Disney has set the stage for a dazzling new chapter in its live-action remake saga with the official announcement of a Tangled adaptation, slated for release on May 28, 2027. The studio has confirmed that rising star Francesca Amewudah-Rivers will take on the iconic role of Rapunzel, the long-haired princess whose journey of self-discovery and adventure captivated audiences in the 2010 animated classic. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, and penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, this reimagining promises to bring fresh energy to the beloved fairy tale while staying true to its heart. Amewudah-Rivers’ casting, a bold and inspired choice, has sparked excitement and debate, signaling Disney’s commitment to redefining its princess legacy for a new generation.
A New Rapunzel Takes Flight
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, a 27-year-old British actress of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent, is poised to make history as the first Black actress to portray Rapunzel in a major Disney production. Born in Brighton and trained at the National Youth Theatre, Amewudah-Rivers has quickly risen through the ranks of the entertainment world. Her breakout role came in 2024 as Juliet opposite Tom Holland in a West End production of Romeo and Juliet, earning her the prestigious Ian Charleson Award and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Newcomer. Her performance was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity, qualities that Disney executives reportedly saw as perfect for Rapunzel’s spirited and curious nature.
The announcement of Amewudah-Rivers as Rapunzel came during Disney’s D23 Expo in August 2025, where a teaser image of her in a flowing purple gown, standing in a tower adorned with vibrant murals, sent fans into a frenzy. Her casting marks a departure from the blonde, fair-skinned Rapunzel of the animated film, voiced by Mandy Moore, prompting both celebration and controversy. Disney has emphasized that Amewudah-Rivers was chosen for her undeniable talent, with studio head Kristin Burr stating, “Francesca brings a fresh, vibrant energy to Rapunzel. Her ability to embody both vulnerability and strength makes her the perfect fit for this iconic role.” The actress, who is also a classically trained pianist and singer, has been taking intensive vocal lessons to prepare for the film’s musical numbers, including reimagined versions of classics like “When Will My Life Begin” and “I See the Light.”
Reimagining a Modern Classic
The original Tangled, released in 2010, reimagined the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Rapunzel” with a modern twist, blending humor, heart, and stunning animation. The story follows Rapunzel, a young woman with magical, 70-foot-long hair, who is kidnapped as a baby by the manipulative Mother Gothel and raised in a hidden tower. When she meets the charming thief Flynn Rider, Rapunzel embarks on a journey to discover the world beyond her confinement and uncover her true identity as the lost princess of Corona. The film’s success—grossing $592 million worldwide and earning an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—cemented its status as a modern Disney classic, paving the way for hits like Frozen and Moana.
The live-action adaptation aims to honor the original while introducing new elements to resonate with contemporary audiences. Directed by Michael Gracey, whose work on The Greatest Showman showcased his flair for vibrant musical storytelling, the film will retain the animated version’s signature blend of adventure and romance. The script, written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder), reportedly emphasizes Rapunzel’s agency, portraying her as a proactive heroine who drives her own destiny. The story will explore her emotional journey in greater depth, delving into her struggle for independence and her complex relationship with Mother Gothel. New songs, composed by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, who crafted the original soundtrack, will complement reimagined versions of the animated film’s hits, ensuring the musical magic remains intact.
The film’s visual style promises to be a spectacle, with Gracey leveraging cutting-edge CGI to bring Rapunzel’s magical hair to life. Concept art revealed at D23 depicts lush forests, glowing lanterns, and a reimagined Corona that blends fairy-tale charm with a vibrant, multicultural aesthetic. The iconic lantern scene, where Rapunzel and Flynn witness a sea of floating lights, is expected to be a centerpiece, enhanced with advanced lighting effects to create a breathtaking cinematic moment.
A Star-Studded Cast
While Amewudah-Rivers leads the cast as Rapunzel, Disney has assembled a talented ensemble to bring Tangled to life. Fabien Frankel, known for his role as Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon, has been cast as Flynn Rider, bringing roguish charm and emotional depth to the role originally voiced by Zachary Levi. Kathryn Hahn, fresh off her acclaimed performance as Agatha Harkness in the MCU’s Agatha All Along, will portray Mother Gothel, infusing the villain with a mix of menace and charisma. Hahn’s casting has generated significant buzz, with fans eager to see her tackle Gothel’s iconic song, “Mother Knows Best.”
Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, the voices of Rapunzel and Flynn in the animated film, will make cameo appearances as Rapunzel’s parents, the King and Queen of Corona. Moore, who has expressed enthusiasm for the remake, suggested a mother-daughter duet with Amewudah-Rivers, a possibility that has fans excited for a potential original song. Additional casting includes Elizabeth Olsen as a new character, a royal advisor in Corona with ties to Rapunzel’s past, adding a fresh layer to the story. The diverse ensemble reflects Disney’s commitment to inclusive casting, a move that has sparked both praise and criticism in the wake of previous live-action remakes like The Little Mermaid and Snow White.
Navigating Controversy
Amewudah-Rivers’ casting has not been without controversy. Following the announcement, some fans took to social media to express disappointment, arguing that Rapunzel, traditionally depicted as blonde and fair-skinned, should be portrayed by an actress who matches the animated character’s appearance. These sentiments echo the backlash faced by Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers herself in her Romeo and Juliet role, where she endured racist abuse. In response, over 800 Black actors signed an open letter supporting Amewudah-Rivers, condemning the harassment and celebrating her talent. Disney has also issued a statement, saying, “We stand firmly behind Francesca and our vision for a Tangled that reflects the world we live in today. Her talent speaks for itself, and we’re thrilled to see her bring Rapunzel to life.”
The controversy highlights broader debates about diversity in Hollywood, particularly in Disney’s live-action remakes. While some fans argue that adaptations should remain faithful to their source material, others praise Disney for reimagining classic characters to reflect a more inclusive world. Amewudah-Rivers has addressed the criticism with grace, stating in an interview, “Rapunzel’s story is about finding yourself and breaking free. I’m honored to bring my perspective to that journey and hope to inspire others to see themselves in her.” Her casting aligns with Disney’s recent efforts to diversify its princess lineup, as seen with Halle Bailey’s Ariel and Catherine Laga’aia’s upcoming Moana.
A Challenging Landscape for Disney
The Tangled remake comes at a pivotal moment for Disney’s live-action division. The studio’s recent adaptations, including Snow White (2025), faced significant backlash due to production delays, budget overruns, and public controversy over casting and narrative changes. Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, reportedly cost $270 million and struggled to recoup its budget, prompting Disney to reassess its approach to remakes. The decision to greenlight Tangled reflects the studio’s confidence in the story’s enduring appeal, but it also places pressure on Gracey and his team to deliver a film that balances nostalgia with innovation.
The casting of Amewudah-Rivers, alongside established stars like Hahn and Frankel, signals Disney’s strategy to blend emerging talent with recognizable names, a tactic used successfully in Aladdin (2019) with Mena Massoud and Will Smith. However, the studio is treading carefully after reports that the Tangled project was briefly paused in April 2025, reportedly due to concerns over fan reception and budget constraints. The success of The Greatest Showman, which grossed $435 million on an $84 million budget, bodes well for Gracey’s ability to deliver a visually stunning and commercially viable film.
A Story of Resilience and Magic
The live-action Tangled will retain the core elements that made the animated film a beloved classic: Rapunzel’s journey from isolation to independence, her romance with Flynn, and the emotional stakes of confronting Mother Gothel. The story will explore Rapunzel’s magical hair, imbued with healing powers from a mystical flower, and her quest to see the floating lanterns that light up the sky on her birthday. New subplots, including the royal advisor’s connection to Corona’s history, will add depth to the narrative, while the film’s multicultural aesthetic aims to broaden the story’s appeal.
Amewudah-Rivers’ performance is expected to be a highlight, with her musical background and dramatic training bringing a fresh interpretation to Rapunzel. Her ability to convey both naivety and resilience will be crucial in portraying a princess who defies her captor and embraces her destiny. Frankel’s Flynn is anticipated to capture the character’s roguish charm, while Hahn’s Gothel will add a layer of psychological complexity to the villain, exploring her motivations beyond mere vanity.
A Bright Future for Rapunzel
As Tangled prepares to hit theaters in 2027, it carries the weight of fan expectations and the challenge of reimagining a modern classic. Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting as Rapunzel marks a bold step for Disney, signaling a commitment to diversity and storytelling that resonates with today’s audiences. With Michael Gracey at the helm, a stellar cast, and a script that balances nostalgia with fresh perspectives, the live-action Tangled promises to be a magical journey. As Rapunzel’s lantern-lit adventure unfolds, Amewudah-Rivers is poised to shine, proving that the heart of a princess lies not in her appearance but in her courage, curiosity, and spirit.
