In the wake of the controversial and underwhelming performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White in 2025, the studio appears to be making subtle but significant adjustments to its approach with upcoming remakes. The latest buzz surrounds the long-gestating live-action adaptation of Tangled, the beloved 2010 animated hit. Reports indicate that Disney is actively testing young actresses who closely resemble the iconic animated Rapunzel — long blonde hair, wide-eyed innocence, and fair features — rather than opting for a bold reinvention of the character. Among the names circulating in casting circles, 19-year-old Mckenna Grace has emerged as a strong contender and fan favorite, with insiders suggesting she could bring the magical princess to life in a way that honors the original.

This potential direction marks a notable pivot for Disney, coming on the heels of Snow White’s troubled journey from announcement to release. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film faced intense scrutiny long before it hit theaters. Critics and online audiences debated the “modernized” take on the classic tale, including changes to the story’s themes, the use of CGI for the seven dwarfs, and Zegler’s own comments about updating the character for contemporary viewers. The backlash intensified with discussions around casting a Latina actress in the role traditionally depicted as having “skin as white as snow,” sparking accusations of forced diversity from some quarters.

When Snow White finally premiered in March 2025, it opened to a disappointing $43 million domestically, far below expectations for a high-profile Disney release with a massive budget. Reviews were mixed, with praise for Zegler’s vocal talents overshadowed by complaints about narrative alterations and visual effects. The film ultimately struggled to recoup costs, projecting significant losses and becoming a cautionary tale for the studio’s live-action remake strategy. Amid the fallout, Disney reportedly paused several projects, including early work on Tangled, to reassess priorities.

Now, as development on Tangled quietly resumes, the focus on physical resemblance to the animated Rapunzel signals a deliberate course correction. The 2010 film, loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, featured a vibrant, wide-eyed princess with flowing golden hair that glowed with magical properties. Voiced by Mandy Moore, Rapunzel was designed with classic Disney princess traits: fair skin, large green eyes, and an innocent, adventurous spirit. Fans have long cherished this look, and recent casting rumors suggest Disney is listening.

Mckenna Grace, known for roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Gifted, and as a young Captain Marvel in the MCU, has repeatedly surfaced as a top choice. With her blonde hair, expressive features, and youthful energy, Grace bears a striking similarity to the animated character. Insiders describe her as the “frontrunner” among a shortlist that includes Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), Emma Myers (Wednesday), Isabel May, and others like Freya Skye and Sarah Catherine Hook. Grace’s versatility — spanning drama, horror, and musical elements — makes her a compelling fit, especially if the remake retains the original’s catchy songs like “When Will My Life Begin” and “I See the Light.”

Other casting whispers include Mason Thames (The Black Phone) as a potential Flynn Rider, the charming thief voiced by Zachary Levi in the animated version. Thames, who recently co-starred with Grace in a film, has been praised in fan casts for his roguish appeal. The project, directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame, aims to capture the whimsical, adventurous tone that made Tangled a modern classic, grossing nearly $600 million worldwide and earning acclaim for its humor, animation, and heartfelt story.

This emphasis on fidelity comes at a pivotal moment for Disney’s live-action slate. The remake era, which kicked off strongly with billion-dollar hits like The Lion King (2019) and Aladdin (2019), has faced growing fatigue. While successes like Cinderella (2015) and The Jungle Book (2016) stayed close to their sources, later entries experimented more boldly — sometimes to mixed results. The Little Mermaid (2023) drew praise for Halle Bailey’s Ariel but also backlash over changes, mirroring Snow White’s divisive reception.

By prioritizing actresses who evoke the original Rapunzel’s appearance, Disney seems to be responding to feedback that audiences prefer remakes celebrating the classics rather than overhauling them. This isn’t about rejecting diversity — Grace and others on the list bring fresh talent — but about balancing innovation with nostalgia. The animated Tangled already modernized the fairy tale with a feisty, artistic heroine who dreams big, proving updates can work without alienating core fans.

Production on the live-action Tangled is rumored to begin as early as mid-2026, potentially eyeing a release around 2027 or later, depending on scheduling. The script, penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is expected to stay true to the story of Rapunzel’s tower imprisonment, her encounter with Flynn, and the magical hair that heals. Visual effects will likely play a major role in bringing the glowing locks and lantern festival to life in stunning detail.

For fans of the original, this approach feels reassuring. Tangled wasn’t just a box-office success; it marked Disney Animation’s revival, blending CGI beauty with hand-drawn charm. A live-action version that honors Rapunzel’s iconic design could recapture that magic, especially with a lead like Grace, whose bright smile and expressive eyes echo the character’s wide-eyed wonder.

Disney’s live-action remakes have always walked a tightrope between tradition and progress. After Snow White’s stumble, the studio’s apparent shift toward visual faithfulness in Tangled suggests a willingness to adapt — not the stories themselves, but the strategy behind them. If Mckenna Grace steps into those famous bare feet, it could signal a brighter path forward, proving that sometimes, the best way to modernize a princess is to let her shine just as audiences remember her.

As casting tests continue and details emerge, excitement is building. Whether Grace ultimately lands the role or another talented actress does, the focus on resemblance hints at a more crowd-pleasing era for Disney remakes. In a landscape where fairy tales endure, staying close to the heart of the original might be the smartest enchantment of all.