Avantika Vandanapu Receives Backlash for Rumored Rapunzel Casting, But It Was All a Joke

Avantika Vandanapu, an Indian American actress, is rumored to be cast as Rapunzel in a live-action "Tangled."

[{"selector":"#anim-d55b2dca-f99e-4c8c-b680-ed5ff7bccbe4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Learn more

The rumor sparked racist backlash online because Rapunzel is traditionally depicted as white.

[{"selector":"#anim-085290e1-2bbe-4953-b16f-9033a1797a6a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Avantika's Instagram received negative comments about her not being suitable for the role.

[{"selector":"#anim-7da723bc-b10c-44e9-a7a5-eb93c1a5dcbd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The rumor originated from a social media post that was meant to be a joke.

[{"selector":"#anim-a24a9aba-5a2c-458d-8f75-edb8f1b14835 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The person who started the rumor apologized and clarified they didn't intend to be racist.

[{"selector":"#anim-84e3f7b5-91d4-4cab-a6b9-0a6a4d3326cd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Avantika also received support from fans despite the negativity.

[{"selector":"#anim-c5ca0ddc-40ed-43a3-a1e3-0fc29c78c750 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The original "Tangled" movie was a big success, grossing nearly $600 million worldwide.

[{"selector":"#anim-e93e1884-e538-4dc1-97f6-922d36293bd7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The success led to several spin-off movies and a TV series based on the characters.

[{"selector":"#anim-3e5a7c2d-8f21-4ea7-b2e6-831dd5926fba [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The original Rapunzel in "Tangled" was voiced by Mandy Moore.

[{"selector":"#anim-ffe51149-b774-447a-ae76-537a5d4ad383 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The live-action remake of "Tangled" is not officially confirmed by Disney.

[{"selector":"#anim-294ff750-7ae9-4335-a311-8a75743c019c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Learn more