Disney is proceeding with its live-action remake of Tangled, and it needs to continue one of the better casting decisions of its recent live-action films. After Snow White flopped earlier this year, Disney paused development on its Tangled remake. However, the studio is moving forward with the film once again, likely after Lilo & Sтιтch grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
There is no official release date yet, but it will be directed by The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey with a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Tangled is one of Disney’s biggest modern hits, adapting Rapunzel’s story into a colorful Disney musical with excellent songs from Disney legend Alan Menken, like “I See the Light” and “Mother Knows Best.”
However, Disney has a hit-or-miss track record when it comes to its live-action remakes. While they often do well at the box office, many aren’t beloved by critics and audiences. If Disney wants to get its live-action Tangled right, the first step is getting the casting right, and that includes following a promising trend, especially for Rapunzel.
Rapunzel Needs To Be Played By A Trained Singer
One of the best parts of Disney’s legacy is its memorable songs that are often enhanced by the incredible singers who bring them to life. Songs like “Let it Go,” “A Whole New World,” or “Part of Your World,” likely wouldn’t be as memorable as they are if each singer didn’t deliver a powerhouse performance.
It’s hard for anyone to perform a cover of Disney princess songs when the original versions are performed by singers like Idina Menzel, Jodi Benson, and Lea Salonga. However, in recent live-action remakes, the studio has done an excellent job at casting actors who can handle these songs properly while adding something distinct.
Critics and audiences may not agree on the quality of films like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, or Snow White, but the princesses were not the problem. Naomi Scott, Halle Bailey, and Rachel Zegler are trained singers, and provided the necessary singing chops required for these roles.
It was the right call to choose proven singers regardless of their box office draw. For example, Emma Watson is a well-known name, but was miscast as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She’s not a bad actor, but isn’t the best singer, and the autotune was distracting. Disney needed to cast someone who could match Paige O’Hara’s immaculate voice.
Rapunzel has a beautiful, whimsical singing voice, provided expertly by Mandy Moore. She sings many times throughout the film, and requires a singer who can bring Broadway-quality vocals to songs like “When Will My Life Begin” and “I See The Light.” The actor portraying Rapunzel needs to be someone who can sing, regardless of their star status.
Reportedly, Disney is circling Scarlett Johansson to play Mother Gothel. While not the lead role, it does show that the studio is looking at actors with singing backgrounds. Hopefully, Disney shows the same consideration towards Rapunzel, as it’s a formula that has worked before, and should work for Tangled.
