Fresh buzz is building around one of Disney’s most anticipated live-action projects. While the studio has not issued an official announcement, new reports indicate that Tangled may be close to casting its lead role.

The White Lotus actress rumored to be frontrunner for upcoming Tangled movie

According to entertainment scooper @MyTimeToShineH, an actress from The White Lotus is reportedly the frontrunner to play Rapunzel in Disney’s live-action Tangled. The insider shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I hear that an actress from The White Lotus is the frontrunner to play Rapunzel in Tangled.” While the post didn’t specify which actress, speculation has already begun across fan circles and trade outlets.

Disney halted Tangled’s development after Snow White underperformed, earning $205.7 million on a $270 million budget. The studio has since restarted the live-action remake. Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) will direct, and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder) will write the script. Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to play Mother Gothel.

Gigi Hadid confirmed she auditioned for Rapunzel before the delay. Reports suggest that Sarah Catherine Hook, Lalisa Manobal, Aimee Lou Wood, Charlotte Le Bon, and Sydney Sweeney are among the leading contenders for Rapunzel. Disney has not yet announced the official casting decision for the film.

Johansson commented on her potential involvement, saying, “What would excite me about it would be the opportunity to work with Michael Gracey, who is attached to direct the film. He is just absolutely an extraordinary visionary, and any actor would love to have a collaboration with him.”

The 2010 animated Tangled earned nearly $600 million globally and starred Mandy Moore, Donna Murphy, and Zachary Levi. The upcoming remake does not yet have a confirmed release date, but it is currently in active development at Disney with casting expected to begin soon.