The announcement of Teagan Croft as Rapunzel in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with reports emerging that British actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers publicly expressed outrage over the casting choice. The drama unfolded rapidly in early January 2026, just days after Disney confirmed Croft, 21, opposite Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, turning what should have been celebratory news into a heated online debate about talent, expectations, and industry fairness.
Disney’s live-action remake of the 2010 animated classic Tangled—which grossed over $592 million worldwide and became a beloved modern fairy tale—has been in development for years, with rumors swirling about potential leads including Sadie Sink, Emma Myers, and others. The official casting reveal on January 7, 2026, via Disney’s social media channels introduced Croft, an Australian actress best known for her role as Raven in the HBO Max series Titans, as the tower-bound princess with magical golden hair. Manheim, recognized from the Zombies franchise and School Spirits, was tapped to play the charming thief Flynn Rider. The announcement included playful nods to the original film, with Croft commenting “OMGGG WHO ARE THEYYYY” and Manheim referencing the iconic song “I See the Light” with a lizard emoji in tribute to Pascal.
While some fans praised the choice, calling Croft a perfect fit with her expressive features and youthful energy, others expressed disappointment, arguing for more established names like Sabrina Carpenter (who had worn a Tangled-inspired Halloween costume) or highlighting other rumored contenders. The backlash quickly escalated when reports surfaced that Amewudah-Rivers, fresh off her acclaimed but controversial turn as Juliet in a West End production of Romeo and Juliet opposite Tom Holland, reacted strongly to the news.
According to circulating accounts, Amewudah-Rivers took to social media and interviews to voice her frustration, reportedly declaring, “It’s not fair, Rapunzel should have been me!” She allegedly went further, publicly criticizing Croft’s suitability for the role, claiming the Australian actress “wasn’t good enough” and “lacked the skills” to embody the iconic princess. These remarks, described as ridiculing and dismissive, were seen by many as unprofessional and rooted in personal disappointment over not securing the part herself—despite no confirmed reports that she had auditioned or been seriously considered.
The comments triggered an immediate and fierce online debate. Supporters of Croft defended her casting, pointing to her proven range in dramatic and action-oriented roles, her natural charisma, and Disney’s history of launching rising stars into stardom through live-action remakes. Critics of Amewudah-Rivers’ statements accused her of bitterness and unnecessary negativity, arguing that such public attacks undermine fellow actresses in a competitive industry. Others drew parallels to past controversies, including the racist backlash faced by actresses of color in high-profile roles, though in this case, the focus remained on perceived skill and fairness rather than race.
The controversy reached a boiling point just hours after the initial reports, when Disney issued an official statement widely interpreted as a direct response to Amewudah-Rivers’ remarks. The studio emphasized its commitment to “thoughtful, inclusive casting” and “celebrating the talents of emerging performers who bring fresh energy to these beloved stories.” Without naming individuals, the message highlighted the rigorous audition process for Tangled and expressed confidence in Croft’s ability to capture Rapunzel’s spirit of curiosity, courage, and resilience. Disney also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward negativity and division within the industry, urging fans and professionals alike to focus on the positive aspects of storytelling and creativity.
This carefully worded release was viewed by many as a subtle but firm rebuke, protecting its new lead while signaling disapproval of public disparagement. It further amplified the drama, with social media platforms flooded by divided opinions: some praised Disney for standing by Croft, while others accused the studio of favoritism or mishandling the situation.
Teagan Croft, born and raised in Sydney, began her career at a young age with roles in Australian television like Home and Away before gaining international recognition in Titans (2018–2023), where she played the complex superhero Raven. Her film credits include True Spirit (2023) on Netflix, and she has built a substantial following of over 900,000 on Instagram. Fans noted her excitement in responding to the announcement, suggesting she was unaware of or unaffected by the surrounding negativity.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, known for her stage work including a recent high-profile Juliet role that drew both praise and backlash (including racial abuse allegations), has yet to comment further on the reports. Her representatives have not confirmed the exact nature of her statements, leaving room for speculation that some accounts may be exaggerated or taken out of context.
As production on the live-action Tangled—directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman)—moves forward, the controversy highlights ongoing challenges in Disney’s remake era: balancing fan expectations, managing public scrutiny, and navigating the intense emotions tied to iconic characters. With Kathryn Hahn reportedly in talks for Mother Gothel, the film continues to generate buzz, but the early casting storm serves as a reminder that in Hollywood’s fairy-tale world, even the happiest announcements can face unexpected shadows.
The debate underscores broader industry issues: the pressure on young actors, the role of social media in amplifying criticism, and the fine line between honest opinion and harmful negativity. For now, all eyes remain on Croft to prove she can let down her hair and shine as Rapunzel, while the project pushes ahead toward what Disney hopes will be another billion-dollar success.
