It’s the turn of Disney’s Tangled to have a live-action adaptation, and the leading lady’s appearance is just as controversial as The Little Mermaid’s

After the release of The Little Mermaid, Disney continues to explore various “princess” projects. Alongside classics like Frozen and Lilo & Stitch, the beloved character Rapunzel from the film Tangled is set to be reimagined, stirring excitement among fans.

Following Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel, Disney’s focus on selecting actors has always been a hot topic. For the latest Tangled project, BuzzFeed has suggested a name that is currently trending: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. The 2001-born actress is best known for her lead role in the hit series Never Have I Ever and is recognized for her potential as a Rapunzel.

In a recent interview with CBS, Ramakrishnan expressed her excitement and hopes to land the role of Rapunzel in Disney’s upcoming film. Additionally, she highlighted that Rapunzel is a character with South Asian roots, considering her own Sri Lankan heritage.

She stated, “Listening to this, nobody knows the feeling of being the only one in the room; you can’t go outside because you feel like the only one. Just like South Asian girls.” Previously, Ramakrishnan had been actively voicing her desire for over a year, even incorporating her passion for Disney in her personal blog.

News of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan potentially playing Rapunzel has sparked mixed reactions online, reminiscent of the casting for The Little Mermaid and Frozen. Some opinions suggest that Ramakrishnan differs too much from the animated version of Rapunzel, in terms of appearance and age. However, many support the idea that anyone should have the opportunity to portray a beloved character.

The Tangled “princess” project has not yet solidified its cast; however, Ashleigh Powell (Into the Woods) is set to write the screenplay. Michael De Luca and Kristin Burr (Cruella) will serve as producers for the film. The project is expected to begin filming in 2024.

Source: BuzzFeed