The icy winds of Arendelle are stirring once again, and Disney fans are buzzing with excitement as rumors swirl about a live-action Frozen remake in the works! With the studio’s track record of transforming animated classics like The Lion King and Moana into live-action spectacles, it’s only a matter of time before Princess Anna and Queen Elsa take center stage in a new cinematic adventure. At the heart of the speculation is the question on every fan’s mind: who will step into the boots of Anna, the warm-hearted, fearless princess of Arendelle? Five rising stars—Amandla Stenberg, Sabrina Carpenter, Kiernan Shipka, Sadie Sink, and Isabela Merced—are topping fan-casting lists, each bringing unique talent and charisma to the table. As social media explodes with debates and Disney remains tight-lipped, we dive into why these actresses are perfect contenders to embody Anna’s spirit in a live-action Frozen set to redefine a modern classic. Let’s break the ice and explore who fits best!

Anna: The Heart of Frozen

Since its release on November 27, 2013, Frozen has become a global phenomenon, grossing over $1.2 billion and earning two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Let It Go”). Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, the film follows Anna, the optimistic younger sister of Elsa, who embarks on a perilous journey to save her kingdom from an eternal winter caused by her sister’s ice powers. Voiced by Kristen Bell, Anna is a beloved character known for her courage, loyalty, and quirky charm—qualities that any live-action actress must capture to do her justice. With Disney’s live-action remakes emphasizing cultural authenticity and emotional depth, the search for Anna demands a performer who can sing, act, and embody her infectious warmth at age 18.

The rumored remake, though not officially confirmed by Disney, has gained traction following the success of Frozen II (2019) and the studio’s aggressive remake slate, including Moana (2026) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024). Fans on platforms like Reddit and X are passionately debating their dream casts, with five actresses emerging as frontrunners: Amandla Stenberg, Sabrina Carpenter, Kiernan Shipka, Sadie Sink, and Isabela Merced. Each brings a unique blend of acting prowess, musical talent, and star power, but who among them is the best fit to bring Anna to life? Let’s meet the contenders and see how they stack up.

Amandla Stenberg: The Versatile Visionary

Amandla Stenberg, 26, burst onto the scene as Rue in The Hunger Games (2012) and has since proven her versatility in films like The Hate U Give (2018), Everything, Everything (2017), and Dear Evan Hansen (2021). Her ability to convey raw emotion, as seen in her powerful performance as Starr Carter, makes her a compelling choice for Anna’s heartfelt journey. Stenberg’s singing in Dear Evan Hansen showcases her vocal range, a must for Anna’s iconic songs like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever.” Her experience with diverse roles, from dystopian action to romantic dramas, suggests she could capture Anna’s mix of innocence and defiance.

Stenberg’s advocacy for representation and her poised screen presence align with Disney’s push for inclusive storytelling. However, her age—26 compared to Anna’s 18—might require creative casting to emphasize youthful energy. Fans on X praise her “soulful depth,” with one user noting, “Amandla could nail Anna’s emotional arc and make those songs soar.” Her ability to handle complex characters positions her as a strong contender, but she’d need to channel Anna’s playful optimism to fully embody the role.

Sabrina Carpenter: The Disney Darling

Sabrina Carpenter, 26, is a natural fit for Anna, thanks to her Disney roots and multifaceted talent. Known for her role as Maya Hart in Girl Meets World (2014–2017), Carpenter has transitioned into a pop music powerhouse with hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” dominating charts in 2025. Her singing ability is undeniable, and her acting chops—honed in projects like The Hate U Give and Clouds (2020)—make her a standout. Carpenter’s bubbly charisma and comedic timing mirror Anna’s quirky charm, while her experience with Disney’s family-friendly brand gives her an edge.

Fans point to her chemistry with co-stars, particularly her Girl Meets World bond with Rowan Blanchard, as proof she could shine alongside a live-action Elsa. “Sabrina’s got the voice, the vibe, and the Disney magic,” one Reddit user raved. Her youthful appearance and stage presence could easily pass for 18, though some worry her pop-star persona might overshadow the role. With Tangled’s Mandy Moore endorsing her for Rapunzel, Carpenter’s Disney princess credentials are strong, making her a top contender for Anna.

Kiernan Shipka: The Charismatic Chameleon

Kiernan Shipka, 25, is no stranger to commanding the screen, having starred as Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020) and appeared in Mad Men (2007–2015). Her ability to balance spunk and vulnerability makes her a strong candidate for Anna, whose journey blends humor with emotional depth. Shipka’s experience in Let It Snow (2019) alongside Isabela Merced shows her knack for ensemble dynamics, crucial for Anna’s interactions with Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf. While her singing experience is less documented, fan-casting threads on Reddit suggest she has “untapped vocal potential,” citing her musical theater background.

Shipka’s fair complexion and youthful features align with Anna’s Nordic-inspired look, and her ability to shift from lighthearted to intense—as seen in Sabrina—mirrors Anna’s growth from naive princess to brave hero. “Kiernan’s got that spark Anna needs,” one X user wrote, though some question whether she can match the vocal demands of the role. Her proven track record with complex characters makes her a dark horse, but she’d need to nail the musical elements to secure the crown.

