Lisa of BLACKPINK is at the center of intense debate as rumors swirl that she’s being considered for the lead role of Rapunzel in the live-action adaptation of Tangled. While this could mark a major leap in her career—her first Hollywood lead role, it also presents the possibility of her facing the biggest backlash of her career.
On November 4 (local time), U.S. media outlet AllKpop reported that Lisa is being considered for the lead role of Rapunzel in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled. The report, citing insider sources, stated that the K-pop star is among the top candidates for the iconic role.
According to AllKpop, Lisa’s name surfaced as Disney rethinks casting strategies following the underwhelming reception of the live-action Snow White remake, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Industry insiders believe Lisa, with her global fanbase and striking visuals, could attract both box office revenue and global attention.
Previously, according to a casting update from a Hollywood insider, several actresses are in talks for the role of Rapunzel, including Sarah Catherine Hook, Aimee Lou Wood, Charlotte Le Bon, Sydney Sweeney, and Lisa. Reports suggest that Lisa is actively in discussions for the Disney princess role, which, if confirmed, would signify a groundbreaking moment for the Thai superstar.
However, many view this potential casting as a risky decision rather than a triumph. Critics argue that casting Lisa, a Southeast Asian artist, as Rapunzel a character with European roots would betray the original depiction from the Brothers Grimm fairytale and the 2010 animated classic by Disney. In that version, Rapunzel is a fair-skinned, blonde-haired girl with magical hair, who is kidnapped and imprisoned by Mother Gothel.
This isn’t the first time Disney has received backlash for altering a character’s ethnicity. Live-action adaptations of The Little Mermaid and Snow White faced heavy criticism and underperformed both critically and commercially. With these precedents, many fans are concerned that a repeat scenario could occur with Tangled—including early boycotts and online campaigns.
Despite Lisa’s massive global fanbase, she may still struggle to win over audiences who hold nostalgic attachment to the animated version of Rapunzel. For many, the image of the blue-eyed, golden-haired princess is deeply ingrained.
Adding fuel to the debate is the recent disappointment surrounding Disney’s live-action films like Mulan, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White, which were widely criticized for diverging too much from the original stories. These films not only flopped at the box office but also eroded viewer trust.
Furthermore, Lisa’s transition into acting especially after signing with WME (William Morris Endeavor) in September has sparked speculation that her music career may be stalling. Critics have questioned her acting abilities, pointing out that she has yet to prove herself in a major role.
Social media reactions to Lisa’s potential casting are divided. Supporters argue that animated characters are fictional and not bound to real-life racial features. Others accuse Disney of antagonizing long-time animation fans with casting decisions that feel disconnected from the source material.
Interestingly, Style Caster also reported that Scarlett Johansson is being considered for the role of Mother Gothel the manipulative woman who kidnaps Rapunzel to exploit her magical hair. This choice, alongside Lisa, would make for a visually and culturally diverse reimagining of the story.
As excitement and skepticism build, one thing is certain: Lisa’s potential casting as Rapunzel could either redefine her career or ignite one of the most controversial fan battles in modern Disney history.
Sources: K14, Nate
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