In her recent Vogue cover story with Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid made a surprising revelation: she auditioned for the titular role in Disney’s upcoming Tangled live-action remake. “I was really proud of my scene,” she told, reflecting on the challenge. “What do we do in this job anymore that scares us?” Hadid mused. Despite diving into singing lessons during fashion month, she admitted:
I knew they were going to go with a real singer.
But alas, the crown didn’t quite fit. Disney, after the backlash and box-office fumble of Snow White, has paused development on Tangled, per insiders (per THR). Adding to the intrigue, My Oxford Year and Queen Charlotte actor Corey Mylchreest revealed in Seventeen magazine that he, too, auditioned for Flynn Rider. But his experience? Slightly more traumatic. “We don’t have the footage anymore. I deleted it and then I burnt it and then I burnt the phone that I filmed on. And then I burnt the room that I did it in. And then I burnt myself.”
Anyway, if Hadid doesn’t let down her hair, who should? Here are five actresses who could snatch the frying pan, belt the high notes, and charm a kingdom, each a unique Rapunzel-in-waiting.
5. Lana Condor
Lana Condor’s on-screen charm is equal parts whip-smart and wide-eyed: precisely what a live-action Rapunzel needs. In To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, she carved out a character that was introspective, vulnerable, and quietly rebellious, a girl living in her own bubble, until real life knocked. Sound familiar?
In Deadly Class, she flipped the script: sharp, physical, and unapologetically bold, showing she’s more than capable of swinging that famous frying pan or holding her ground in a musical-action blend.
While her singing hasn’t been in the spotlight yet, the role of Rapunzel isn’t about vocal acrobatics; it’s about storytelling through song.
Notable Roles:
| Role Name | Project Title | Type |
| Lara Jean Covey | To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before | Film (Netflix) |
| Saya Kuroki | Deadly Class | TV Series |
| Sophie | Moonshot | Film (HBO Max) |
She may not be the expected choice, but she’d make it memorable.
4. Hailee Steinfeld
Let’s call it what it is: Hailee Steinfeld has the resume of someone twice her age. At 14, she landed an Oscar nomination for True Grit
Then came Pitch Perfect 2 & 3, where she showcased polished vocals and learned how to bring musicality to the screen. Rapunzel’s songs, especially When Will My Life Begin and I See the Light, require someone who can tell a story while holding a note. Steinfeld has receipts.
Notable Roles:
| Role Name | Project Title | Type |
| Mattie Ross | True Grit | Film (Oscar-Nominated) |
| Emily Junk | Pitch Perfect 2 & 3 | Film |
| Emily Dickinson | Dickinson | TV Series (Apple TV+) |
| Kate Bishop | Hawkeye | TV Series (Disney+) |
She’s the full package: a singer, a seasoned actress, and someone who can bring depth without trying too hard.
3. Zendaya
There’s no rule that says Rapunzel can’t be edgy. Zendaya doesn’t just deliver; she raises the standard. Her Emmy-winning turn as Rue in Euphoria was a gut-punch of vulnerability, chaos, and honesty. Then in Spider-Man, she kept it light and layered. In Dune, she brought presence with barely any dialogue.
In The Greatest Showman, she flew, literally, while singing. She’s a triple threat who makes complexity look easy. Her vocals? Smooth, controlled, and emotional. She could sing Rapunzel’s entire setlist without blinking. She also has a long-standing relationship with Disney (Shake It Up, K.C. Undercover), meaning she understands their formula and how to push it forward.
Notable Roles:
| Role Name | Project Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rue Bennett | Euphoria | TV Series (HBO) |
| MJ | Spider-Man trilogy | Film (Marvel) |
| Chani | Dune | Film |
| Anne Wheeler | The Greatest Showman | Film (Musical) |
| Rocky Blue | Shake It Up | TV Series (Disney Channel) |
If Disney wants to update its princess canon with someone who’s relevant, reliable, and truly multitalented, Zendaya’s not a gamble; she’s a guarantee.
2. Sadie Sink
In Stranger Things, Sadie Sink gave Max depth far beyond the expected ‘tough girl’ mold, especially in Season 4, where her face alone carried entire scenes of grief, terror, and bravery. If Rapunzel is a girl longing for freedom, Sink already knows how to play trapped and how to fight her way out.
Her performance in The Whale was emotionally surgical, standing toe-to-toe with Brendan Fraser in one of the year’s heaviest films. She managed rage and heartbreak with unnerving precision. That’s not common. That’s rare.
Notable Roles:
| Role Name | Project Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Max Mayfield | Stranger Things | TV Series (Netflix) |
| Ellie | The Whale | Film (A24) |
| Tess DeNunzio | Dear Zoe | Film |
| Her (Unnamed Lead) | All Too Well: The Short Film | Short Film (Taylor Swift) |
While she’s not known for singing, there’s enough emotion in her performances to suggest she could pull it off with the right preparation. Disney’s worked with lesser vocalists and turned them into icons. Sink has that kind of latent potential.
1. Elle Fanning
In Hulu’s The Great, Elle Fanning unleashed a version of herself the world hadn’t seen: sharp-tongued, strategic, ambitious, and painfully funny. She played royalty, yes, but with layers, someone learning to outwit a kingdom and outgrow her own naïveté. Rapunzel, much?
In Maleficent, she brought traditional Disney elegance and composure. In The Neon Demon, she wasn’t afraid to go dark. And in Super 8, she proved her instincts as a performer run deep; even when the camera’s on her for just a moment, she feels real.
Notable Roles:
| Role Name | Project Title | Type |
| Catherine the Great | The Great | TV Series (Hulu) |
| Aurora | Maleficent & Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | Film (Disney) |
| Alice Dainard | Super 8 | Film |
| Jesse | The Neon Demon | Film |
Physically, she fits the part: delicate features, long golden locks, that timeless princess energy. But more than that, she’s got the chops. If Disney wants a lead who knows how to handle fantasy without turning it into farce, Fanning’s already done that. Twice.
Let her be the princess who actually takes charge this time.
With Gigi Hadid out, Disney has a smorgasbord of multi-talented, multi-hyphenate actresses to choose from, each offering a different hue to Rapunzel’s iconic palette. From Zendaya’s powerhouse presence to Condor’s quirky charm, it’s clear: this isn’t just about the longest hair. It’s about the longest-lasting impression.
But what do you think? Should Disney go bold with a global icon or play it safe with a classic fairy-tale face? Who’s your dream Rapunzel? Drop your picks, hot takes, and hair-care routines in the comments. Don’t be shy, Rapunzel sure wasn’t.
Tangled (2010) streaming on Disney+.
