Is Scarlett Johansson joining Disney’s live-action ‘Tangled’?

Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in serious talks to play Mother Gothel in Disney’s revived live-action Tangled, though nothing is finalized yet.

The once-paused project appears to be back on track. Casting details remain sparse, and Johansson’s involvement is still unofficial.

Here’s what we know so far.

What led to Tangled being paused and why is it back?

Disney officially shelved the live-action Tangled project in April 2025 after the underwhelming performance of its Snow White remake.

The decision came amid larger reassessments of Disney’s remake strategy. At the time, the studio had already announced Michael Gracey would direct and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson would write, but momentum stalled.

Now, insiders say the project is again active, boosted by renewed confidence following the financial success of Lilo & Stitch. The revival underscores Disney’s continued interest in converting animated classics into live-action films, while trying to avoid past missteps.

What do recent reports actually say about Johansson’s role?

As per Deadline, Johansson is being eyed” for the role of Mother Gothel.

Multiple industry outlets describe her as a likely candidate, but stress negotiations are ongoing.
An official casting announcement from Disney has not yet been made.

Still, the consistency of these reports suggests the possibility is being taken seriously behind closed doors.

Why the villain role makes sense for Johansson

The role Johansson is reportedly being considered for is Mother Gothel, the film’s central antagonist.

Given Johansson’s acting range and well-established star status, the villain role provides opportunities to deliver dramatic weight. Casting her as Rapunzel seems less likely in current industry talk, both because of age and because it’s a youthful, physically demanding heroine role.

Putting her in the antagonist slot may allow the remake to lean into a darker, more character-driven version of the story.

Will casting Johansson heal her past Disney tensions?

This development hints at a possible repair in the Johansson–Disney relationship.

Her well-publicized lawsuit against Disney over Black Widow’s simultaneous release on Disney+ and theaters was settled, but it left tension behind. Her being in consideration for Tangled now suggests Disney might be open to partnering with her on high-profile projects again.

It also signals that star power still matters, her name carries weight, and can generate buzz.

Who’s still involved behind the scenes?

Michael Gracey remains attached to direct; Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is working on the script.

Those names were linked before the project’s pause, and now are again in the mix. Producers include Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada, both of whom have been mentioned in earlier development reports.

These familiar behind-the-scenes personnel help lend credibility to the idea that Disney sees this as a serious revival rather than a wishful rumor.

Who might play Rapunzel or Flynn Rider?

Casting for Rapunzel and Flynn is wide open with no confirmed leads yet.

Some rumors favor Florence Pugh as Rapunzel. Fan talk also suggests Joe Keery or other rising actors for Flynn Rider, though these remain speculative.

Interestingly, model and actress Gigi Hadid revealed she auditioned for Rapunzel and even took singing lessons in preparation for the role.

Still, none of these names has been officially confirmed by Disney.

What challenges and expectations await the adaptation

The revived Tangled must navigate high expectations, especially after prior remake misfires.

Disney’s live-action remakes have been met with a mix of success and backlash; Snow White, in particular, underperformed. This time around, the studio likely wants to be smarter and more selective in how far it leans into nostalgia versus innovation.

Johansson’s role as Gothel would demand both acting depth and perhaps vocal or musical performance.
Balancing the original’s charm with fresh storytelling will be essential to winning over both longtime fans and casual viewers.

Why Tangled could define Disney’s next era

If Tangled succeeds, it could reset how Disney handles its live-action remakes going forward.

The studio has faced mounting criticism for relying too heavily on nostalgia without delivering fresh storytelling. Bringing in actors like Johansson could mark a shift toward more mature, performance-driven adaptations that reimagine the originals rather than simply recreating them.

Disney has also been working to restore trust among audiences after the lukewarm response to Snow White and The Little Mermaid. A well-cast and well-written Tangled could serve as the comeback the studio needs, especially with a strong female lead and a nuanced villain dynamic.

Johansson’s name alone gives the film potential to attract both adult and family audiences, blending commercial appeal with prestige.

How fans are reacting online

The idea of Scarlett Johansson playing Mother Gothel has divided Disney fans online.

Many fans on X (formerly Twitter) love the thought of Johansson taking on a darker, more complex Disney role, calling it “perfect villain energy.” Others, however, are skeptical, arguing that Disney should give the part to a seasoned Broadway or theater performer who can handle Gothel’s iconic musical moments.

Memes and fan edits have already begun circulating, showing Johansson in Gothel’s signature red-and-black gown. The casting buzz has clearly reignited enthusiasm for Tangled, which remains one of Disney’s most beloved modern fairy tales.

Whether fans are on board or not, it’s clear Johansson’s potential involvement has already made Tangled one of the most talked-about upcoming remakes.

Timeline and what to watch moving forward

Even if Johansson signs on, filming won’t start immediately.

First, formal negotiations must conclude, followed by a casting announcement. Then comes preproduction, set building, and securing the rest of the cast. A public reveal of Johansson’s casting would likely be the first major milestone.

Casting news for Rapunzel and Flynn will probably follow. Only after all that would Disney confidently announce a release window.

Until then, Johansson’s involvement must be treated as hopeful, not confirmed. But with the project alive again, that “in talks” status feels more meaningful than ever.

TL;DR

• Disney paused its Tangled live-action remake in April 2025 after Snow White underperformed.
• As of October 2025, Tangled is reportedly back in development following Lilo & Stitch’s success.
• Scarlett Johansson is being considered for the role of Mother Gothel, but nothing is finalized.
• Michael Gracey (director) and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (script) remain attached.
• No confirmed casting yet for Rapunzel or Flynn Rider, though names like Florence Pugh and Joe Keery are being discussed.
• The adaptation faces pressure to outdo previous remakes by balancing nostalgia and originality.
• Casting announcements and production steps are still months away.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.