Scarlett Johansson Cast as Mother Gothel in Disney’s Live-Action Tangled
Disney is officially moving forward with its live-action adaptation of Tangled, and fans have a reason to be excited. Scarlett Johansson has been cast as Mother Gothel, the iconic villainess from the beloved 2010 animated classic. The film is set to bring the magical world of Rapunzel to life, blending modern cinematic storytelling with Disney’s timeless fairy tale charm.
Live-Action Tangled: The Creative Team
The project is being directed by Michael Gracey, known for the visually spectacular musical The Greatest Showman. The script comes from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose work promises to bring a fresh and engaging take on the classic story.
The producers include Kristin Burr of Burr! Productions and Emmy-winning producer Lucy Kitada, who worked on The Baby-Sitters Club. Together, the team is tasked with creating a cinematic experience that captures the heart and magic of the original Tangled while offering something new for modern audiences.
About Scarlett Johansson as Mother Gothel
Johansson, known for her versatility and star power, will portray Mother Gothel, the cunning and manipulative character who keeps Rapunzel locked in her tower to exploit her magical hair. This marks a major casting reveal and raises anticipation for the film, as fans are eager to see how Johansson interprets one of Disney’s most iconic villains.
In the original animated film, Donna Murphy voiced Mother Gothel, delivering a performance that was both menacing and memorable. Johansson’s live-action portrayal is expected to add depth, nuance, and a modern edge to the character.
The Story of Tangled
Based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Tangled follows Rapunzel, a young woman with magical, long hair, who has been kept in a hidden tower by Mother Gothel. Rapunzel eventually teams up with a charming thief, Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and freedom.
The 2010 animated film was a massive success, grossing over $590 million worldwide and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for “I See the Light.” Its blend of humor, heart, and stunning visuals cemented it as one of Disney’s modern classics.
Disney’s Live-Action Strategy
Development on the live-action Tangled had previously been paused following the underperformance of Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s live-action Snow White. However, Disney’s recent hits with live-action adaptations like Lilo & Stitch and Mufasa: The Lion King have renewed confidence in the project.
With Scarlett Johansson leading the cast, Michael Gracey directing, and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson scripting, live-action Tangled is shaping up to be a high-profile, star-studded event. Disney fans can expect a visually stunning, emotionally engaging reimagining of the classic story.
What’s Next?
While no official release date has been announced yet, the film is expected to enter production soon, with global audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Rapunzel’s story. Scarlett Johansson’s casting adds a major draw, making this live-action adaptation one of the most anticipated Disney films in recent years.
Things are getting hairy once again as Disney resumes development on a live-action movie adaptation of Tangled.
The project has Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) attached to direct a script from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Scarlett Johansson is being eyed to star as Mother Gothel.
Producers include Kristin Burr for Burr! Productions, along with Emmy-winning producer Lucy Kitada (The Baby-Sitters Club).
The original Tangled hit theaters in 2010 and centers on Rapunzel, who was voiced by Mandy Moore. Tony-winning Broadway star Donna Murphy voiced Mother Gothel in the animated version.
The Hollywood Reporter reported in April that development on the live-action Tangled had been paused, which followed Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s live-action Snow White underperforming at the box office. Since then, Disney had a massive hit with the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, while Barry Jenkins’ prequel movie Mufasa: The Lion King also had a strong showing when it debuted late last year.
Director Thomas Kail’s live-action version of Moana will star Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson and is set to hit theaters July 10, 2026. The original animated film was released in 2016, and a theatrical sequel followed last year.
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about Rapunzel, the original Tangled focuses on the long-haired character (Moore), who has spent her life trapped in a tower until she hatches a plan with a would-be thief (Zachary Levi). The film surpassed $590 million at the worldwide box office and landed a best song Oscar nomination for “I See the Light.”
Deadline was first to report on Johansson.
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