Thescreescore – Industry whispers are buzzing with the news that acclaimed actress Kathryn Hahn is reportedly in advanced discussions with Disney to embody the iconic antagonist, Mother Gothel, in the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled. This potential casting follows a significant shift in the project’s development, promising a fresh take on one of Disney’s most memorable villains.
The role of the manipulative, youth-obsessed Mother Gothel was initially eyed by Scarlett Johansson when development for the live-action remake recommenced in October 2025 after a prolonged hiatus. However, Johansson ultimately stepped away from the project due to scheduling conflicts, reportedly stemming from her commitments to The Batman II and an Exorcist reboot. Her departure opened the door for new considerations, leading to the current buzz around Hahn.
Mother Gothel, the central antagonist of the beloved 2010 animated film, is infamous for abducting Princess Rapunzel as an infant. Her motive? To exploit Rapunzel’s magical, golden hair, which possesses the power to restore and maintain her eternal youth and beauty, a power she lost when Rapunzel’s mother consumed a magical flower during pregnancy.
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While Johansson’s initial consideration generated considerable excitement, a vocal segment of fans on social media passionately advocated for Hahn, citing her formidable performances as complex, often villainous, characters. Her critically lauded turns as Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s WandaVision and the titular character in the upcoming Agatha All Along have cemented her reputation for delivering captivating portrayals of morally ambiguous figures, making her a fan-favorite choice for Gothel’s intricate villainy.
This latest casting development arrives on the heels of other significant announcements for the Tangled remake. Teagan Croft, recognized for her role in Titans, has been confirmed to portray Rapunzel, while Milo Manheim, known from the Zombies franchise, will take on the charming rogue, Flynn Rider, Rapunzel’s eventual love interest. Behind the camera, Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, is slated to helm the project, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who contributed to Thor: Love and Thunder, penning the screenplay.
The original Tangled is widely celebrated as one of Disney’s finest modern fairytales. Upon its release, it garnered nearly $592 million globally and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song with "I See the Light," composed by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. The live-action rendition carries the weight of this legacy, and its casting choices are under intense scrutiny.
Hahn’s potential involvement could significantly broaden the film’s appeal, drawing in new demographics thanks to her reputation as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most versatile and compelling actors. Her impressive resume includes multiple Emmy nominations, spanning Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for The Studio, Best Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Tiny Beautiful Things, and Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Marvel’s WandaVision. Her proven ability to blend humor, menace, and depth would undoubtedly bring a nuanced complexity to Mother Gothel.
As of this publication, a release date for the live-action Tangled has not been announced. Fans eager to revisit the original tale can find the animated classic streaming on Disney+. For more updates on this highly anticipated project, keep an eye on thescreescore.com.
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