Disney is bringing the beloved animated classic Tangled to life with a new live-action adaptation, casting Kathryn Hahn in the role of the iconic villain Mother Gothel. Known for her sharp performances, Hahn confirmed her involvement by updating her Instagram bio with the villain’s signature phrase, “mother knows best.”
Casting Choices and Project Development
Walt Disney Studios officially announced Hahn’s casting shortly after her social media reveal, even showcasing a video featuring her wearing a shirt symbolizing the manipulative sorceress. Hahn’s notable roles, including her mischievous character in Marvel’s Agatha All Along within the WandaVision series alongside Elizabeth Olsen, have made her a popular choice for portraying cunning characters like Mother Gothel.
Earlier casting for the film revealed Teagan Croft, famous for her role as Raven in the DC series Titans, will portray Rapunzel. Milo Manheim, known to Disney fans from his performance as Zed in the Zombies movies, is set to play Flynn Rider, also known as Eugene. The original animated voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi for Rapunzel and Flynn, respectively, helped define the characters in the 2010 classic.
Background and Expectations for the Live-Action Film
The live-action Tangled adaptation was first announced in December 2024, with Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, attached to lead the project. Production is slated to start later this year. The original 2010 film was a major success for The Walt Disney Company, earning over $592 million worldwide and contributing to the resurgence of Disney’s animated fairy-tale storytelling.
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Disney’s version of Rapunzel became a fan favorite across many retellings, inspiring excitement and anticipation for this new live-action interpretation.
