Racist trolls target Indian-American actor Avantika after rumours over casting as 'Rapunzel' in Tangled remake
Indian-American actor Avantika Vandanapu has come under the attack of online racist trolls after rumours surfaced that she might be cast as Rapunzel in a live-action remake of Disney's 'Tangled'.
Vandanapu, known for her role in 'Mean Girls', was being considered for the role alongside actor Milo Manheim and they were undergoing screen tests, indicated a social media post which was subsequently deleted.
The news sparked backlash from some fans, who took to Avantika's Instagram to express their unhappiness over the reported selection.
They questioned the decision to cast an Indian-American actor for the role of Rapunzel, pointing out that the character is portrayed as a fair-skinned, blonde woman in the original 'Tangled'.
Despite no official confirmation from Disney about a live-action 'Rapunzel' movie, fan speculation on social media spiralled, resulting in hateful comments targeting Vandanapu.
yall cannot be serious… pic.twitter.com/Q5ZtieZdGY
— ꪆৎ eva (@CRUSHSCAIN) April 10, 2024
The 19-year-old actor, known for her role in 'Mean Girls', has been swamped with messages criticizing her ethnicity and deeming her unfitting for the role solely based on her heritage.
avantika isn’t the right cast for rapunzel pic.twitter.com/vCq7UjD1b6
— britt ⸆⸉ 🪷 KY DAY (@lizzieqlsen) April 7, 2024
However, she is not the first actor to face such reactions from people who resist casting actors of colour in certain roles.
Halle Bailey, who portrayed Ariel in the live-action adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid', also encountered similar harassment and criticism.
Despite these criticisms, Disney has continued to break stereotypes by featuring actors of colour in its live-action remakes.
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