Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu is facing unwarranted criticism online in the wake of rumors suggesting she might be cast as Rapunzel in a live-action remake of Disney’s “Tangled.”
While there’s been no official confirmation from Disney, a social media post (since deleted) sparked speculation. This, unfortunately, unleashed a wave of racist comments on Avantika’s social media.
Fans accustomed to the blonde, fair-skinned Rapunzel from the original animation expressed their disapproval of the potential casting choice. One TikTok user, according to NBC News, wrote: “A blonde white girl should play Rapunzel.” Comments like this highlight the narrow view of representation some viewers hold.
This isn’t the first time Disney’s casting choices have faced such negativity. In 2019, the announcement of Halle Bailey as Ariel in the live-action “Little Mermaid” drew similar racist backlash, reported MSN.
However, this isn’t about blind adherence to source material. It’s about celebrating talent and expanding who gets to see themselves reflected on screen. As Halle Bailey said in response to her casting, “The fact that now it’s darker skin and red hair, [young Black girls] are seeing themselves in a role that they’ve always loved…I think that’s something special.”
Avantika has yet to respond to the online harassment, but her supporters have been vocal. Many have pointed out the lack of confirmation regarding the casting and the importance of diversity in Hollywood.
