Tangled remake revival 2025 : Disney has officially revived its live-action remake of Tangled, with Scarlett Johansson in talks to portray the iconic villain Mother Gothel. The project, which was temporarily paused in April 2025 due to concerns over the underperformance of Snow White, is now moving forward with renewed confidence following the box office success of Lilo & Stitch and other recent adaptations.
Scarlett Johansson as Mother Gothel
Though casting is not yet finalized, Johansson is the top contender for the role of Mother Gothel, the manipulative and power-hungry captor of Rapunzel. If confirmed, this would mark a significant return to Disney for Johansson, who previously starred as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her potential casting brings major star power and dramatic depth to a character known for charm, deception, and emotional control—traits Johansson has portrayed masterfully in films like Marriage Story and Lost in Translation.
Donna Murphy originally voiced Mother Gothel in the 2010 animated classic, earning acclaim for her theatrical, Broadway-style performance. Fans are eager to see how Johansson might reinterpret the role, especially with the film expected to feature reimagined versions of beloved songs like “Mother Knows Best”.
Creative Team and Production Updates
- The film will be directed by Michael Gracey, the visionary behind The Greatest Showman
- (2017) and Better Man (2024), known for his flair for musical storytelling and visual spectacle.
- The screenplay is being written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who co-wrote Thor
- Love and Thunder and created the Netflix series Do Revenge.
- Kristin Burr and Emmy-winning producer Lucy Kitada are also attached to the project, signaling
- Disney’s commitment to high production values and emotional authenticity. The studio is
- currently reworking the script to refine the tone, music integration, and budget, aiming
- for a balance between nostalgia and modern appeal.
Why the Project Was Revived
- Disney initially halted development on the Tangled remake after Snow White (2025)
- underperformed, grossing only $205 million against a $270 million budget. However,
- the massive success of Lilo & Stitch—which earned over $1 billion globally—demonstrated
- that audiences still embrace well-executed live-action remakes, especially
- those with strong emotional and musical elements.
The original Tangled was a critical and commercial hit, earning nearly $600 million worldwide and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song (“I See the Light”). It also spawned a TV series (Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure) and a short film (Tangled Ever After), proving its enduring popularity.
Casting Speculation and Release Outlook
- While Johansson’s involvement is the most concrete news, no official casting has been
- announced for Rapunzel or Flynn Rider. Fan favorites like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor
- Zakhar Perez have been suggested for the leads, while Gigi Hadid and Corey
- Mylchreest reportedly screen-tested for the roles.
The film is still in early development, with no official release date set. However, with momentum building and a strong creative team in place, Disney is expected to greenlight full production in 2026
