Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled is reportedly back in development after being put on hold in April 2025, with Scarlett Johansson now in discussions to play the villainous Mother Gothel. This comeback comes amid renewed efforts to revive the studio’s trend of live-action remakes, building on recent successes with titles like Lilo & Stitch and plans for Moana’s upcoming release.
Background on the Tangled Project and Casting Updates
Originally, the Tangled remake was intended to be part of Disney’s push to update its modern animated classics from the 2010s into live-action films. Despite initial casting rumors for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, including auditions from supermodel Gigi Hadid and Bridgerton’s Corey Mylchreest, the project stalled following Disney’s disappointing 2025 Snow White release. Now, with Michael Gracey returning to direct Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s screenplay, the project seems to be gaining momentum again, with Johansson as a leading contender for the role of Mother Gothel.
Details on the Original Film and Mother Gothel’s Character
The original 2010 animated Tangled gave a fresh take on the Rapunzel fairy tale, telling the story of a sheltered princess who escapes her tower with a thief named Flynn Rider to explore the outside world. Voice performances by Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy helped bring the story’s characters to life, especially Murphy’s portrayal of the cunning and manipulative Mother Gothel. Johansson’s casting introduces a new challenge since the character demands both dramatic and musical talent.
Scarlett Johansson’s Experience with Disney and Musical Roles
Johansson, a two-time Oscar nominee and recognized box office star, brings significant experience to the table, having voiced Kaa in Disney’s 2016 live-action The Jungle Book. She has also been involved in other Disney projects, including production work on a Tower of Terror film still reportedly progressing as of mid-2025. Her background makes her a strong candidate to take on the complexities of Mother Gothel in this remake.
Significance of Tangled’s Revival for Disney’s Live-Action Franchise
The revival of Tangled signals Disney’s persistent commitment to expanding its portfolio of live-action adaptations, especially focusing on the 2010s era Disney Princesses. After Lilo & Stitch’s positive box office reception, the studio appears more confident in these modern remakes finding an audience. Nonetheless, this remains a challenging venture for Disney, balancing fan expectations with fresh storytelling. The outcomes of Tangled and upcoming titles like Moana will likely influence how aggressively Disney pursues this niche moving forward.
“I have been working hard to bring the best possible version of Mother Gothel to life, blending both the sinister and captivating elements of the character.” – Scarlett Johansson, Actress
