Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in negotiations to portray Mother Gothel in Disney’s revived live-action adaptation of Tangled, the classic 2010 animated film. The project has re-entered early development as Disney seeks to capitalize on the enduring appeal of titles from its modern renaissance era.
The original Tangled, a pivotal release for Walt Disney Animation, helped usher in a successful era alongside Princess and the Frog, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, and Moana. As Disney continues remaking popular films including Moana, renewing Tangled’s story fits their strategy of reimagining beloved recent classics. Johansson’s potential casting marks a notable development in the film’s production landscape.
Background on Tangled and Mother Gothel’s Role
Tangled tells the story of Rapunzel, kidnapped as a baby by the sinister Mother Gothel to exploit her magical hair for eternal youth. Originally voiced by Donna Murphy, Mother Gothel embodies the film’s antagonist who hides her dark motives behind a caring facade. Johansson is in early talks to assume this villainous role in the live-action version, directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman and Better Man. The screenplay is written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who recently gained acclaim for I Know What You Did Last Summer. Neither Disney nor Johansson’s representatives have confirmed these details officially.
How Recent Disney Box Office Trends Influenced Tangled’s Revival
Disney had paused progress on the Tangled live-action remake in April 2025, following Snow White’s underwhelming box office results the previous month. However, the massive success of Lilo & Stitch, which grossed $1 billion globally that year, has encouraged the studio to refocus on revisiting Disney Renaissance-era films and those released in the last four decades. This strategy is intended to leverage multi-generational nostalgia, contrasting with less successful attempts to remake older classics like Dumbo and Snow White.
Meanwhile, Disney is broadening its portfolio by investing heavily in new intellectual properties aimed at younger audiences, especially Generation Z. Among these efforts is the recent acquisition of the rights to the YA series Impossible Creatures, aiming to create a fresh franchise comparable to Harry Potter. These moves indicate Disney’s desire to balance nostalgia-driven projects with innovative content to capture shifting audience interests.
Potential Casting Choices and Audience Appeal
If the Tangled project resumes fully, Johansson as Mother Gothel would be a compelling choice, echoing how Emma Stone and Angelina Jolie redefined iconic villains like Cruella DeVille and Maleficent. Johansson’s involvement would shape the character in new directions while adding star power to the production.
Before the project pause, rumors suggested Sabrina Carpenter might portray Rapunzel. Carpenter, a Disney veteran from Girl Meets World and an internationally known musical artist, could attract younger viewers familiar with her work. She is also set to feature in an upcoming Disney+ Muppet Show special produced by Seth Rogen, emphasizing her ongoing ties to the Disney brand. Casting a prominent young musical star like Carpenter aligns with Disney’s approach to engage younger generations in their live-action productions.
Original Cast and Legacy of Tangled
The original Tangled featured an ensemble cast including Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel, Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Ron Perlman in a supporting role, and Brad Garrett. This film is regarded as a major milestone in Disney animation history and remains a key title in the studio’s contemporary lineup. Revisiting it through a modern live-action lens offers the possibility to reach new audiences while honoring the original story’s impact.
The Importance of the Tangled Remake Within Disney’s Strategy
As Disney navigates fluctuating box office returns for remakes, the decision to revive Tangled highlights the company’s efforts to refine its approach based on recent successes and failures. Revamping films with strong emotional ties to multiple generations, like Tangled, could reinforce Disney’s market position and expand its appeal across diverse demographics.
By casting Scarlett Johansson in a challenging villain role and potentially pairing her with a younger star like Sabrina Carpenter, Disney aims to blend star appeal with nostalgic reverence. This could help rebuild excitement for the Tangled remake and contribute to Disney’s broader ambitions in live-action filmmaking.
Future announcements about Tangled’s production schedule and casting will be closely watched as fans and industry observers anticipate how this remake might shape Disney’s next chapter while honoring a beloved classic.
“This is a great opportunity to reimagine an iconic character and bring something fresh to the screen.” Scarlett Johansson, Actress
