In a move that’s sure to ignite excitement among Disney fans, the live-action remake of the beloved 2010 animated film Tangled is back on track after a brief hiatus. Announced as resuming early development, the project has already sparked buzz with reports that Scarlett Johansson is being considered for the pivotal role of Mother Gothel, the cunning and manipulative villain. This development comes at a time when Disney is recalibrating its approach to live-action adaptations, betting on stories with timeless appeal to recapture the magic that has defined its animated classics. With Johansson’s star power potentially anchoring the film, Tangled could become the next big fairy tale to leap from animation to live-action glory.
The original Tangled burst onto screens in November 2010, marking Disney’s 50th animated feature and a fresh take on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the film followed the spirited princess Rapunzel, trapped in a secluded tower by her “mother” Gothel, who exploits the girl’s magical golden hair for eternal youth. Voiced by Mandy Moore, Rapunzel’s journey of self-discovery begins when she teams up with the charming thief Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) to escape her confines and uncover her royal heritage. The story was infused with humor, adventure, and memorable songs like “When Will My Life Begin?” and the Oscar-nominated “I See the Light,” composed by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.
What set Tangled apart was its blend of classic Disney elements with modern twists. Rapunzel wasn’t a damsel in distress; she was resourceful, wielding a frying pan as her weapon of choice and driving the plot with her curiosity and determination. Flynn, meanwhile, provided comic relief with his smarmy charisma, evolving into a genuine hero. Supporting characters like the loyal chameleon Pascal and the determined horse Maximus added layers of whimsy without uttering a word. The film’s visual style, inspired by Rococo art, featured lush landscapes and intricate hair animation that pushed the boundaries of CGI at the time. Despite a hefty $260 million budget—the most expensive animated film ever made—it grossed nearly $600 million worldwide, proving its commercial viability and cultural staying power.
The success extended beyond the box office. Tangled spawned a short film, Tangled Ever After (2012), which depicted Rapunzel and Flynn’s chaotic wedding day, and a television series, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017-2020), which expanded the universe with new quests and character arcs. The franchise has remained popular on Disney+, with merchandise, theme park appearances, and a dedicated fanbase that celebrates its themes of freedom, identity, and found family. It’s no wonder Disney eyed it for a live-action remake, following the lucrative path blazed by films like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.
Rumors of a live-action Tangled first surfaced in late 2024, with Disney confirming development shortly after. Michael Gracey, known for his vibrant direction in The Greatest Showman, was attached to helm the project, working from a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who has credits on projects like the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot. The adaptation promised to bring the fairy tale to life with real actors, elaborate sets, and possibly innovative CGI for Rapunzel’s 70 feet of enchanted hair. Early buzz included unverified casting whispers, such as Avantika from Mean Girls as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, though nothing was official.
However, the project hit a snag in April 2025 when Disney paused development indefinitely. The decision stemmed from the underwhelming performance of their live-action Snow White, which struggled at the box office amid criticisms of outdated storytelling and lack of resonance with modern audiences. Insiders noted that Snow White‘s 1937 origins felt too archaic for today’s kids, prompting Disney to reassess its remake slate. Projects based on older classics were scrutinized, while those from the Disney Renaissance era (post-1989) showed more promise due to their musical flair and contemporary vibes.
The revival of Tangled in October 2025 signals a strategic shift. Disney points to the massive success of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide that year, as a key motivator. Like Tangled, Lilo & Stitch (2002) maintains strong cultural relevance, topping Disney+ charts and driving billions in retail sales. Disney believes Tangled‘s blend of adventure, romance, and empowerment will appeal to both nostalgic adults and new generations, especially with extensions like the TV series keeping the story alive. The project is now in early development, not yet greenlit, but moving forward with renewed enthusiasm.
At the center of this buzz is Scarlett Johansson, who is reportedly circling the role of Mother Gothel. In the original, Gothel was voiced by Donna Murphy, portraying a vain, narcissistic woman who kidnaps baby Rapunzel to harness her hair’s rejuvenating powers. Gothel’s character is a masterclass in villainy—charming yet sinister, with iconic songs like “Mother Knows Best” that highlight her gaslighting tactics. Johansson, at 40, brings a wealth of experience that could elevate the role. Known for her versatility, from action-packed turns in Black Widow to dramatic depth in Marriage Story and Lost in Translation, she has the charisma to make Gothel both alluring and terrifying.
Johansson’s potential casting fits Disney’s pattern of enlisting A-listers for villain roles, much like Angelina Jolie as Maleficent or Emma Stone as Cruella. Her ability to blend vulnerability with menace could add nuance to Gothel, perhaps exploring her fear of aging in a more empathetic light while retaining the character’s manipulative edge. Fans have already begun creating fan art imagining Johansson in Gothel’s signature dark curls and gothic attire, blending her real-life elegance with the animated villain’s flair. If confirmed, this would mark another Disney collaboration for Johansson, following her voice work in The Jungle Book and her lawsuit-settled role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While Gothel is the first major casting rumor to surface post-revival, speculation abounds for the leads. For Rapunzel, names like Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), with her youthful energy and singing chops, or Jenna Ortega (Wednesday), known for her quirky intensity, have been floated. Olivia Rodrigo, a pop sensation with acting experience in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, could bring musical prowess to the role. Sadie Sink or Emma Myers also appear in fan wish lists, emphasizing actresses who can capture Rapunzel’s innocence and spunk. For Flynn Rider, suggestions include Timothée Chalamet for his roguish charm or Austin Butler, fresh off Elvis. Some fans even hope for cameos from original voices Moore and Levi, perhaps as the king and queen.
Production details remain sparse, but Gracey’s involvement suggests a spectacle-filled approach, with song-and-dance numbers reminiscent of The Greatest Showman. Robinson’s script is expected to modernize elements, perhaps amplifying themes of female empowerment and mental health, given Gothel’s abusive dynamics. Filming locations could include elaborate tower sets and European-inspired villages, with CGI handling the hair’s magical properties— a technical challenge that could rival the original’s innovations.
Fan reactions have been a mix of excitement and skepticism. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users are thrilled about Johansson’s potential involvement, with posts like “Scarlett as Gothel? Yes, please! She’ll nail the villain vibe.” Others debate alternatives, suggesting Kathryn Hahn or Cher for the role, citing their theatrical presence. Some express fatigue with live-action remakes, questioning if Tangled needs reimagining so soon after its animation. However, many see it as an opportunity to introduce the story to new audiences, especially with Disney’s track record of billion-dollar hits.
This revival underscores Disney’s broader live-action strategy: focusing on properties with built-in fanbases and merchandising potential. After mixed results from Pinocchio and Peter Pan & Wendy, the studio is prioritizing post-Renaissance films like Moana (set for 2026) and now Tangled. The goal is to blend nostalgia with fresh interpretations, driving revenue across theaters, streaming, and consumer products. If Tangled succeeds, it could pave the way for more adaptations, such as Frozen or Encanto.
As development progresses, the live-action Tangled promises to untangle new layers of the classic tale. With Scarlett Johansson potentially stepping into Mother Gothel’s shoes, the film could deliver a villainous performance for the ages, complemented by dazzling visuals and heartfelt songs. Whether it climbs to box office heights or gets snagged in remake pitfalls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Disney is letting down its hair once more, inviting audiences back into Rapunzel’s enchanting world.
In the meantime, fans can revisit the original on Disney+ or dream up their ideal casts. As Rapunzel herself might say, it’s time to see the light—and with this remake advancing, that light is shining brighter than ever.
