Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
Ariana Grande was previously being eyed to star in a major live-action Disney project.
Wicked: For Good is now playing in United States theaters. Grande plays Glinda in the sequel to 2024’s Wicked, which is based on the popular stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, while Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba Thropp.
What live-action Disney role was Ariana Grande being eyed to play?
According to scooper MyTimeToShineHello, Grande was previously being considered to play Rapunzel in the live-action Tangled movie that is in development; however, Disney reportedly “felt she was too old.”
This is only a rumor at this time and should be taken with a grain of salt, as there hasn’t been any official word from Disney that Grande was being eyed for the Rapunzel role in the live-action Tangled.
It is known, however, that a live-action Tangled movie is in development. The project was announced in 2024, with The Greatest Showman and Better Man’s Michael Gracey attached as the director. The script comes from Jennifer Kaylin Robinson.
Development on the project was put on pause this past April after the live-action Snow White remake didn’t make as much as Disney had expected it to. That film grossed $206 million worldwide off an estimated $240-270 million budget.
Then, Deadline reported just last month that the project was back in early development. Scarlett Johansson is in talks to play Mother Gothel, though no casting has been officially announced as of yet.
The live-action Tangled remake does not have a release date at this time.
Following Wicked: For Good, Grande will soon be seen in Meet the Parents 4, which is titled Focker In-Law. That movie, which is being directed by John Hamburg, is being released in November 2026 and also stars Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, and more.
