being one of the most infamous, due to the racism received. Her possible casting as a South Asian Rapunzel sparked debate about diversity and changing traditional portrayals. Some long-time fans were upset with this choice, thinking that choosing an actress who is not German would be inaccurate. Other popular fancasts were McKenna Grace, Meg Donelly, Florence Pugh and Sabrina Carpenter.Â
When Tangled was created, creators went through extensive research to create the Disney prince. While in its creation, Disney decided to hold a “hot man meeting,” where female studio employees critiqued photos of attractive male celebrities. In order to best identify attractive features to build what would be seen as perfect. Since Flynn Rider is fictional, casting his live-action counterpart is near impossible.
Up in the Air
Mother Gothel is the iconic villain from Tangled, posing as Rapunzel’s mother until it is revealed that she kidnapped her as a baby. Kathryn Hahn, known for playing Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been the most popular fancast. Her ability to play a villain has made her rise to this popularity, along with looking like the character. Hahn is currently in talks with Disney to play Mother Gothel. This role requires singing, which Hahn is not good at. She had to sing for her role as Agatha, which turned out more like a chant rather than a song, proving Hahn is not suited for a musical.
Despite the public’s need for Hahn to claim this role, there are actresses more qualified for this role. Helena Bonham Carter is the perfect fit to play Mother Gothel. Carter is no stranger to musical films. She has played the vocally challenging role of Mrs. Lovett in, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” (2007,) as well as Madame Thénardie in, “Les Misérables,” (2012.) Carter is most known for her role in the Harry Potter series as villain Bellatrix Lestrange, leaving no room for doubt that she would have trouble playing a villain.
New Faces Needed
The Stabbington Brothers are the twin thieves who partnered with Flynn Rider and later Mother Gothel. While they are not the main antagonists, their casting is no less important. Brothers Chris and Liam Hemsworth have been suggested to play these characters. James and Oliver Phelps, who played Weasley twins in the Harry Potter series, have also been a popular fancast.
None of the fancasts feel right for the brothers, and it would be refreshing to see new faces. This film would provide a large platform for whoever is cast to be given an opportunity to prove themselves to Hollywood.
Tributes to The Original
Many have grown up with Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi as their Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, and want them to be included in the new project. Fans have found a resemblance between the voice actors and the looks of Rapunzel’s parents, Queen Arianna and King Fredric, and would like for Moore and Levi to play them in the live-action. Other people brought up to play the Queen and King are Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Olsen, John Krasinski and David Harbour. While looks-wise the fancasts have it down, it would be more appropriate to honor the originals.
Making the Live Action
The original was directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno. This new film will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for writing, “The Greatest Showman,” (2017,) with a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who wrote, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” (2022.) Despite many being against Disney’s live-action remakes and die-hard fans pushing for what they want, this new team will definitely be faced with a challenge.
