After months in limbo, Disney’s live-action Tangled has roared back to life—and Hollywood’s highest-grossing actress might just become its most captivating villain. Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to play Mother Gothel in the resurrected adaptation of the beloved 2010 animated classic.
Tangled Live-Action: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Status | Back in early development |
| Studio | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director | Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) |
| Screenwriter | Jennifer Kaytin Robinson |
| Mother Gothel | Scarlett Johansson (in talks) |
| Producers | Kristin Burr, Lucy Kitada |
| Original Film | 2010 (Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi) |
| Previous Status | Shelved in April 2025 |
From Shelved to Revived
Disney hit pause on Tangled in April 2025 following Snow White’s disappointing box office performance, which grossed just $115 million domestically against a production budget exceeding $200 million. The creative and financial fallout created uncertainty around all Disney live-action fairy tale projects in development.
But the massive success of Lilo & Stitch—which earned over $500 million globally this summer—reminded executives that audiences still hunger for well-executed Disney remakes. The studio quickly reassessed its strategy, and Tangled emerged from the vault.
According to Deadline, the project has resumed early development with renewed confidence and A-list talent circling key roles.
Why Scarlett Johansson as Mother Gothel Makes Perfect Sense
Casting Johansson as the manipulative, age-obsessed villain Mother Gothel is a stroke of genius. The two-time Oscar nominee brings box office clout (she’s the highest-grossing actress in Hollywood history), dramatic depth, and the ability to balance charm with menace—exactly what Mother Gothel requires.
In the 2010 animated film, Donna Murphy voiced Mother Gothel with theatrical flair, creating one of Disney’s most psychologically complex villains. The character kidnaps baby Rapunzel to exploit her magical healing hair, raising her in isolation while posing as her loving mother. This emotional manipulation demands an actress who can seamlessly shift between warmth and cruelty.
Johansson’s recent projects demonstrate her range. From the emotionally complex divorce drama Marriage Story to her action-heavy Marvel roles, she navigates diverse characters with authenticity. Her involvement would elevate Tangled beyond typical fairy tale fare into something more nuanced.
Michael Gracey’s Vision
Director Michael Gracey brings impressive credentials to the project. His 2017 film The Greatest Showman overcame lukewarm reviews to become a cultural phenomenon, earning $435 million worldwide and spawning a chart-topping soundtrack that dominated for months.
Gracey understands how to blend spectacle with heart—essential for Tangled, which balances swashbuckling adventure, romance, and emotional depth. His most recent film, Better Man (the Robbie Williams biopic featuring a CGI monkey as Williams), showcased his willingness to take creative risks.
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penning the script adds another promising element. She wrote and directed Do Revenge and contributed to Thor: Love and Thunder, demonstrating skill with both sharp dialogue and fantastical storytelling.
The Casting Challenge: Finding Rapunzel and Flynn
While Johansson’s potential casting dominates headlines, Disney still faces its biggest challenge: casting Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. These roles require actors who can carry a franchise, sing beautifully, exhibit chemistry, and satisfy fans who’ve imagined these characters for 15 years.
Fan castings have included Sabrina Carpenter and Milo Manheim, though nothing official has emerged. The delay in announcing lead actors suggests Disney learned from Snow White’s casting controversies and is proceeding with extreme caution.
For fans of fantasy storytelling and Disney adaptations, this renewed development signals exciting times ahead. Explore more about Hollywood’s latest projects and trending entertainment news at TechnoSports.
Disney’s Live-Action Track Record
Tangled joins Disney’s extensive live-action remake catalog, which has produced wildly varying results:
Successes: Beauty and the Beast ($1.26 billion), Aladdin ($1.05 billion), The Lion King ($1.65 billion), The Little Mermaid ($569 million), Lilo & Stitch ($500+ million)
Struggles: Dumbo ($353 million), Pinocchio (Disney+ only), Peter Pan & Wendy (Disney+ only), Snow White ($115 million)
The pattern reveals that faithful adaptations with strong casts tend to succeed, while controversial reimaginings stumble. Tangled’s beloved status and straightforward story suggest strong commercial potential—if executed properly.
What Makes Tangled Special
The 2010 animated Tangled revitalized Disney Animation Studios, earning $592 million worldwide and spawning a TV series. Its blend of classic princess elements with modern sensibilities, humor, and stunning animation captured audiences globally.
The story’s themes—finding freedom, discovering identity, recognizing manipulation—resonate powerfully in 2025. Mother Gothel’s gaslighting tactics have been analyzed in psychology articles, making the villain feel uncomfortably relevant.
With proper creative execution, the live-action adaptation could deepen these themes while delivering the adventure, romance, and visual spectacle audiences expect from Disney.
The Road Ahead
While development has resumed, Tangled remains in early stages. Disney must finalize casting, complete script revisions, and determine a production timeline. Given Johansson’s busy schedule (she’s currently promoting Jurassic World Rebirth), coordinating availability presents logistical challenges.
If all proceeds smoothly, production could begin in late 2026 for a 2028 release. That timeline allows Disney to capitalize on renewed confidence in live-action remakes while avoiding the rushed production that plagued some previous adaptations.
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FAQs
Q: Has Scarlett Johansson been officially cast as Mother Gothel in the Tangled live-action movie?
A: No, Scarlett Johansson has not been officially cast yet. According to multiple Hollywood trade publications including Deadline and Variety, she is currently “circling” the role and in talks with Disney, but no contract has been signed. The project is still in early development, meaning casting could change as the film progresses through pre-production. Official casting announcements typically occur once deals are finalized.
Q: When will the Tangled live-action movie be released?
A: Disney has not announced a release date for the Tangled live-action film. The project was shelved in April 2025 and only recently resumed early development in October 2025. Given typical production timelines for major Disney films (18-24 months from production start to release), plus the time needed for casting, pre-production, and filming, a realistic estimate would be 2027-2028 at the earliest. The release date will largely depend on how quickly Disney finalizes its cast, particularly for the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
