Disney is not stopping with its live-action adaptations of its classic animated films. After disappointing fans with The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio, and The Lion King, Disney is now working on a live-action version of Tangled. And guess who will play the role of Rapunzel, the spirited teen with 70 feet of magical golden hair? It’s none other than Jada Pinkett Smith!
According to Disney’s website, Tangled is a story of “the kingdom’s most wanted, and most charming, bandit Flynn Rider who hides in a mysterious tower, where he meets Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower: 70 feet of magical golden hair! Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense.” We have just learned that Jada Pinkett Smith will portray Rapunzel in the new live-action remake of the movie.
Disney Live-Action Casting Choices
Disney has been making waves with its live-action adaptations of its classic animated films. The internet was buzzing when Disney announced that Halle Bailey would play Ariel in The Little Mermaid. The casting choice sparked a lot of debate and controversy among fans. But Disney has not stopped there. They have also revealed some surprising casting choices for their live-action Snow White and Tangled movies. 
Recently, a leaked photo of Snow White and her “dwarves” on set went viral. Instead of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, it was Snow White and the Seven Diverse, Non-Short People, Except One. Twitter users reacted with memes and jokes to this bizarre decision. Now, Disney is facing another potential backlash with their live-action Tangled casting announcement. For those who don’t know, Jada Pinkett Smith has alopecia. According to the NIH, “Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.” This is a very unfortunate disease and making fun of it is not cool. Will Smith would not approve.
Jada Pinkett Smith Cast as Rapunzel
Disney has been making some unconventional casting choices for its live-action adaptations of its classic animated films. The internet was in an uproar when Disney revealed that Halle Bailey would play Ariel in The Little Mermaid. The decision sparked a lot of controversy and debate among fans. But Disney has not backed down from its vision of inclusivity. They have also announced some surprising casting choices for their live-action Snow White and Tangled movies. Recently, a source from inside Disney confirmed that Jada Pinkett Smith will play Rapunzel, the teen with 70 feet of magical golden hair, in the live-action Tangled movie. The source also revealed that Jada will not wear a wig or grow out her hair for the role. Instead, Disney will change the story to be more inclusive to people who suffer from hair loss diseases, such as alopecia. Jada Pinkett Smith has been open about her diagnosis of alopecia, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. The source also said that Channing Tatum will play Flynn Rider, the charming bandit who falls in love with Rapunzel.
This announcement comes as a shock to many people who are used to seeing Rapunzel with long, blonde hair. But Disney shows that they don’t care about the original film’s context or the box office results. They are determined to modify and adapt their movies to ensure a more diverse representation. We expect to see more of this in the coming years. There are even rumors that the live-action remake of Up will cast Dug as a cat instead of a dog to be more inclusive as well.
