Part 10/11:
A key point in the ongoing discussion is whether Disney's reluctance to fully race-swap or diversify their leads represents a cultural shift or cautious filmmaking. Some see the decision to cast a traditional, blonde-haired Rapunzel as a sign that "wokeness" is waning, while others argue it is simply a business decision to avoid controversy.
Actress Jennifer Lopez's potential cast as Mother Gothel, for example, has been criticized as an unlikely choice given her glamorous image, which doesn't quite fit the archetype. Similarly, the idea of a male actor like Pedro Pascal playing Flynn Rider has been floated humorously; while the versatile actor could pull it off with the aid of wigs or costumes, it underscores how casting choices are influenced by current industry trends.