(Image Source: Pinterest, Disney Studios)
This April, the live-action "Tangled" film, which was reportedly halted, was announced last month to be back in development. Furthermore, Scarlett Johansson is in talks to join as Mother Gothel. But the bigger question remains: who will ultimately play the lead role of Rapunzel? While Disney Studios has yet to officially announce casting results, news has already leaked regarding who Disney has already ruled out.
(Image Source: Disney Studios)
The well-known entertainment scooper MyTimeToShineHello recently revealed on X that Disney had considered Ariana Grande for the role of Rapunzel, but ultimately deemed Grande too old for the role and passed. Grande, a pop music icon known for her powerful vocals, has also recently become a box office star with her lead role in the hit fantasy musical "Wicked." It's understandable why she would be considered for "Tangled," which also features fantasy and musical elements. However, at 32, playing a character canonically 18 years old might have been a stretch for Disney.
Beyond Grande, Disney was also in talks with another Disney-bred pop star, Sabrina Carpenter. However, Disney reportedly passed on her because they found Carpenter "too beautiful." They are reportedly looking for an actress to portray Rapunzel with a "more ordinary" appearance. Model Bella Hadid also reportedly auditioned but did not secure the part.