Sadie Sink: The Emotional Powerhouse

Sadie Sink, 23, has emerged as a fan favorite for Anna, thanks to her breakout role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things (2017–present) and her Broadway pedigree in Annie (2012–2014). Sink’s ability to convey raw emotion, as seen in The Whale (2022) and Dear Zoe (2022), makes her a perfect match for Anna’s heartfelt moments, particularly her longing for her sister Elsa. Her singing experience in Annie and a 2024 Dear Evan Hansen stage run proves she can handle Frozen’s demanding score, with fans on X calling her “a vocal and emotional knockout.”

Sink’s red hair and youthful energy align closely with Anna’s animated design, and her ability to portray resilience under pressure mirrors Anna’s journey. “Sadie’s got the heart and grit to make Anna unforgettable,” one Reddit user posted. Her age, closer to Anna’s 18, gives her an edge in authenticity, though her limited comedy experience compared to Carpenter or Shipka could be a hurdle. Still, Sink’s rising star status and emotional depth make her a formidable contender.

Isabela Merced: The Rising Star

Isabela Merced, 24, brings a dynamic energy to the casting conversation, with credits in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019), Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), and HBO’s The Last of Us (2025). Her Broadway debut in Evita at age 10 and her role in Let It Snow alongside Shipka showcase her acting and singing versatility, essential for Anna’s musical numbers. Merced’s Peruvian heritage adds a unique perspective, though some fans debate whether her look matches Anna’s Nordic aesthetic. “Isabela’s got the talent and charm to make Anna her own,” one X user argued, citing her ability to shine in action and drama.

Merced’s youthful vibrancy and experience with family-friendly roles make her a strong fit, and her work in The Last of Us has earned her critical acclaim for emotional depth. However, her busy schedule, with upcoming roles in Superman (2025) and Mufasa: The Lion King, might complicate her availability. Fans see her as a wildcard who could bring a fresh spin to Anna, especially if Disney leans into diverse casting.

The Fan Frenzy and Disney’s Challenge

The debate over Anna’s casting has taken social media by storm, with fans on Reddit, X, and fan-casting sites like myCast passionately advocating for their favorites. Kristen Bell, Anna’s original voice, sparked excitement in October 2024 by naming Joey King as her pick, though she noted King’s age (25) might require a younger actress to align with Anna’s 18-year-old character. Fan-casting lists also include names like Florence Pugh and Hailee Steinfeld, but Stenberg, Carpenter, Shipka, Sink, and Merced dominate discussions for their youth, talent, and star power.

Disney faces a daunting task: finding an actress who can match Kristen Bell’s iconic performance while bringing fresh energy to a live-action format. Anna’s role requires a delicate balance of comedic timing, emotional vulnerability, and vocal prowess, as her songs drive Frozen’s emotional core. The studio’s recent live-action remakes have faced scrutiny—The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) sparked debates over casting and fidelity—so Frozen’s success hinges on a choice that resonates with fans and honors the original’s legacy.

Why It Matters Now

The buzz around a live-action Frozen reflects Disney’s ongoing commitment to reimagining its classics, with Moana (2026) and Aladdin (2019) proving the box-office potential of such projects. Frozen’s global appeal, bolstered by its Broadway adaptation and theme park presence, makes it a prime candidate for a remake, with estimates suggesting it could gross over $1 billion if executed well. The casting of Anna is crucial, as her relatability and optimism anchor the story, complementing Elsa’s icy complexity. Fans are eager for a film that captures the magic of the original while offering a fresh perspective, with one X user writing, “Whoever plays Anna needs to make us fall in love with her all over again.”

The five contenders—Stenberg, Carpenter, Shipka, Sink, and Merced—each bring unique strengths, from Carpenter’s Disney pedigree to Sink’s emotional depth and Merced’s rising star power. Stenberg’s versatility and Shipka’s charisma add further depth to the conversation, making the casting decision a thrilling puzzle. As Disney navigates the remake’s development, the choice of Anna will signal whether the studio leans toward established stars or bold newcomers.

The Verdict: Who Fits Best?

Choosing the perfect Anna is no easy feat, but each actress offers a compelling case. Sabrina Carpenter’s Disney roots and musical talent make her a safe yet vibrant choice, while Sadie Sink’s emotional intensity and Broadway experience give her an edge for Anna’s heart-wrenching moments. Amandla Stenberg’s versatility and vocal skills could bring a fresh perspective, while Kiernan Shipka’s charm and Isabela Merced’s dynamic energy offer exciting possibilities. Ultimately, the decision rests on Disney’s vision: a faithful recreation or a bold reinvention.

As the Frozen remake looms on the horizon, the casting frenzy shows no signs of cooling. Whether it’s Stenberg’s soulful depth, Carpenter’s pop-star sparkle, Shipka’s chameleon-like charm, Sink’s emotional fire, or Merced’s vibrant energy, one thing is certain: Anna’s next adventure will be a journey worth watching. Stay tuned for Disney’s announcement, and let us know on social media who you think should don Anna’s braid and bring Arendelle to life!