Tangled Live-Action movie : 1st Look at Johansson's Gothel Role

©Author:TendingGB | publish : 13 Oct 2025

Tangled live-action movie the highly anticipated is officially back in development at Disney, reversing an earlier pause. The project, based on the classic Rapunzel fairytale, sees The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey remaining attached. A major highlight exciting fans is the possibility of Academy Award-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson starring as the iconic villain, Mother Gothel. This resumption follows recent box-office successes for other Disney remakes, signaling the studio’s renewed confidence. The original 2010 animated film, Tangled, was a global hit, earning over $590 million, and this new adaptation promises to bring Rapunzel's enchanting story to life.

Disney Reverses Course: The Tangled Live-Action Movie is Back On

Disney has confirmed that the Tangled live-action movie has resumed active development, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The project had previously been put on hold in April, a move that followed the underwhelming box office performance of other live-action adaptations, notably the live-action Snow White starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. However, the studio has regained momentum after scoring massive hits with subsequent remakes, including Lilo & Stitch and Mufasa: The Lion King (which had a strong showing late last year). This shift in strategy demonstrates Disney's renewed commitment to their live-action slate, with the Rapunzel story being a key focus.

• The live-action project was paused earlier this year in April.
• Director Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman and whose profile can be viewed on IMDb, remains firmly attached to the helm.
• Producers include Kristin Burr for Burr! Productions and Emmy-winner Lucy Kitada.
• The decision to resume was influenced by the recent success of films like Lilo & Stitch and Mufasa: The Lion King.

Scarlett Johansson in Talks to Play Iconic Villain Mother Gothel

The most talked-about development for the Tangled live-action movie is the casting news surrounding the villain, Mother Gothel. Highly credible reports suggest that actress Scarlett Johansson is being eyed for the pivotal role. Mother Gothel is the central antagonist who kidnaps Princess Rapunzel and keeps her isolated in a tower, exploiting the magic within her long, golden hair for her own vanity and immortality. The character was originally voiced by Broadway star Donna Murphy. Johansson’s potential involvement is generating considerable buzz, given her strong on-screen presence and ability to portray complex characters. Fans can read more about the initial casting report here.

• Scarlett Johansson is reportedly being considered for the part of Mother Gothel.
• Donna Murphy voiced the character in the 2010 animated version.
• Mother Gothel is Rapunzel’s captor, obsessed with the magic of her hair.
• Johansson's casting would add significant star power to the adaptation.

Exploring the Magic of the Original Animated Tangled (2010)

The original Tangled, released in 2010, remains one of Disney’s most beloved animated features. Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, the film's details can be found on Wikipedia. It follows Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore), who uses her 70 feet of magical hair to escape her secluded tower with the help of the charming thief Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi). The animated film was a massive commercial success, surpassing $590 million at the worldwide box office. Its cultural impact was cemented with an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for the romantic ballad "I See the Light." You can look up the original film's box office numbers from trustworthy sources like Box Office Mojo.

• The animated film was based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about Rapunzel.
• It earned over $590 million globally, making it a major commercial hit.
• The song "I See the Light" received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
• The film had a subsequent TV series, Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure, which ran from 2017 to 2020.

Disney's Broader Live-Action Strategy and Upcoming Films

The return of the Tangled live-action movie aligns with Disney's ongoing strategy of adapting its animated classics. The studio is simultaneously moving forward with several other high-profile projects. Notably, director Thomas Kail’s live-action version of Moana will star Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson, with a release date set for July 10, 2026. This is despite a theatrical sequel to the original animated Moana having been released last year. This aggressive schedule underscores the studio’s commitment to utilizing its vast library. More information on Disney's upcoming movie slate can be found on their official news page here.

• The live-action Moana is scheduled for release on July 10, 2026.
• The script for the Tangled adaptation is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
• The development of the Tangled live-action movie shows renewed confidence after a brief pause.
• The project seeks to continue the success seen by other recent live-action releases.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tangled Live-Action Movie

1. When will the Tangled live-action movie be released?

   Answer: An official release date has not yet been announced, as the project has only recently resumed development.

2. Who is directing the Tangled live-action film?

   Answer: Michael Gracey, known for directing the musical The Greatest Showman, remains attached as the director.

3. Who is being cast as Rapunzel?

   Answer: As of now, only Scarlett Johansson is being eyed for the role of Mother Gothel. The casting for the lead character, Rapunzel, has not been confirmed or widely reported yet.

4. Is the Tangled live-action adaptation going to be a musical?

   Answer: Given the original film's success as a musical and the director's background, it is highly likely that this Tangled live-action movie will retain the musical format.

Author’s Conclusion

The recommencement of the Tangled live-action movie project is a significant and exciting piece of news for Disney fans globally. With Michael Gracey's vision and the potential star power of Scarlett Johansson as the villain, this adaptation has all the ingredients to be a box-office success. The original Tangled offered a perfect blend of adventure, comedy, and heart, and translating Rapunzel's iconic golden locks and the charming dynamic with Flynn Rider into a live-action format presents a thrilling creative challenge. This renewed push demonstrates Disney’s belief in the enduring magic of the Rapunzel story, and anticipation will only continue to grow as more casting and production details emerge.