🚨 BOMBSHELL: Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Finally Breaks Silence on Rapunzel Casting Fury – ‘This Is NOT Racism… She Just Doesn’t Look Like Rapunzel!’

He fiercely shuts down actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ explosive accusations, drops ‘leaked’ messages and evidence that allegedly prove his point… and now she’s gone completely silent?!

Is this the end of the woke casting wars, or just the beginning of more Hollywood chaos? Fans are DIVIDED and raging!

You HAVE to see the full drama unfold – click now before it’s scrubbed! 🔥👇

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has remained largely quiet on casting rumors surrounding potential live-action adaptations of Disney classics, but industry buzz continues to swirl around reports linking British actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers to a possible role in a “Tangled” project. While no official announcement has come from Netflix or Disney regarding a live-action remake of the 2010 animated film featuring Rapunzel, online speculation has fueled heated discussions about diversity in Hollywood remakes.

Amewudah-Rivers, a rising star known for her acclaimed West End debut as Juliet opposite Tom Holland in a 2024 production of “Romeo & Juliet,” has been at the center of several high-profile casting conversations. Her performance in the Jamie Lloyd-directed Shakespeare revival earned her the prestigious Ian Charleson Award and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Newcomer in 2025. However, her casting in that role drew significant online backlash, described by the production company as a “barrage of deplorable racial abuse.”

The actress, who is Black, faced intense scrutiny from some quarters of social media following the announcement. The Jamie Lloyd Company issued a statement condemning the harassment, and over 800 predominantly Black actors and performers signed an open letter in solidarity, calling for better protection against such abuse in the industry. Supporters included prominent figures like Lashana Lynch and Susan Wokoma.

In interviews following the production, Amewudah-Rivers spoke candidly about the toll of the experience. She revealed receiving hate mail at the theater and feeling unsafe at times, describing it as an “incredibly tough” introduction to the West End. “Racism is something we have to navigate every day,” she told reporters, emphasizing the need for broader industry measures to support Black and brown performers facing similar backlash.

Separate from the theater controversy, unverified rumors emerged online in 2025 suggesting Amewudah-Rivers was in consideration for Rapunzel in a potential live-action “Tangled” adaptation. Some social media posts and fan forums claimed the project was under development at Netflix or HBO, sparking debates reminiscent of past casting controversies involving Disney princess roles. Critics of diverse casting argued it deviated from the traditional depiction of the fairytale character, rooted in European folklore with long blonde hair as a signature trait.

Proponents of inclusive casting countered that fairy tales are fictional and universal, pointing to previous diverse interpretations in theater and film. Similar backlash occurred with Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in Disney’s 2023 live-action “The Little Mermaid” and fan speculations around other roles. No confirmed reports link Netflix directly to a “Tangled” remake, and Disney has not announced any such project in active production as of late 2025.

Netflix’s content strategy under Sarandos has emphasized original programming and licensed acquisitions, with a focus on global diversity. The streamer has produced numerous projects featuring underrepresented leads, drawing both praise for inclusivity and criticism from those who prefer adherence to source material visuals. Sarandos has previously defended creative decisions, stating in interviews that storytelling priorities include broad appeal and fresh perspectives.

Industry observers note that casting rumors often amplify online without official confirmation, leading to premature debates. In the case of Amewudah-Rivers, her name has appeared in speculative articles and social media threads mixing her “Romeo & Juliet” experience with hypothetical Disney roles. Some outlets have reported alleged clashes involving author J.K. Rowling commenting on similar casting issues, though Rowling’s statements have focused on other adaptations.

Amewudah-Rivers has maintained a professional focus, continuing her career with stage work including appearances at the Almeida Theatre. She has advocated for better support systems in theater, highlighting how online abuse affects not just performers but their families and colleagues.

The broader conversation around race and casting in Hollywood remains polarized. Recent examples include backlash against South Asian actress Avantika Vandanapu in fan-casting rumors for Rapunzel, and ongoing discussions about representation in fairy tale adaptations. Supporters argue that color-blind or diverse casting enriches stories, while detractors insist on fidelity to original descriptions, particularly for characters with iconic physical traits.

Netflix has faced its own scrutiny over diversity initiatives, with Sarandos addressing employee concerns and content decisions in past memos and public statements. The company continues to invest heavily in international and diverse storytelling, reporting strong subscriber growth driven by global hits.

As of December 2025, no live-action “Tangled” project has been greenlit by Netflix or Disney involving Amewudah-Rivers. Rumors persist in fan communities, often fueled by edited images and speculative posts on platforms like Reddit and X. The actress has not publicly commented on any Rapunzel-related speculation, instead channeling energy into her award-winning theater work.

Critics of modern remakes point to box-office performances of recent Disney live-actions, with some attributing mixed results to casting controversies. Supporters highlight cultural evolution in storytelling, noting Shakespeare’s works have long featured diverse interpretations without specified racial parameters.

The entertainment industry grapples with balancing tradition and innovation amid social media’s amplifying effect. Productions like the West End “Romeo & Juliet” ultimately succeeded artistically, selling out runs despite initial online storms. Amewudah-Rivers’ accolades underscore talent prevailing over backlash.

Looking ahead, Hollywood’s approach to classic tales likely will continue evolving, with streamers like Netflix prioritizing audience data and creative freedom. Whether future announcements spark similar debates remains a key question as diversity efforts persist.