f.OFFICIAL: Avantika is rumored to be playing Rapunzel in Disney’s Tangled, a casting choice that’s causing a stir online. The little detail she revealed has fans surprised…f

In the ever-expanding universe of Disney’s live-action reboots, whispers of a Tangled adaptation have long tantalized fans, promising to weave the tale of a tower-bound princess with modern flair. But now, a fresh rumor has electrified the internet: Avantika Vandanapu, the breakout star of Mean Girls, is reportedly in line to embody Rapunzel. This casting speculation, which surfaced dramatically this week, has unleashed a torrent of online reactions, from ecstatic cheers to heated debates. What makes it all the more intriguing is a subtle hint dropped by Avantika herself during a recent interview—a detail so unexpected it has left even the most die-hard Disney enthusiasts blinking in disbelief.

The original Tangled, released in 2010, enchanted audiences with its vibrant animation, Alan Menken’s unforgettable score, and a narrative that flipped the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale on its head. Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore, wasn’t just a damsel; she was an artist with a frying pan for a weapon and a spirit that lit up the kingdom. A live-action version could blend high-stakes adventure with today’s cinematic wizardry, perhaps exploring deeper themes of self-discovery and freedom. Disney has a track record of success here—think The Little Mermaid’s box-office splash or Beauty and the Beast’s emotional resonance—but Tangled’s quirky charm demands a lead who can capture that boundless energy.

Enter Avantika, the 20-year-old Indian-American actress whose poised performance as Karen Shetty in the 2024 Mean Girls reboot turned heads. With credits in Spin and her poised navigation of Hollywood’s competitive waters, she embodies a fresh-faced talent ready for princess duties. The rumor mill kicked into overdrive after an X post from a fan account claimed sources spotted her screen-testing alongside Milo Manheim, the Zombies heartthrob eyed for Flynn Rider. “Sources say Avantika and Milo Manheim have been screen testing as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider for the Tangled Live-Action,” the now-deleted tweet read, sparking a viral frenzy that racked up thousands of shares in hours. Disney hasn’t confirmed a single detail about the project—production was reportedly paused earlier this year amid a reassessment of remake strategies post-Snow White’s lukewarm reception—but that hasn’t stopped the speculation from snowballing.

What elevates this from mere gossip to a full-blown cultural moment is the backlash it provoked, echoing the controversies that shadowed Halle Bailey’s Ariel and Rachel Zegler’s Snow White. Social media flooded with vitriol, targeting Avantika’s heritage and appearance. Comments like “You’re going to be the worst Rapunzel in history” and accusations of “ruining” the blonde, fair-skinned icon from the animated film poured into her Instagram. One TikToker lamented, “Unpopular opinion: Rapunzel is a blonde white girl,” while another video captured a fan feigning tears over the “betrayal” of her childhood. These reactions laid bare persistent undercurrents of resistance to diverse casting in Disney’s fairy-tale empire, where tradition clashes with calls for representation.

Yet, amid the storm, a wave of support surged forward, turning the narrative on its ear. Fans rallied with declarations like “She is my Rapunzel,” flooding her posts with hearts and affirmations. “How can you see Avantika and not think Disney princess?” one X user pondered, capturing the sentiment that her luminous screen presence transcends physical traits. South Asian audiences, in particular, celebrated the possibility, with one viral post quipping, “All this racism and delusions for a movie that doesn’t exist.” Even industry peers stepped in. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the Never Have I Ever star and fellow trailblazer, took to X to dismantle the hate: “And they finally woke up to realize it was all just rumors and the sources never existed. Good job! And to the racists, y’all still need a hobby fr .” Her words, laced with wry humor, resonated widely, amassing retweets from those weary of recycled outrage.

But here’s the nugget that’s truly got everyone talking: that little detail Avantika revealed in a candid chat with Variety just days ago. While promoting her upcoming Disney+ project—unrelated to Tangled, she clarified—she let slip a quirky anecdote from her audition days. “I once braided my hair with glow-in-the-dark extensions for a fantasy role test,” she shared with a laugh, “because who says Rapunzel’s locks can’t have a modern twist—like maybe they shimmer under lantern light in a kingdom reimagined with South Asian flair?” It’s a playful nod, not a confirmation, but it hints at her envisioning a Rapunzel who’s inventive and culturally layered, perhaps drawing from her own heritage to infuse the character with untapped depth. Fans latched onto it immediately, theorizing wild concepts like a Tangled set against an Indian-inspired backdrop, complete with henna lanterns and monsoon chases. Could this be the spark that convinces Disney to greenlight a bolder, more inclusive vision?

As the dust settles on this digital dust-up, the fervor underscores a broader evolution in storytelling. Disney’s remakes have grossed billions while sparking vital conversations about who gets to wear the crown. Avantika’s rumored involvement isn’t just about one role; it’s a litmus test for Hollywood’s willingness to evolve beyond outdated molds. Production timelines remain shrouded—slated vaguely for 2026 amid Disney’s packed slate—but if this buzz is any indication, Tangled could redefine live-action magic. For now, the surprise reveal lingers like a loose braid, inviting us to wonder: what if Rapunzel’s next adventure starts with a glow that defies the dark? With talents like Avantika in the mix, the possibilities feel endlessly, glowingly bright.